The Volkswagen 1.8 liter turbo engine is a 150-horsepower, high-performance double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine. Volkswagen's Passat and Jetta cars have this engine. The 0W-30 or 0W-40 oil that the engine uses, however, develops problems.
The 0W-30 and 0W-40 oil creates a sludge buildup that causes engine failure. This problem is common in 1998 through 2004 Volkswagen (VW) 1.8 liter turbo engine models, according to the website VW Problems. It also reported that a warranty extension covers certain oil sludge repairs.
A low oil pressure problem is common in the VW 1.8 liter engine and causes flushing. Failure to comply with engine oil and filter specifications leads to the problem. The website 18Turbo.com recommends using fully synthetic 0W-30 or 0W-40 engine oil.
Edmunds.com and Identifix Inc. advise car owners to ensure proper maintenance schedules for oil changes to avoid oil gelling or buildup. Repairing the sludge buildup is costly.
