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janmystic11

VW Taos Exhaust Leak Causing Rough Engine Performance

Has anyone dealt with rough running and exhaust issues? My 2023 VW Taos (gas engine, 53399km) started acting up recently. The check engine light is now on, engine runs rough, and theres a strong exhaust smell plus visible leaks. Pretty sure its something with the exhaust system but my last mechanic visit was disappointing. Looking for suggestions on what to check first and recommendations for getting it properly diagnosed. Could it be the oxygen sensor or something more serious?

4 comment(s)

ida_wagner81

Had similar symptoms on my 2020 VW Tiguan. The engine light came on during highway driving, followed by rough idling and poor acceleration. The exhaust pipe had visible vapor escaping from a connection point. Initial diagnostic showed a faulty Lambda sensor (oxygen sensor) and deteriorated gaskets around the exhaust manifold. The sensor malfunction caused incorrect fuel mixture readings, leading to both performance issues and the exhaust leak. This required immediate attention as prolonged running with incorrect air-fuel mixture can damage the catalytic converter, a much more expensive component. The repair involved: Replacing the Lambda sensor, Installing new exhaust manifold gaskets, Clearing engine codes, Testing emissions The engine returned to smooth operation after repairs. Most importantly, delaying this repair could have led to catalytic converter failure or engine damage. For your Taos, get a proper diagnostic scan focused on the exhaust system and oxygen sensor readings. A certified VW technician should be able to pinpoint the exact issue, as these symptoms often indicate a combination of sensor and physical exhaust system problems.

ida_wagner81

Had similar symptoms on my 2020 VW Tiguan. The engine light came on during highway driving, followed by rough idling and poor acceleration. The exhaust pipe had visible vapor escaping from a connection point. Initial diagnostic showed a faulty Lambda sensor (oxygen sensor) and deteriorated gaskets around the exhaust manifold. The sensor malfunction caused incorrect fuel mixture readings, leading to both performance issues and the exhaust leak. This required immediate attention as prolonged running with incorrect air-fuel mixture can damage the catalytic converter, a much more expensive component. The repair involved: Replacing the Lambda sensor, Installing new exhaust manifold gaskets, Clearing engine codes, Testing emissions The engine returned to smooth operation after repairs. Most importantly, delaying this repair could have led to catalytic converter failure or engine damage. For your Taos, get a proper diagnostic scan focused on the exhaust system and oxygen sensor readings. A certified VW technician should be able to pinpoint the exact issue, as these symptoms often indicate a combination of sensor and physical exhaust system problems.

ida_wagner81

Had similar symptoms on my 2020 VW Tiguan. The engine light came on during highway driving, followed by rough idling and poor acceleration. The exhaust pipe had visible vapor escaping from a connection point. Initial diagnostic showed a faulty Lambda sensor (oxygen sensor) and deteriorated gaskets around the exhaust manifold. The sensor malfunction caused incorrect fuel mixture readings, leading to both performance issues and the exhaust leak. This required immediate attention as prolonged running with incorrect air-fuel mixture can damage the catalytic converter, a much more expensive component. The repair involved: Replacing the Lambda sensor, Installing new exhaust manifold gaskets, Clearing engine codes, Testing emissions The engine returned to smooth operation after repairs. Most importantly, delaying this repair could have led to catalytic converter failure or engine damage. For your Taos, get a proper diagnostic scan focused on the exhaust system and oxygen sensor readings. A certified VW technician should be able to pinpoint the exact issue, as these symptoms often indicate a combination of sensor and physical exhaust system problems.

ida_wagner81

Had similar symptoms on my 2020 VW Tiguan. The engine light came on during highway driving, followed by rough idling and poor acceleration. The exhaust pipe had visible vapor escaping from a connection point. Initial diagnostic showed a faulty Lambda sensor (oxygen sensor) and deteriorated gaskets around the exhaust manifold. The sensor malfunction caused incorrect fuel mixture readings, leading to both performance issues and the exhaust leak. This required immediate attention as prolonged running with incorrect air-fuel mixture can damage the catalytic converter, a much more expensive component. The repair involved: Replacing the Lambda sensor, Installing new exhaust manifold gaskets, Clearing engine codes, Testing emissions The engine returned to smooth operation after repairs. Most importantly, delaying this repair could have led to catalytic converter failure or engine damage. For your Taos, get a proper diagnostic scan focused on the exhaust system and oxygen sensor readings. A certified VW technician should be able to pinpoint the exact issue, as these symptoms often indicate a combination of sensor and physical exhaust system problems.

janmystic11 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your Tiguan experience. Interesting that your symptoms match mine so closely. Did you remember how much the full repair ended up costing? Also wondering if youve had any similar exhaust issues or engine light warnings pop up since the fix? My NOx sensors have been acting up lately too, so Im trying to figure out if I should get everything checked at once.

janmystic11 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your Tiguan experience. Interesting that your symptoms match mine so closely. Did you remember how much the full repair ended up costing? Also wondering if youve had any similar exhaust issues or engine light warnings pop up since the fix? My NOx sensors have been acting up lately too, so Im trying to figure out if I should get everything checked at once.

janmystic11 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your Tiguan experience. Interesting that your symptoms match mine so closely. Did you remember how much the full repair ended up costing? Also wondering if youve had any similar exhaust issues or engine light warnings pop up since the fix? My NOx sensors have been acting up lately too, so Im trying to figure out if I should get everything checked at once.

janmystic11 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your Tiguan experience. Interesting that your symptoms match mine so closely. Did you remember how much the full repair ended up costing? Also wondering if youve had any similar exhaust issues or engine light warnings pop up since the fix? My NOx sensors have been acting up lately too, so Im trying to figure out if I should get everything checked at once.

ida_wagner81

Glad to provide an update on my Tiguan situation. The Lambda sensor replacement fixed the exhaust treatment malfunction completely. Total cost came to 375€ for parts and labor, which was reasonable considering the potential damage a faulty oxygen sensor could have caused. Since the repair six months ago, the engine light hasnt come back on and the exhaust system has been running perfectly. No more rough idling or exhaust leaks. If your NOx sensors are acting up, I would definitely recommend getting everything checked simultaneously. These sensors work together as part of the emissions control system, and problems with one can affect readings from others. The mechanic explained that faulty sensor readings can sometimes create a chain reaction, affecting the EGR valve operation and overall exhaust system performance. Having a complete diagnostic done now could save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues from developing.

ida_wagner81

Glad to provide an update on my Tiguan situation. The Lambda sensor replacement fixed the exhaust treatment malfunction completely. Total cost came to 375€ for parts and labor, which was reasonable considering the potential damage a faulty oxygen sensor could have caused. Since the repair six months ago, the engine light hasnt come back on and the exhaust system has been running perfectly. No more rough idling or exhaust leaks. If your NOx sensors are acting up, I would definitely recommend getting everything checked simultaneously. These sensors work together as part of the emissions control system, and problems with one can affect readings from others. The mechanic explained that faulty sensor readings can sometimes create a chain reaction, affecting the EGR valve operation and overall exhaust system performance. Having a complete diagnostic done now could save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues from developing.

ida_wagner81

Glad to provide an update on my Tiguan situation. The Lambda sensor replacement fixed the exhaust treatment malfunction completely. Total cost came to 375€ for parts and labor, which was reasonable considering the potential damage a faulty oxygen sensor could have caused. Since the repair six months ago, the engine light hasnt come back on and the exhaust system has been running perfectly. No more rough idling or exhaust leaks. If your NOx sensors are acting up, I would definitely recommend getting everything checked simultaneously. These sensors work together as part of the emissions control system, and problems with one can affect readings from others. The mechanic explained that faulty sensor readings can sometimes create a chain reaction, affecting the EGR valve operation and overall exhaust system performance. Having a complete diagnostic done now could save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues from developing.

ida_wagner81

Glad to provide an update on my Tiguan situation. The Lambda sensor replacement fixed the exhaust treatment malfunction completely. Total cost came to 375€ for parts and labor, which was reasonable considering the potential damage a faulty oxygen sensor could have caused. Since the repair six months ago, the engine light hasnt come back on and the exhaust system has been running perfectly. No more rough idling or exhaust leaks. If your NOx sensors are acting up, I would definitely recommend getting everything checked simultaneously. These sensors work together as part of the emissions control system, and problems with one can affect readings from others. The mechanic explained that faulty sensor readings can sometimes create a chain reaction, affecting the EGR valve operation and overall exhaust system performance. Having a complete diagnostic done now could save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues from developing.

janmystic11 (Author)

I finally took my Taos to the dealer after reading about similar issues. The exhaust leak turned out to be from a cracked pipe near the manifold, plus a bad oxygen sensor causing the rough running. The NOx sensors checked out fine though, which was a relief. The whole repair came to 450€, including parts and labor. They had to order a specific part which took two extra days, but the fix was worth the wait. The engine runs smooth now, no more check engine light, and the exhaust smell is completely gone. What really frustrated me about my first mechanic visit was they just cleared the codes without fixing the actual problem. The dealer showed me the cracked exhaust pipe, it was pretty obvious once they got it up on the lift. At least its sorted now and hopefully this helps someone else with similar symptoms know what to look for.

janmystic11 (Author)

I finally took my Taos to the dealer after reading about similar issues. The exhaust leak turned out to be from a cracked pipe near the manifold, plus a bad oxygen sensor causing the rough running. The NOx sensors checked out fine though, which was a relief. The whole repair came to 450€, including parts and labor. They had to order a specific part which took two extra days, but the fix was worth the wait. The engine runs smooth now, no more check engine light, and the exhaust smell is completely gone. What really frustrated me about my first mechanic visit was they just cleared the codes without fixing the actual problem. The dealer showed me the cracked exhaust pipe, it was pretty obvious once they got it up on the lift. At least its sorted now and hopefully this helps someone else with similar symptoms know what to look for.

janmystic11 (Author)

I finally took my Taos to the dealer after reading about similar issues. The exhaust leak turned out to be from a cracked pipe near the manifold, plus a bad oxygen sensor causing the rough running. The NOx sensors checked out fine though, which was a relief. The whole repair came to 450€, including parts and labor. They had to order a specific part which took two extra days, but the fix was worth the wait. The engine runs smooth now, no more check engine light, and the exhaust smell is completely gone. What really frustrated me about my first mechanic visit was they just cleared the codes without fixing the actual problem. The dealer showed me the cracked exhaust pipe, it was pretty obvious once they got it up on the lift. At least its sorted now and hopefully this helps someone else with similar symptoms know what to look for.

janmystic11 (Author)

I finally took my Taos to the dealer after reading about similar issues. The exhaust leak turned out to be from a cracked pipe near the manifold, plus a bad oxygen sensor causing the rough running. The NOx sensors checked out fine though, which was a relief. The whole repair came to 450€, including parts and labor. They had to order a specific part which took two extra days, but the fix was worth the wait. The engine runs smooth now, no more check engine light, and the exhaust smell is completely gone. What really frustrated me about my first mechanic visit was they just cleared the codes without fixing the actual problem. The dealer showed me the cracked exhaust pipe, it was pretty obvious once they got it up on the lift. At least its sorted now and hopefully this helps someone else with similar symptoms know what to look for.

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