VW Passat Hybrid Oil Pressure Warning Points to Sludge

I had a similar issue with my 2020 VW Arteon Hybrid last year. Having some experience with hybrid vehicles, I can relate to your oil pressure concerns. When the oil pressure warning appeared, I immediately noticed engine noise and performance issues. The workshop diagnosed significant oil contamination due to a maintenance interval that was exceeded by just a few weeks. The oil had started to form sludge, affecting the proper oil circulation and pressure. The fix involved: Complete oil system flush, New oil filter installation, Fresh oil replacement, Pressure system check Total repair cost was 165€ and took about 3 hours to complete. The engine damage could have been much worse if left unattended. To better assist with your situation, could you share: Current mileage, Last oil change date, Any unusual sounds or vibrations, Service history details, Oil type currently used This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if there might be other underlying problems requiring attention. Keeping track of maintenance intervals is crucial, especially with hybrid systems where oil degradation patterns can differ from conventional engines.

Had the last service done at 15000km about 6 weeks ago. Currently at 17923km. The engine oil used was fully synthetic as per manufacturer specs. The oil pressure warning started flashing intermittently at first, now stays on constantly. When checking the dipstick, oil appears darker than normal with slight metallic particles visible. Could the oil additives be breaking down prematurely? Worth noting the oil level hasnt dropped, so no obvious oil leak. Wondering if this calls for an immediate workshop visit or if there are any temporary solutions to try first.

Thanks for the detailed information. Based on my experience with the same issue, metallic particles in the oil are a serious red flag that requires immediate attention. When this happened on my Arteon, delaying the repair led to increased engine damage. The symptoms you describe match classic signs of severe oil contamination, possibly due to: Internal component wear releasing metal particles, Premature oil degradation, Potential hybrid system interaction affecting oil properties Even with proper oil changes and correct oil type, hybrid powertrains can sometimes cause unexpected oil sludge buildup. When my oil pressure warning became constant, it indicated significant engine stress. Strongly recommend against temporary fixes. The presence of metal particles in engine oil requires professional diagnosis to prevent extensive engine damage. My repair costs were relatively low at 165€ because I acted quickly. Waiting could lead to much costlier repairs. The workshop should: Perform oil analysis, Check oil pressure sensor, Inspect oil pump functionality, Examine hybrid system integration, Complete system flush Would suggest booking a workshop appointment immediately, as continuing to drive risks further engine damage.

Thanks for the detailed response. Just had the car towed to the workshop as I didnt want to risk any additional engine damage. The mechanic did a quick check and found significant oil contamination, way worse than what should be present after just 6 weeks. They will do a full analysis tomorrow but suspect a problem with how the hybrid system integrates with the oil circulation. The metallic particles in the oil are definitely concerning. They suggested a complete system flush, new oil filter, and fresh oil with specific additives designed for hybrid engines. Estimated cost is around 280€ plus diagnostic fees. They also want to check the oil pump and pressure sensor as a precaution. Really glad I didnt try any temporary fixes. Will update once I get the full diagnosis. Just hoping there isnt any serious engine damage that would increase repair costs significantly. The car being under warranty might help if they find any manufacturing defects causing the oil contamination.