Perhaps this then serves to suggest that the problem is not widespread? Internet hysteria?
Difficult to say really, I think the internet may make it seem worse for a google search brings a few horror stories up. However there are a lot of people out there that don't use the internet for things like this this and albeit there are many instances where this has happened and has gone completely undocumented. For instance take a random joe in the street engine fails is told it this and that we will give you a new one if you give us a grand. Yip seems fair pays the cash car fixed..
Personally it does seem suspicious when doing goodwill as soon as tensioner code is placed in the system VW Germany state 100% parts no questions asked, this tells me its happened before, will happen again as well as a TSB release and updated tensioners and set processes in place. These are all tell tale signs there is an issue or was!
Ultimately its not worth a recall for many are probably fine and its not a safety issue as it only breaks on startup but if you hear a rattle as soon as you start your car CHANGE THE TENSIONER, mine did this for 6 weeks until failure!
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