Thoughts on (genuine) parts life - EGR valve+cooler on B7 Passat

[malaxos]

Hi all,
First time poster here (but I've lurked about a bit over the years!). We've got a couple of VW's, a Mk6 Golf and a B7 (2013) Passat Alltrack. Both have served us really well for several years and are lovely cars to drive, but just lately things have gone a bit pear shaped and I'm keen to get thoughts from wiser minds....

About 14 months ago (and at about 91k kms), our Passat Alltrack threw an EGR fault. At our mechanic's recommendation (they aren't VW specialists, but they've been looking after both our cars for a number of years and have always been great) we replaced the EGR valve+cooler. They used a genuine part which cost about $1k, with further ~$700 in labour (was told it's quite a complex process to access/replace this part). This resolved the issue we went our our merry way...

Until last week (~14 months and ~16k kms down the track) when the same EGR fault appeared again. Our mechanic cleared the code and said see how it goes, code reappeared (either immediately or within a day or two) and they are saying only option now is replacement again. I challenged them on what would be considered a reasonable service life of a genuine EGR valve+cooler and they indicated such a lifespan is not out of the question. To me this seems completely unreasonable (being a genuine part) and not something that could be considered a wear item. I pushed them further and they were going to contact VW and press my case, but told me it was a long shot.

So I guess I'm after anyone's opinion here on whether such a lifespan for a genuine EGR valve+cooler seems reasonable and any suggestions on how to proceed, as I'm definitely not so keen to simply replace and then potentially be doing this all again in another 12 months!

Sorry for a long post, thanks in advance for any advice.

[kamold]

EGR and cooler is indeed a non-trivial replacement.
$700 labour is probably a bargain to be fair to your mechanic.

Are you able to find out the actual fault code (DTC) including number?
And is it the same as the last time?

[malaxos]

Thanks for the feedback Kamold. The code from the original issue was P040300. I don’t have a copy of the scan from this recent one unfortunately, however the paperwork I have states ‘the vehicle has EGR and glow plug fault codes’.

[JB's Dub]

P040300 is an electrical malfunction to do with the electronics of the valve itself. But without proper diagnosis, it would be hard to tell if it is caused by the valve itself being faulty OR wiring to the valve.

[jets]

Until last week (~14 months and ~16k kms down the track) when the same EGR fault appeared again. Our mechanic cleared the code and said see how it goes, code reappeared (either immediately or within a day or two) and they are saying only option now is replacement again.

Yesterday I spoke to a spares guy @ my dealership & he said the warranty on genuine parts is 2 years. He said you need to go back to who installed the part & get them to take over the job of contacting VW & claiming warranty.

[Lucas_R]

Even non-genuine (but still OEM quality) replacement parts should last longer than 14 months / 16,000kms. Either you have been unlucky and got a faulty part or something else is wrong and causing the EGR+cooler to fail prematurely.

Perhaps take it to a VW specialist for diagnosis - in Hobart you can see Robinsons Automotive in Derwent Park (the person who bought my old Mk6 Golf R takes it to this place for servicing) Robinson Automotive

[malaxos]

Thanks all for the responses, still waiting to hear back from my mechanic re their call to VW but will certainly push the parts warranty angle.

And will consider Robinson Automotive - I actually took previous VW’s there for several years but then switched to current (mainly for convenience TBH), but hopeful (and think) current shop will look after me as have been a customer for some time.