VW Timing Belt Interval Chart

What is the recommended timing belt change interval for your VW model? Our helpful chart shows the the most recent recommend interval.

Using our years of service repair knowledge, what do we recommend? When dealing with crucial timing belt service, err on the side of caution. It is our recommendation to closely inspect all timing belt components before the recommended interval. Play it safe, changing your timing belt may seem expensive. However, choosing to exceed your timing belt service interval is risky and can lead to unknown repair costs that will far exceed typical timing belt replacement service cost.

VW Timing Belt Change Intervals for Gasoline Engines

2.0L 8 Valve - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for 2.0L 8 Valve models is 75,000 miles.

• 1999-2004 VW Jetta change interval is 75,000 miles for 2.0L 8V (US) A4 chassis (aka Mark IV).
• 1999-2006 VW Golf change interval is 75,000 miles for 2.0L 8V (US) A4 chassis (aka Mark IV).
• 1998-2005 VW Beetle change interval is 75,000 miles for 2.0L 8V.
• 2011-2015 VW Jetta change interval is 75,000 miles for 2.0L 8V (US) A6 chassis (aka Mark VI). 

2.8L 30 Valve - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval is 75,000 miles.

• 1999-2005 VW Passat change interval is 75,000 miles for 2.8L 30 valve (US) B5 and B5.5 chassis.

1.8L Turbo - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for 1.8L Turbo models is 75,000 miles.

• 1998-2005 VW Passat change inveral is 75,000 miles for 1.8T (US) B5 and B5.5 chassis.
• 2000-2005 VW Jetta change interval is 75,000 miles for 1.8T (US) A4 chassis.
• 2000-2005 VW Golf change interval is 75,000 miles for 1.8T (US) A4 chassis
• 1999-2005 VW Beetle change interval is 75,000 miles for 1.8T.

2.0L Turbo FSI - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for 2.0L Turbo FSI models is 90,000 miles.

• 2006-2008 VW Passat change interval is 90,000 miles for (US) B6 chassis.
• 2006-2008 VW Jetta change interval is 90,000 miles for (US) A5 chassis.
• 2006-2008 VW Golf change interval is 90,000 miles for (US) A5 chassis.
• 2006-2008 VW Eos change interval is 90,000 miles for (US) A5 chassis.

V8 - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for V8 models is 80,000 miles.

• 2000-2004 VW Phaeton change interval is 80,000 miles for (US) 7L chassis.
• 2000-2004 VW Touareg change interval is 80,000 miles for (US) 7L chassis.

VW Timing Belt Change Intervals for Diesel TDI Engines

1.9L TDI ALH - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 1.9L TDI ALH models is 100,000 miles.

• 1999-2004 VW Jetta change interval is 100,000 miles for TDI ALH (US) A4 chassis.
• 1999-2004 VW Golf change interval is 100,000 miles for TDI ALH (US) A4 chassis.
• 1998-2004 VW Beetle change interval is 100,000 miles for TDI ALH (US).

Please Note: When originally released, the recommended timing belt interval for ALH TDI VW Jetta Golf Beetle was 40,000 miles for automatic transmissions and 60,000 miles for manual transmissions. However, in 2003 VAG raised the timing belt interval to 100,000 miles. This was done because of improvements made to the timing belt idler bearing (an increased ID from 47mm to a 60mm), and a stronger timing belt (carbon aramid material). Stressing the importance of choosing high quality VW timing belt parts.

1.9L TDI BEW - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 1.9L TDI BEW models is 80,000 miles.

• 2004-2005 VW Jetta change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BEW A4 chassis (aka Mark IV).
• 2004-2006 VW Golf change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BEW A4 chassis (aka Mark IV).
• 2004-2008 VW Beetle change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BEW.

1.9L TDI BRM - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 1.9L TDI BRM models is 80,000 miles.

• 2005-2006 VW Jetta change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BRM A5 chassis (aka Mark V).

2.0L TDI - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 2.0L TDI models is 80,000 miles.

• 2009-2010 VW Jetta change interval is 80,000 miles for 2.0L TDI (US) A5 chassis.
• 2004-2005 VW Passat change interval is 80,000 miles for 2.0L TDI (US) B5 chassis.

Intended Life-Expectancy of Timing Belt Components

VW Jetta Timing Belt Part Life Expectancy

In our own service facility, we've seen a few original timing belts last over 90,000 miles and others ready to break before 75,000 miles. In addition to mileage there are other factors that age the timing belt and related components. The following are some reasons why you see the difference in how long a VW timing belt and related components last: (1) un-logged engine idle times and sitting in traffic; (2) warm-up time in cold weather; (3) environmental climate factors; (4) related engine maintenance that may have been overlooked.

Keys to the long-life of your new timing belt components after timing belt replacement. Make your new parts last! You can expect your BLAU INA OEM components to last the specified mileage interval if the following important steps were taken:

1) Timing belt service was performed using the same timing belt and timing belt tensioner that are supplied to VAG, which are engineered to meet factory interval requirements.

2) Timing belt service was performed by an experienced competent ASE certified VW mechanic who is familiar with your specific engine.

3) Factory service procedures must be strictly followed. Even if installing the best parts, using improper procedures can shorten their life span. Incorrect installation or missteps during timing belt service are often done without intent and aren't noticed until further down the road. Fortunately, some common mishaps are noticed after re-assembly and during the final engine rotational timing sequences.