If the timing belt on a Volkswagen car is not functioning properly, the car may experience a wide range of issues. The most serious of these risks is engine damage resulting from the belt failing. Without the timing belt, the engine’s pistons and valves will not be in sync, leading to the valves and pistons crashing into each other, resulting in expensive and often irreparable damage. In addition, if the timing belt fails, the car may lose power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning, and even the car may not start at all.