VW Check Engine Code
P0335 on VW
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
Also covers: Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Skoda
P0335 on VW: what makes it different
P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction) appears frequently on Volkswagen vehicles across multiple generations, affecting both gasoline and diesel platforms. VW's use of toothed reluctor wheels on the crankshaft and the placement of the crankshaft position sensor in an oil- and heat-exposed location makes sensor failure or signal loss a recurring issue on EA111, EA888, and TDI engine families.
Most-affected engines
- 2.0L TSI EA888 Gen 1/2/3 (Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan)
- 1.4L TSI EA111 (Golf, Polo, Jetta)
- 2.0L TDI PD and CR (Golf, Jetta, Passat, Touareg)
- 2.5L R5 (Jetta, Golf, Tiguan)
Common model years: 2005–2018
Most likely cause on VW
Failed or oil-contaminated crankshaft position sensor — VW sensor placement exposes the unit to engine oil splash and thermal cycling, degrading the sensor's internal electronics over time.
Known VW engine-family issues
The EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 engines (used in Jetta, Golf, and Tiguan through roughly 2015) have documented timing chain tensioner wear issues. When the tensioner fails, debris can chip or damage the crankshaft reluctor wheel, causing erratic CKP signals that trigger P0335. Always inspect the reluctor ring if replacing the sensor does not resolve the code. The 2.5L inline-5 engine in the Jetta and Golf is also prone to CKP sensor failure at higher mileage due to its placement and oil exposure. On TDI engines, the sensor connector is vulnerable to diesel fuel and oil contamination.
VW-specific causes (most common first)
- Oil-contaminated crankshaft position sensor due to oil leaks from front main seal or timing cover on EA888 engines
- Heat-related sensor failure — sensor is mounted close to the exhaust side on TDI engines
- Damaged or corroded sensor connector from engine bay moisture intrusion
- Reluctor wheel damage from timing chain tensioner debris on EA888 Gen 1 engines with timing chain wear
- Wiring harness chafing where the sensor cable runs near engine brackets
- Intermittent sensor dropout caused by failing sensor at operating temperature (common on 2.5L R5 engines)
VW-specific diagnostic tip
On VW's EA888 TSI engine, pull the sensor and inspect it for oil soaking before ordering parts — if the sensor tip is wet with oil, trace the leak to the front main seal or timing cover seal and fix that first. Installing a new sensor into an oil-soaked environment will cause repeat failures. Also wiggle the sensor wiring harness with the engine running (carefully) to check for an intermittent wiring fault before replacing a sensor that tests good when cold.
Symptoms drivers report
- Check engine light
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Random stalling (often when hot, then restarts when cool)
- Hard starting
- Erratic tach reading
Typical repair cost on VW
Most VW owners fix P0335 for between $80 and $350, depending on which underlying cause turns out to be at fault. Start with the most-likely cause for your vehicle — Failed or oil-contaminated crankshaft position sensor — VW sensor placement exposes the unit to engine oil splash and thermal cycling, degrading the sensor's internal electronics over time. — before throwing parts at it.
VW P0335 FAQ
Will P0335 prevent my VW from starting?
It can. The crankshaft position sensor is critical for the ECU to determine engine position for ignition timing and fuel injection. If the signal is completely lost, many VW engines will crank but not fire. An intermittent signal may cause rough starts, stalling, or the engine cutting out while driving.
Can a failing timing chain cause P0335 on a VW?
Yes, particularly on EA888 Gen 1 TSI engines. Excessive timing chain slack can cause the crankshaft reluctor wheel to send erratic signals, and if chain tensioner debris damages the ring, the signal becomes corrupted. If you replace the sensor and the code returns, have the timing chain and tensioner inspected.
How do I confirm the crankshaft position sensor is actually bad on my VW?
Use a scan tool to look at the crankshaft sensor signal in live data — you should see a steady RPM signal when cranking. If the reading is absent, erratic, or drops out, the sensor or its circuit is at fault. Also measure the sensor's resistance with a multimeter and compare it to VW specifications for your specific engine to confirm sensor failure before replacement.
Related codes
Drive a different make? See the general P0335 guide for cross-vehicle causes and symptoms.
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