VW Arteon Engine Jerking & Stalling with Rough Idle

Had similar symptoms on a 2017 VW Passat diesel last summer. The check engine light triggered due to manifold pressure readings being off, which pointed to a significant intake manifold gasket leak. The scorching around the gasket area confirmed the diagnosis. The manifold sensor was picking up irregular pressure patterns, causing the engine management system to run the engine poorly. This explained the rough idle, stalling, and performance issues. The exhaust smell you mention is typical when the intake manifold isnt sealed properly, allowing unmetered air to enter the system. The repair required removing the entire intake manifold assembly, replacing all gaskets, and checking for warpage on the manifold surface. The manifold sensor also needed replacement since it had been exposed to incorrect pressure readings for some time. This was a serious issue that needed immediate attention, as continuing to drive would have caused further engine damage and potentially affected the EGR system. These symptoms on VAG diesel engines often indicate manifold problems, especially at your mileage point. The repair took about 6 hours at the shop, and the car has run perfectly since then. Would recommend getting it checked soon, as these issues tend to worsen quickly.

Thanks for sharing your Passat experience, sounds exactly like what I am dealing with. The mechanic quoted me for manifold work but I wanted to get more insights before proceeding. Good to hear your car performance returned to normal after the fix. Did the repair cost end up being reasonable? Also curious if you noticed any other issues pop up since getting the intake manifold and gaskets replaced? I want to make sure I budget properly and know what to watch out for going forward.

The repair came in at 1180€ total and completely resolved the manifold pressure issues. Since fixing the scorched intake manifold six months ago, engine performance has been flawless with no more engine misfires or rough running. The mechanic showed me the defective manifold parts during the repair, the gasket leak had caused significant issues that could have led to more expensive engine damage if left unfixed. The new manifold sensor readings confirm everything is working correctly now. No additional problems have emerged since the repair. The idle is smooth, acceleration is crisp, and the exhaust smell is completely gone. The investment was worth it to prevent cascading issues that often happen when intake manifold problems are ignored. For proper budgeting, keep in mind that prices can vary based on parts availability and labor time, but addressing manifold issues promptly usually prevents more costly repairs down the road.

Finally took my car to the shop yesterday after getting helpful feedback here. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed the intake manifold causing problems, just as suspected. They found a significant vacuum leak around the gasket area and some damaged sensors. Total repair came to 1250€, which included replacing the manifold gaskets, sensors, and a thorough inspection of related components. The work took about 7 hours but I got the car back same day. Already notice a huge difference, no more check engine light, the engine runs smooth without jerking, and that strong exhaust smell is completely gone. Really glad I got this fixed before it caused more serious engine damage. Thanks again for sharing your experience. It helped me make an informed decision about the repair. Will update if any other issues come up, but so far the car feels like new again.