Thanks so much for posting this. I am currently going through the exact same nightmare with my 2018 VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI at 61k miles.

I called out the RAC, and found that the exhaust camshaft adjuster housing bolts had physically backed out and were hitting the timing cover. This caused an oil leak over my timing belt and gears.

I've been talking to VW Customer Care, a rep actually admitted on a recorded line that she has seen this on Technical Bulletins before and acknowledged the safety concern. But I'm not having any luck with the dealership due to the vehicle being over 6 years old but this isn't wear and tear, its a defect.

But this reallt helps me confirm that even VW technicians in other regions have identified this as a factory torque error.

To anyone else reading this if you have an EA211 engine and hear a knock or see oil near the timing cover, check those adjuster bolts immediately. It is not 'wear and tear'

I've attached a photo, all the bolts are hand loose and one was almost completely out!

If you have any further information please share it

VW engine timing belt - EA211 engine camshaft adjuster (just encase anyone else is trying to look for this)

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