So this has been a very very occasional thing on my VRs of once in a blue moon, the car will just miss a beat as it were and just hesitate under load. Only for a second, if that but it’s definitely a thing. Almost like you’ve cut the ignition momentarily.

It’s started to do it more frequently these days. Almost every drive now but it’s minor so been putting up with it.

The car has also been a bit slow to fire up (even after glow plug duration) and sometimes cranks 7 or 8 times before it fires up. Was always instant or maybe 2 cranks to fire up unless winter.

Tried my OBD2 reader and no faults registered.

Anyone else had this and if so, is there a thing with older diesels (140k just done) but has full service history and never missed service and no scrimping on cheap replacement service parts.

It’s not done it on the motorway and seems to be more prevalent when setting off from standstill.

I feel it’s maybe a starvation issue. Injectors or Fuel pump but maybe a sensor just playing up but surely the OBD2 would find that??

If it's a TDI180/185/190 setup, then my 10p would be that you have experiencing failing injectors. These usually need replacing (ideally all 4) at about 120k miles. In the intervening, can I suggest (if you aren't doing it already) to run some Super Diesel through the car (make it a couple of tanks for good measure) and see if it is a blocked injector causing the stuttering. Can you also find out when the fuel filter was last changed too? If you are also experiencing long crank times, then I might also suggest that your glow-plugs are probably on their way out too (these also need replacing similar mileage to injectors - about 120k miles)