VW Golf TDI Power Loss & Black Smoke, DPF Warning

Had a similar issue with my 2012 VW Passat TDI last winter. After dealing with DPF issues for years, I have some experience with these symptoms. The dark smoke and power loss are classic signs of a clogged or defective DPF. Initially tried DPF cleaning, but the sensor fault codes kept coming back. The workshop confirmed the filter was beyond cleaning and needed replacement. The complete repair included: New DPF unit, Pressure sensor replacement, Full exhaust system inspection, Software update Total cost was 1550€, including labor. The repair took two full days, but the difference in performance was immediately noticeable. No more power loss, clean exhaust, and the engine runs much smoother now. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage? Any warning lights on the dashboard? Have you noticed increased fuel consumption? When was the last vehicle inspection? Any previous DPF-related repairs? This information would help determine if your symptoms match my experience and whether a filter replacement might be necessary in your case.

Last service was done at 83000km, just about 3000km ago. The warning light for engine check started flickering this week. Fuel consumption has increased by about 2 liters per 100km compared to normal. The mechanic did mention potential DPF issues during the service but suggested monitoring it for now. The backpressure symptoms developed quite rapidly over the past few weeks, and the exhaust smoke is getting worse, especially during cold starts. The next vehicle inspection is scheduled in 6 weeks, so I need to address this soon.

Based on your latest details, this sounds exactly like what I experienced with my Passat. The rapid development of symptoms, especially the increased fuel consumption and exhaust smoke during cold starts, strongly suggests a failing DPF that has passed the point where regular regeneration cycles can help. My DPF problems also started showing shortly after a routine service, and the fuel efficiency dropped similarly, about 1.8 to 2.2 liters more per 100km. When the engine check light started flickering in my case, it quickly became steady within a week. With your vehicle inspection coming up in 6 weeks, I strongly recommend not waiting. My initial hesitation to address the issue led to additional strain on the exhaust system and ultimately contributed to needing the pressure sensor replacement I mentioned. The workshop eventually showed me the old filter, it was heavily clogged with soot deposits that had hardened, making cleaning ineffective. Given your similar symptoms and the timing, you might be facing the same situation. Since you mentioned the mechanic already noted potential DPF issues during your last service, this validates the diagnosis. For reference, my vehicle inspection failed when I delayed addressing these exact symptoms, resulting in more hassle and extra costs.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the DPF issues. Based on your detailed explanation, I will schedule a workshop appointment next week. The symptoms match exactly what you described, and I definitely want to avoid failing the upcoming vehicle inspection. The rapid development of the problems over just a few weeks, combined with the increased fuel consumption, suggests waiting longer could lead to more expensive repairs. Since my mechanic already flagged potential DPF problems during the last service, addressing it now makes sense. Your repair cost breakdown and timeline is really helpful for planning. Will have the workshop check the exhaust system components you mentioned, including the pressure sensors. The investment seems worthwhile considering how the problems affected performance and fuel economy. Given your experience with delayed repairs causing additional issues, I appreciate the advice about not waiting until the inspection deadline. Will update once the repair is completed to share the outcome for others who might face similar DPF-related problems.