VW, Chrysler Have Sludge Problems

As Toyota did in the past two years, Volkswagen and Chrysler are now facing sludge problems in their most popular models. Sludge in this case has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans - it's the not-liquid leftovers from used engine oil that accumulates in piston cylinders, creating sluggish performance and even damaging engines severely enough to require replacement. In Volkswagen's case, the sludge allegations are levied against its 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinders found in many 1997-2004 Audis and VWs, including the Passat and A4. Volkswagen is notifying owners of more than 400,000 vehicles in the U.S. of the problem and has even offered to replace some engines.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has logged less than 16 complaints of the VW problem thus far. In Chrysler's case, the company has been petitioned by the Center for Auto Safety to extend warranties on the 2.7-liter V-6 it used in much of its 1998-2002 lineup, including its popular minivans. Toyota in 2002 said it would extend warranties and pay for engine replacements in sludge complaints, provided owners could prove they had changed their oil as recommended by the company.

Source: http://www.thecarconnection.com/

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Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)