VW Taos Oil Pressure Warning + Engine Knocking Alert

I faced a very similar issue with my 2020 VW T-Cross. Based on some experience working with VW engines, these symptoms definitely point toward oil pressure problems. When my oil pressure warning light came on with engine knocking, it turned out to be a complete oil pump failure. The workshop diagnosed it using an oil pressure gauge test, which showed critically low readings. The oil pressure sensor readings were also inconsistent, but the main issue was the pump itself. The repair involved: Removing and replacing the faulty oil pump, Installing a new oil pressure sensor as a precaution, Complete oil change with filter replacement, System inspection for potential oil leakage Total cost was 755€ including parts and labor. The repair resolved both the warning light and knocking sounds completely. Before suggesting specific solutions for your Taos, it would help to know: Current mileage? When was your last oil change? Is the engine consuming more oil than usual? Did the oil pressure warning light appear gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any oil spots where you park? This information would help determine if your symptoms match the oil pump failure I experienced or if its something else like a clogged oil filter or oil pressure sensor malfunction.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Taos has 42934km and had its last service 2 months ago. To answer your questions, the warning light came on suddenly during highway driving, and I have not noticed any oil spots under the car. The knocking sounds match exactly what you described with your oil pump failure. This is particularly concerning since I have been careful with regular oil changes and maintenance. The engine has not been consuming excessive oil between services. Based on your repair details, I am hoping my issue might be just a faulty oil pressure sensor rather than complete oil pump failure, but those engine bearing sounds worry me. Will get it checked right away rather than risk further engine damage.

Thanks for those additional details. The sudden onset of symptoms during highway driving, combined with those specific knocking sounds, is unfortunately very similar to my oil pump failure case. Since your maintenance schedule is solid, this points more toward a component failure rather than maintenance-related issues. The fact that the warning appeared under high-speed conditions matches the classic oil pump failure pattern, as higher engine speeds require more oil pressure. While we both maintain our VWs properly, these pumps can sometimes fail prematurely due to manufacturing variations. My repair process highlighted a few important points worth mentioning: The low oil pressure caused minor bearing wear, Metal particles were found in the oil, The oil pump drive chain had excessive wear The workshop should definitely perform an oil pressure test and oil analysis to check for metal particles. This will determine if you caught it early enough to prevent engine bearing damage. Given your lower mileage compared to when my pump failed, you might be lucky and just have a failing oil pressure sensor or a partially blocked oil pickup screen. These are much cheaper fixes than my complete pump replacement. Would strongly suggest avoiding highway speeds and getting it to a workshop as soon as possible. The cost difference between catching it early versus driving with low oil pressure can be substantial.

Based on your helpful reply, I better understand what I might be dealing with. The similarity between my highway driving symptoms and your oil pump failure experience is quite worrying. The knocking sounds combined with the sudden oil pressure warning light match your case exactly. I just called the workshop and booked the car in for tomorrow morning. Your mention of potential bearing wear and metal particles in the oil really drove home the urgency. While I hope its just an oil pressure sensor issue, the engine noises suggest it could be more serious. The technician on the phone mentioned they will start with an oil pressure gauge test and oil analysis, which aligns with the diagnostic steps from your experience. Since my Taos has lower mileage than when your pump failed, there is still hope it might be a simpler fix like a clogged oil filter or faulty sensor. Will drive it very carefully to the workshop and avoid highway speeds as suggested. Even if it ends up being a complete oil pump replacement like in your case, at least I know what to expect regarding the repair process and potential costs. Thanks again for sharing such detailed information about your experience.