Acceleration Hesitation?

Anyone else experiencing a hesitation when accelerating?

Car was running great until first oil change, now getting this hesitation. If I accelerate in 2nd or 3rd gear, from just below 2000 rpm, it feels like the turbo is sticking, rather than spinning up freely. I used to enjoy that burst of power right at 2000 rpm when the turbo came in. This only seems to happen when the engine is up to temperature, not when cold. I do try to avoid hard acceleration when the engine is cold, and generally don't shut the engine off right after hard running.

If I accelerate from 1st gear, keeping the engine revs relatively high, acceleration feels OK.

The car in question is a 2003 Passat 1.8T, manual transmission. I did experience a similar hesitation on a 1999 Passat 1.8T with the Tiptronic transmission, although that only seemed to happen when the air temp was high.

Any help diagnosing this frustrating problem?

It seems I read about a wastegate problem causing similar symptoms, try a search on that. Also, if it started right after the oil change, what type of oil did you use. I've noticed a tendency for those engines to "leak" oil into the intake system through the turbo. Incorrect oil weight could have something to do with it. I had one that leaked so bad it clogged the converter yet VW claimed it wasn't leaking enough to replace the turbo, yet they replaced the cat under warranty.

Thanks! Useful info.

I had the oil change done at the dealership!

I am having the same problem with my new 2004 Passat. I had the car for one week when I noticed a problem with the acceleration. Took it in for service and was told they could find no problem. Lived with the car that way for four months, constantly complaining to whoever would listen. Last week noticed a problem with the car jerking when I've come to a complete stop. Brought it in yesterday, and after wasting the better part of the day I was told it was a transmission software problem that Volkswagen is aware of but don't have a fix yet! Called a Lemon Law lawyer. To be continued...

Good luck to you.