Volkswagen EOS Problems (A Complete List)

On this blog, we’ve talked extensively about the problems of certain cars. Today we’re going to talk about one specific convertible: the Volkswagen EOS. This car was produced from 2006 – 2015, and Volkswagen managed to sell around 50.000 of them before they were discontinued. Nowadays, the EOS is an affordable, fun option for a second-hand convertible. If you’re in the market for one, these are the things you should be aware off.

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1. Convertible Roof Malfunctioning

The most common cause of roof problems on the VW EOS convertible is a faulty roof motor. The vehicle has a motor that opens and closes the roof; the roof will not work if this fails.

Indications of A Faulty Roof:

• You’ll notice that the roof begins to retract at a slower or variable rate than usual. This is the first sign that the motor is malfunctioning.

• The frame that supports the convertible top can also be a source of concern. If the frame is twisted or out of alignment, the top may not fold up correctly as it is lowered. As a result, the system may become stuck at any point during the opening or closing process.
• The fuse connecting the top may be blown up, resulting in the top not getting lowered down or coming up.

• The back lid of the car won’t open due to a defect in the solenoid or not getting an adequate electric supply, or even the fuel pump is not working.

Another reason for the malfunctioning of the roof is that the Volkswagen Eos’s design makes it vulnerable to water penetration. If water enters the car through joints, cracks, or broken seals, it can cause mechanical and electrical damage to the roof’s mechanical and electrical components.

The following two factors are frequently responsible for leaks:

• Rubber seals that have become distorted
• Tubes that are clogged should be drained.

Water can enter the car’s pillars and the frame through the rubber seals when it becomes loose or deteriorates. The water will not reach you at this point because the drain tubes are doing an excellent job of directing it out of the cabin. Over time, dust, dirt, debris, and bird feces can clog the tube, and before you know it, it’s completely blocked.

The sun, salt, and other seasonal factors cause the exterior rubber seals to dry out. They change shape and shrink slightly, allowing water to pass through.

How It Can Be Prevented:

• Get an air compressor, blow out the gunk in the A-pillar drain tube, clean all the rubber seals, and then apply Krytox directly to the seals (as instructed in the Volkswagen manual).

•  Krytox lubricant is available with local vendors as well as certified Volkswagen service centers. It is also available online and costs about $50 for one tube.

• Check for the fuse connecting the top in the fuse box. If it is blown up, then change it.

• Check for any broken cables or bent arms, which sometimes can be the cause.

If the problem is more serious, then turn to your nearest VW service center for inside repairs.

Also read: The Complete Cost Of Maintaining A Volkswagen

2. Clock Spring Failure

A clock spring is a coil of flat wires that is looped around a steering wheel assembly. It allows the airbag, horn, and steering wheel buttons to stay connected as the steering wheel is rotated left and right. The exterior component is divided into two sections: one that follows the steering wheel and the other that attaches to the steering column.

Indications of Clock Spring Failure:

• The airbag warning light is illuminated – A broken clock spring is a common cause of this problem.

• Horn isn’t working – In rare cases, a broken clock spring may cause the horn to stop working.

• Steering wheel buttons aren’t working – Your radio or stereo may still work, but you won’t be able to change stations or adjust the volume from the steering wheel. The buttons on your steering wheel can no longer be used to answer or hang up phone calls.

• When you turn the steering wheel, you might hear a rubbing sound. One of the first signs that the clockspring is failing is this. The clockspring will eventually wear out, and the ribbon inside will break.

How Can It Be Prevented:

It is advisable to replace the clock spring rather than working on the coils as it may further degrade the main steering areas and damage the electronic components connected to the car. Typically, it costs about $500 – $900 for the replacement, including labor charges and the clock spring.

You can also change it manually:

• Take out the battery.
• Remove the driver’s seat airbag.
• Remove the steering wheel.
• Remove the old clockspring and install the new one.
• Adjust the steering angle sensor. If the ABS traction control light illuminates in your instrument cluster, you might need to use an OBD2 scanner to calibrate the steering angle sensor.

Determine the middle position of the clock spring. To do so, spin the clock spring to the left and come to a complete stop when you feel a slight resistance. Check that the wheels are oriented straight ahead before removing the old clock spring.

Then turn it to the right and count the number of turns. Assume you have six complete rotations. Take two away from the total number of turns. After three clock spring spins, you should be in the center.

3. Excessive Oil Consumption

Oil consumption in a vehicle is pretty natural. But excessive oil consumption is terrible as it drains out money from the consumer’s purse.

Indication:

• When you have to frequently inject oil in the system with the vehicle being less driven.

The Following Factors Cause High or Rising Oil Consumption:

• A poor quality oil – If you use the wrong type of oil in your engine, or if your car’s lubricant is old and full of debris and filth, it will start to burn. Carbon deposits will be visible on the oil neck’s cover. Replace the faulty oil with one that is appropriate for the engine type and mode of operation. It can cost about $80, which further depends upon the model.

• Valve stem seals become unusable – If your vehicle’s crankshaft seals or valve cover gaskets are worn out or broken, they will most likely leak oil. As a result, whenever you drive, your engine will begin to lose the oil. 

To avoid engine damage, top off the engine oil regularly. Blue smoke will be seen at high revs if the problem develops. In this case, you’ll need to replace the valve seals, which will set you back around $250.

• Oil Can Seep Through Worn Piston Rings – When your piston rings wear out or break, oil can seep through them and into the internal combustion chamber. As a result, the oil will burn, and carbon deposits will form on the piston rings and cylinders. The car will produce a cloud of blue smoke. Depending on the model year and labor costs, the replacement cost can be around $3000.

• High Oil Pressure – When the oil pressure is too high, a large volume of oil will flood the engine. This oil will almost certainly spill onto the cylinders and be consumed by fire. The high oil pressure could be caused by an inaccurate setting on the vehicle’s central computer, or A similar issue is adding too much oil during an oil change. 

Carbon deposits will be visible on the oil neck’s cover. In this case, the crankcase ventilation system should be flushed, costing about $80 – $100 with negotiable labor costs.

• Old Engine – After a certain number of miles, the various seals and gaskets on your engine begin to fail, resulting in minor leaks. If the model is new, then replacing the whole engine with the new and compatible one can cost around $5000. And if the model is old, it is advisable to replace the entire car as engine parts would be scarce to find.

4. Defective Timing Chain

In an internal combustion engine, the timing chain, or timing belt in some motors, is in charge of synchronizing the opening and closing of valves. The camshaft and crankshaft work together to open and close the valves while preventing the pistons from hitting them.

Indications of Defective Timing Chain:

• Engine misfires can occur when a timing chain becomes stretched and loses its integrity, causing it to skip a gear and lose synchronization, resulting in an engine misfire. Repeated misfires may indicate a timing chain issue that should be investigated.

• When your car is idle, it will make a rattling sound due to a sloppy timing chain or, worse, a broken timing chain with loose bits inside the engine. This rattling sound is most noticeable as the engine warms up and then fades away. But apart from the noise, loose parts in the combustion system can cause severe engine damage, so any rattling sound should be investigated.

• Examine your car’s oil for metal shavings – A timing chain disintegrates as it wears down, and some of the metal shavings may end up in your car’s oil pan. These small metal fragments are discovered when the oil and oil filter are changed, indicating a problem with your vehicle’s powertrain. A mechanic should investigate the source of the metal shavings, which could be the timing chain.

• Check Engine Warning Light Glows – If the timing chain begins to break, the check engine warning light will illuminate, resulting in an engine that isn’t functioning correctly and triggering the check engine warning light.

Labour costs average $400 to $1,000, with parts costs ranging from $200 to $600. The total cost could range between $600 and $1,600. Your local dealer’s pricing may be higher than that of a local repair shop.

These costs would only cover the timing chain replacement and would not account for engine damage caused by a broken timing chain. Unless you are an expert in the replacement for the timing chain, it is advisable to tow the vehicle down to the nearest Volkswagen service center.

5. Dual Mass Flywheel Failure

A flywheel is a metal disc that looks like a gear and sits between your clutch and transmission. This component, along with the clutch, aids in the transmission of power from the engine to the transmission.

Indications:

• When you increase your gears, you increase your chances of gear slip. As you shift gears, your engine reviews, and you can tell it didn’t shift gears. If you try to change gears in this situation, it will revert to its original position.

• Vibrations may be felt when you place your foot on the clutch or press down on the clutch. The vibrations become more intense as you press or contact the clutch pedal.
• A burning odor that becomes more noticeable as you shift gears can indicate clutch or flywheel problems. The scent will permeate the interior of your vehicle.

• When your clutch chatters, shifting gears can feel like your car is about to stall, the clutch is more prone to chattering when you begin driving from a complete stop.

How It Can Be Prevented:

• Even if there is no spring failure in a dual-mass flywheel, the service life of most OEM dual mass flywheels is roughly the same as that of the clutch, implying that the flywheel must be replaced when the clutch fails. Depending on labor costs and model year, it could cost around $1200.

• If the clutch surface becomes rough, grooved, or develops cracks or hard spots, minor scoring and grooving may be performed, which can cost around $50.