Volkswagen 2.5 Buyer's Guide

Looking to buy a Volkswagen with the 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine? In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about VW’s 2.5L engine, found in models like the Jetta, Rabbit, Golf, Passat, and Beetle. This engine is known for its durability, but like all engines, there are some potential issues to watch out for.

In this video, we use my girlfriend’s 2008 Mk5 Rabbit with an automatic transmission as an example. Whether you're looking at a Jetta or a Golf, this guide is essential for any VW enthusiast considering a vehicle with this robust engine.

What We Cover in This Video:

Common problems with VW’s 2.5L engine
What to inspect when buying a used Volkswagen with the i5 engine
Reliability of the 2.5L motor over time
Tips for maintaining this engine to maximize its lifespan

Links
VVT Solenoid

Camshaft sensor

Oil change kit

Valve cover + PCV

EVAP Purge valve (Amazon says this isn't compatible, but verified part# vs other sites)

Air recirculation motor

Spulen vacuum pump delete "ultimate" kit

Crank sensor

[ToneTactical]

This is the MOST informative video on mk5 rabbit I’ve ever came across. Thank you sir.

[teto]

MAN I DIDNT EVEN KNOW THERE WAS A 12 YEAR RUST WARRANTY thank you!!!

[admiralbeez]

I just bought a 2012 Golf Wagon with the 2.5L automatic. Your video helped me to decide.

[albertcountyboy]

My 09 2.5 has 453k on it and I would get in and drive it anywhere without worrying about to much

[EmielRegisRivijski]

Thanks for the video, before that I was afraid that my leak was coming from the automatic transmission, but after watching it, I immediately ran to check this vacuum pump, and the leak turned out to be in it.

Thanks a lot!!

[jasongennero]

I have a 2012 Jetta with the 2.5. Bought it new with only 300 miles on it at the dealership for a great cash price paid off. It was just out of warranty in with only regular maintenance was needed and after the dealership did the 65, 000 mile regularly scheduled maintenance about two thousand miles after that the camshaft sensor and solenoid both went out at the same time throwing two codes one for each. And the ac compressor went out also. I had a shop do the compressor for a grand and they did a great job and I did the solenoid and sensor for only $60. It now has 68, 000 miles on it and no other problems with anything else yet and it runs so smooth. I think 68k miles in twelve years and only the cam shaft sensor and solenoid and ac compressor going out is really good for a car its age and mileage.i couldn’t be happier with it. Looked at this video to look for other common issues. Glad I found the info on that. Only wish oil changes weren’t $150 every 3 months cuz it needs special oil supposedly and where I live my hoa won’t let me do it in my drive way, not to mention the fact that it’s not an easy oil change either. 20 screws just to get the skid plate off and then you can actually get started with the oil change. So it also takes time if you do it yourself, plus with the special oil if you do it yourself you’re still paying at minimum $80. I’d almost rather an extra $70 of removing and re bolting those twenty torque screws just for the skid plate. And I know you don’t really need the skid plate on but if you drive it without the skid plate the crank shaft sensor will go out from road debris. Anyway thanks for the info bro.

[Zacharias]

Excellent information! Thank you for the details. Everyone new VW owner with this motor should come here!

[angelparedes]

Great to know about those two sensors. Miles on mine still relatively low at 115K, but I think I'll take care of those right now.

[drock]

My 2012 SE Jetta has 135k and it runs so strong and smooth still. Only use Chevron, Shell, Mobile gas 91oct and full syn oil changes every 5k

[bugnut]

My wife's Purge valve went out on her 2014 2.5 Beetle. It was triggering the fuel cap was off, on the dash. I got a new fuel cap, wasn't it, I researched with the code and this valve was the issue.

[boomerguy]

I have a 2008 VW Rabbit 2.5 with the 09G Automatic Tiptronic transmissionI replaced the usual items which were at life when I bought it with over 140K miles on it: battery, plugs, coils, valve cover with PCV valve, belts, alternator, battery, deleted the vacuum pump, and I upgraded the a/c solenoid switch with the much better RKX Tech one. Now it has over 160K miles on it, has no leaks, burns no oil and gets mpg in the mid-20's around town and mid-30's on the interstate. I only use Sport mode on roads with speed limits less than 70 mph and the car performs wonderfully.
The only cons are the sagging headliner (I glued the perimeter, so it looks like the interior of a casket.) and the electrical gremlins in the rear door locks.
I love this car!

[genuineimpulse]

2009 VW rabbit hatchback 5 speed manual, 2.5 original owner. 110K miles dealing with emissions test BS in Maryland making me become a home mechanic. I tried taking it to the dealer and spent $500 to get a 5K repair estimate. For emissions they said the issue was secondary air injection system sensor fault for a $1400 repair. Plus an oil leak blah, blah blah. Looking at PCV valve or MAYBE I could handle doing the cover. Car runs great. Accelerates like a sports car without paying for insurance on a sports car. I'm six foot five and VW is the only vehicle I've ever been in where I put the seat all the way back and it was too far. Still, my wife is not interested in spending any thousands to get it through emissions so if changing that sensor doesn't fix it we'll see how long I can keep it from becoming a tax write off donation. Thanks for the video, excellent information.

[warbirdtbf]

Very informative video! My 2008 Rabbit (automatic) has 69, 000 miles on it. I'm the original owner. I had the dreaded vacuum pump leak back in January 2024 and I replaced the 'O' ring and main cover gasket of the pump. No more leak almost a year later. I did change the PCV valve diaphragm only. The idle is off like described in the video and I get no codes. I'm going to replace the valve cover gasket. Hopefully this adresses the idle. Cheers.

[workingmanaudio]

My 06 has original chains. Original vacuum pump. So far no noise and no leaks. 162, 000 miles. Knocks on wood.

[grimsnfts]

Also an option is to replace the vacuum pump with a high quality metal one so you don't have that warping problem again, which I did on my 2010 Jetta.

[luckyluciano]

I still have a 2007 vw jetta 2.5 red 4 door. It has 248k miles on it.. i never had issues, besides driver side rust fender.

[hagersims]

awesome video. Really eased my mind about the 07 I just bought

[bigbob]

Just got rid of my 09 jetta 2.5 due to excessive body rot it had 333k and was still running like a champ

[chadcollins]

Literally just replaced my pcv and purge valve last week. They both failed at the same time!

[dianarosado]

Not too many videos on VW golf which is what I have, ..thanks for the videos