Diagnostic: Oil leak on Volkswagen - Causes and costs

An oil leak on a Volkswagen (Golf, Polo, Tiguan, Passat, T-Roc) shows as stains under the vehicle, falling oil level or burning oil smell. TSI (turbo petrol) and TDI (diesel) engines have common leak points to watch.

Volkswagen TSI (turbo petrol)

On TSI (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.0), oil leaks are often linked to the sump gasket, cam cover (aged gasket), turbo hoses (feed or return) or head gasket. A loose drain plug or oil filter can weep. Locating the leak after cleaning the engine helps target the repair.

Volkswagen TDI (diesel)

On TDI, common leaks involve the sump gasket, turbo (hoses, cartridge), oil pump, head gasket or injector seals. A large leak or steadily falling level should be fixed without delay: risk of engine wear or failure.

What to do

Do not drive with a large leak or low level. Top up to reach a garage, then identify and repair the leak (clean, dye if needed, replace gasket or part).

Order of magnitude for costs

• Sump gasket: about €150–400.
• Cam cover gasket: about €80–200.
• Turbo hoses: about €100–300.
• Head gasket: about €800–2,000 and more.
• Injector seal (diesel): about €50–150 per injector.

My Auto Check-up helps you prepare your visit by gathering information for an initial cost estimate.