The camshaft adjuster – the component that controls camshaft timing for optimal engine performance – is a known weak point in the 1.5 TSI engine of the Volkswagen Tiguan. Loose bolts, faulty sensors and timing issues lead to fault codes, loss of power and even engine damage. This problem mainly affects early models from 2016 onwards, where increased oil consumption is often the first sign. Read on to find out which symptoms you need to recognise and what you can do about them.
Which symptoms point to camshaft adjustment problems?
The first signs of a faulty camshaft adjuster are often subtle but recognisable. You will see the amber engine warning light appear on your dashboard, often together with fault codes such as P0016 or 00835. These codes indicate problems with the camshaft position or timing.
In addition to the warning lights you may experience vibrations or a rattling noise when the engine is idling. This can be accompanied by starting problems, especially on cold mornings. The engine will then be hard to start or need several attempts before it fires up.
Loss of power is a more serious symptom. The engine then feels weak during acceleration and responds sluggishly to the accelerator pedal. At this stage there may already be damage to internal components due to incorrect timing. You will also often notice increased oil consumption, sometimes more than half a litre per 1,000 kilometres. Also look out for oil traces around the camshaft under the bonnet.
‘ This is a design flaw that mainly affects the early production years. ’
Why does the camshaft adjuster fail?
The main problem with the 1.5 TSI ACT engine – where cylinders are temporarily deactivated to save fuel – lies with loosening bolts on the camshaft adjusters. These bolts are not sufficiently secured and work loose due to vibrations and the constant pressure of the oil circulation. This is a design flaw that mainly affects the early production years.
The camshaft position sensor – which measures the position of the camshaft – is often the first culprit. This sensor sends high input signals due to wear, contamination or complete failure. When the sensor is defective, the engine control unit receives incorrect information about the position of the camshaft.
Under heavy use the intake camshaft itself can fail. This leads to serious problems with the valve train. Other related weak points also make the situation worse. The plastic water pump and leaking thermostat housing affect oil quality and oil pressure, which further damages the adjusters.
How do you recognise fault codes P0016 and 00835?
Fault code P0016 stands for a timing error between the crankshaft and the camshaft. This code means that the engine control unit measures a difference between the expected and the actual position of the camshaft. This may indicate worn bolts, a stretched timing chain – the chain that keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in sync – or a defective adjuster.
Fault code 00835 specifically indicates a high input signal from the camshaft position sensor. This code appears when the sensor is defective or when there is a problem in the wiring. In many cases simply replacing the sensor solves the problem.
You can read these codes with an OBD scan tool – a diagnostic tool that reads the car’s fault codes. Also check the live data of the camshaft timing to see whether the values deviate from the normal specifications. This will give you more insight into how serious the problem is.
Which diagnostic steps should you take?
Start with a thorough scan of the engine control unit. Use an OBD tool to read out all stored fault codes and note the live data of the camshaft timing. Check whether the measured values match the expected timing.
Then inspect the engine bay for visible oil traces. Pay particular attention to the area around the camshaft and the valve cover. Also measure your oil consumption over a longer period. Normal oil consumption is below 0.5 litres per 1,000 kilometres.
Test how the engine starts. Difficult starting points to incorrect timing. If in doubt you can turn the engine over by hand to check the alignment of the chain and cams. Watch out for unusual resistance or play. Finally, look at the camshaft position sensor and the adjusters themselves. Check for wear, dirt or visibly loose bolts.
‘ In cases of serious engine damage due to timing errors, costs can quickly rise to 2,000 euros or more. ’
How much does it cost to repair the camshaft adjuster?
The cost of a repair varies greatly depending on how serious the problem is. Replacing only the camshaft position sensor is the cheapest option and costs between 50 and 150 euros including labour. This solves the problem in about 80 per cent of cases if you catch it early.
When the bolts have come loose but the adjusters are still intact, you can opt to secure the bolts with Loctite threadlocker. At a garage this costs roughly 200 to 400 euros. If you do it yourself, you can get away with about 50 euros in materials.
Complete replacement of the camshaft adjusters costs between 500 and 1,000 euros at a garage. This is necessary when the adjusters are damaged or the bolts have come loose several times. In cases of serious engine damage due to timing errors, costs can quickly rise to 2,000 euros or more. Replacement of the timing chain, tappets and other internal components is then often also necessary.
How can you prevent camshaft adjustment problems?
Prevention starts with using the correct engine oil. Always choose oil that meets VW specification 508.00 or 509.00. The 1.5 TSI engine with cylinder deactivation requires high-quality oil that can withstand the extra load from the ACT system.
Change the engine oil regularly, preferably every 15,000 kilometres or once a year. Even if the service schedule states a longer interval, regular oil changes protect sensitive components such as the camshaft adjusters. Check the oil level at least once a month, especially on older 1.5 TSI engines that are prone to increased consumption.
Avoid short trips where the engine does not reach operating temperature. Cylinder deactivation works best with a warm engine and longer journeys. Short urban use increases wear on timing components. Also have any fault codes checked straight away. A simple sensor replacement often prevents more costly damage to the adjusters and the engine.
Which model years are most vulnerable?
The first generation 1.5 TSI engines from 2016 and 2017 have the most problems with camshaft adjustment. These early production years contain the design flaw with inadequately secured bolts. Owners of these models most often report faults at around 80,000 kilometres.
From 2018 onwards Volkswagen introduced improvements in production. The bolts are better secured and some internal components have been strengthened. Nevertheless, later model years are not completely immune to the problem, especially where maintenance has been neglected.
When buying a used Tiguan with a 1.5 TSI engine, the service history is therefore crucial. Check whether the camshaft sensor or adjusters have already been replaced and whether any fault codes related to camshaft timing have ever occurred. Ask specifically about oil consumption and any recalls or updates that have been carried out.
‘ Too little oil accelerates wear on the adjusters and can lead to complete engine failure. ’
First aid for fault codes and warning lights
When the engine warning light comes on, read out the fault codes immediately with an OBD scanner. Note down all codes and any freeze-frame data that records the moment the fault occurred. Do not continue driving with serious timing errors, as this can lead to valve damage.
With fault code 00835, replacing the camshaft position sensor is the first step. Lubricate the new O-ring with engine oil before fitting the sensor and tighten the retaining bolt to the correct torque. Then erase the fault codes and test whether they return after a test drive.
If the codes keep coming back or you hear rattling at idle, have the camshaft adjusters checked. If the bolts are loose, quick action is needed to prevent further damage. In the meantime, check the oil level daily and top up when necessary. Too little oil accelerates wear on the adjusters and can lead to complete engine failure.
Want to know more about the Tiguan and other car problems?
Camshaft adjustment faults are just one of the challenges that owners of the 1.5 TSI Tiguan may face. On the Carnews website you will find extensive information on many more topics relating to this popular SUV and other models. From DSG transmission problems to software updates, and from maintenance tips to buying advice for used cars. Discover more articles and stay up to date with all the ins and outs of your car.
Frequently asked questions
Warning signs include fault codes such as P0016 or 00835 and an illuminated engine warning light. In addition, vibrations or rattling at idle and noticeable loss of power may occur. Increased oil consumption and any oil leaks around the camshaft are also important signals. Sometimes there are also starting problems caused by camshaft timing that has shifted.
Common causes include loosening bolts on the camshaft adjusters, causing the timing to shift and faults to occur. In addition, faulty or contaminated camshaft position sensors are common, which trigger fault codes and incorrect timing signals. Wear or mechanical damage to the camshaft/chain and problems with oil pressure or oil quality (for example due to a leaking water pump or thermostat housing) can also disrupt the adjustment. Increased oil consumption and oil leaks around the camshaft are often both symptoms and aggravating factors.
If a camshaft adjustment fault is not resolved, valve timing can drift further and further, leading to loss of power, higher fuel consumption and an irregular or rough-running engine. In the longer term, this can cause increased wear on the camshaft, valves and timing components. In serious cases, the timing can shift so far that the valves hit the pistons, resulting in severe engine damage or complete engine failure. Oil consumption may also increase and additional faults may occur in sensors and the engine control unit.
First have a VAG specialist or dealer carry out an OBD diagnosis and check the live data for the camshaft timing, plus a visual inspection of the camshaft adjuster, bolts and sensor. In many cases the repair starts with replacing the camshaft position sensor and clearing the fault codes; expect to pay roughly €150–€350 for this. If the adjuster itself (or loose bolts) is found to be the cause, the valve cover usually has to be removed and the adjuster(s) replaced or reinforced, which often costs between about €500 and €1,000 at a specialist and up to around €1,500 at a dealer. Ask in advance for an itemised quote including diagnosis, parts, labour hours and any additional work (such as chain/guides and an oil change).
Yes, there are several recommendations. Change the engine oil on time (preferably every 15,000 km) using oil that complies with VW 508.00/509.00 specifications and check the oil level regularly, as poor-quality or old oil makes the camshaft adjustment more prone to faults. Avoid predominantly short trips so the oil can reach operating temperature, which limits wear and contamination of the camshaft adjuster and sensor. During servicing, have the car specifically checked for oil leaks around the camshaft and for play or loose bolts on the camshaft adjuster to detect early problems in good time.