Warranty success because of research!

[skippy]

Does your car have full VW Service History BunnyJen?

[BunnyJen]

Yep! Bought from a main dealer also, bought VW service plan and was considering buying into another however might re-think that now.

[skippy]

In that case I would expect VW to at least try and help goodwill wise. I don't know where this issue stands as regards known faults. I must admit, I have not seen this reported that many times as a problem, but I would expect release bearing/clutch to be lasting a lot longer than 37K miles.

Perhaps try another dealer but I would not be happy with these kind of problems at that mileage.

[sciroccorich]

Bunnyjen,

Make a big point to the dealer that this component (Clutch release bearing) is failing due it being a defect part and not because of wear and tear. You can back this up by saying that VW are fully aware of the leaking component which is why they revised it (part number ending in F).

Stress that this means it was defect from new and therefor VW should be responsible for good will gesture if they are not recalling cars

You never know, they might give in and help you out at least.

[dimexi]

Wow! this isn't good news Jen...

I was in touch with VW, and they said I need to speak to a dealer first! I suspect this is the same bull I will get, but I might push a bit further with it and see what happens.

It would be completely unfair if they want you to shoulder the burden of a manufacturer defect. Not holding my breath on this one

[BunnyJen]

Hey guys

Thanks for the advice. This is only the first step. It's my local dealer who I have my car serviced with however I didn't buy the car from them, so to be fair I didn't expect much else. I was putting the feelers out to see if anything would be done. Next approach is to return to the dealer I bought from. I'll bring up everything you said Rich. If I get no help from them at all they'll be losing me as a customer.....now my car is out of warranty I have no problems with getting it repaired and serviced by a guy I know who runs a local garage. I want to give them every opportunity to sort this before I do that though. Dimexi let me know how you get on, I hope you have more luck than me! :/

[dimexi]

I actually didnt buy my car from a VW dealership, but I doubt this should cause any issue; It's been serviced at VW garages from new, and I have the stamps to prove it (that should be what matters).
The fact that the car wasn't sold to you/me with the "clutch hoot" could also vindicate the dealer who sold it in the first place anyway.

I will definitely let you know how I get on, and watchdog is definitely on my mind too. Having two people making the SAME complaint to watchdog will definitely get them excited.

I'd say it is worth speaking to VW HQ as a prelim before going to the dealer you bought it from... I mean, if they say the £400+ pounds would be refundable IF they find that the fault isn't due to wear and tear, then that's acceptable I would have thought.

This is already driving me nuts and I havent even started my process yet. Thought my car went in this week, but I booked it in for the 28th - I have a courtesy car too, and this might be a saving grace in a worse case scenario.

Hope you get better luck with another dealer + VW HQ.

[dimexi]

Well, I took my car in today as it was due for its service.
I was pretty nervous going in with this fault, but I told the service attendant all that I knew .i.e. It happens when it's cold, it happens mainly on hills when moving off slowly, it's a fault with the clutch release bearing etc... I emphasised the point that I knew it was a manufacturing defect.
He remained poker faced through the whole discussion, I am not sure if he took it seriously at all (who knows)... He wrote notes on my service paper and said they would check it out. I also gave him the TSB number, but he didnt check it at all.

I asked him what happens in circumstances like this and he replied: We check out the fault and see what caused it. We might also apply to VW for some help, since your car is out of warranty.

To be honest, I dont know what to make of it at all! I will keep you all informed. I suspect I will just be called back saying that they couldnt replicate the fault and I should come get my car

[dimexi]

Sorry for Spamming this thread, but I have news!

Got a call this morning, saying the techs had taken out my car, and they managed to reproduce the noise. They confirmed the problem IS a clutch assembly issue, but this is classed as wear and tear.
The service attendant told me that the TSB number I gave them didnt pop up anything, but they found a TPI (see other thread I linked on page 1) - and this points to the issue. However, since my car is not under warranty, they cannot help me.

The guy was extremely helpful, as he said he'd speak to the warranty manager and see if they can get some help/goodwill from VW.
Another call an hour later, and he said the request was declined and they cant do anymore about it since it's a wear and tear item on a 2010 car with 44k miles on the clock.

Total cost of repair to me will be £852......

I dont have that kind of money to use to rectify a VW fault in my motor, that only becomes apparent every winter. Clutches are not designed to squeal or howl after 44000miles. I know people who ride their clutch for ALL the life of their car, and the damn thing still lasts more than 44000 miles.

I am currently in comms with VW, and I will update when I have news back from them.

How are things on your end Jen?

[dimexi]

Sample of the TSB

[Bondie]

Bunny-Jen. have you thought about contacting VW UK (customer services) directly? When I had a steering problem with my Ford at 36K miles and out of warranty, and got no joy with the Dealer, I contacted Head Office and they agreed to pay 60% as a good will gesture. Both VW and Audi are pretty good about keeping their customers happy!

[andyy]

Sorry for Spamming this thread, but I have news!

Got a call this morning, saying the techs had taken out my car, and they managed to reproduce the noise. They confirmed the problem IS a clutch assembly issue, but this is classed as wear and tear.
The service attendant told me that the TSB number I gave them didnt pop up anything, but they found a TPI (see other thread I linked on page 1) - and this points to the issue. However, since my car is not under warranty, they cannot help me.

The guy was extremely helpful, as he said he'd speak to the warranty manager and see if they can get some help/goodwill from VW.
Another call an hour later, and he said the request was declined and they cant do anymore about it since it's a wear and tear item on a 2010 car with 44k miles on the clock.

Total cost of repair to me will be £852......

I dont have that kind of money to use to rectify a VW fault in my motor, that only becomes apparent every winter. Clutches are not designed to squeal or howl after 44000miles. I know people who ride their clutch for ALL the life of their car, and the damn thing still lasts more than 44000 miles.

I am currently in comms with VW, and I will update when I have news back from them.

How are things on your end Jen?

Sorry to hear that you may have to foot the bill.

I currently have a Fiesta ST on 63k mi (saving money for a R and house deposit). I recently had a gear selection issue 2 months after its 3months warrenty expired. I have only covered 2,500 miles since purchasing the car just over 5 months ago.

After a miss-diagnosis (selector and cables) which cost me £522 it was then found to be the gearbox.. another £700 (full refurb). So £1,222 later (on a known fault and that IB5 gearboxes are sh*t).

I know how you're feeling for parts failing well before they should / common issue.. it's just bad luck if you have to foot the bill!

[dimexi]

Ahhh andyy, thanks!
It's been a massive headache, it's been worrying me so much, I've actually lost sleep over it. Re your problem with the gearbox, I had one like that on my former car (Renault GT), fortunately, it was under warraty and they changed it without question. I am quite a pushy customer, but rightfully so! We spend so much money on these cars, I want it to be absolutely perfect!

Right, I do have news!!
VW called me back, they have been in contact with the garage, and they have offered to foot 30% of the bill... So from about £900 this will be close to £600.
My repair will be different from OPs as I will have a new clutch kit PLUS throw-out bearings.
You guys might call me greedy, but I was expecting a tad bit more. I have asked the VW guy to try and sweet talk them a bit, and he said he'd try.

I intend to take the goodwill gesture, as the whole clutch will be replaced for £600, and I would easily get loads of miles out of it (I intend to).

All in all, this still leaves a bit of a bitter taste for me. I love my 'roc, and this hasnt made me fall out of love with it anyway. I am just disappointed that they didnt attempt a recall or something else... Or at least offer extended warranty (free) on the drivetrain

[andyy]

Ahhh andyy, thanks!
It's been a massive headache, it's been worrying me so much, I've actually lost sleep over it. Re your problem with the gearbox, I had one like that on my former car (Renault GT), fortunately, it was under warraty and they changed it without question. I am quite a pushy customer, but rightfully so! We spend so much money on these cars, I want it to be absolutely perfect!

Right, I do have news!!
VW called me back, they have been in contact with the garage, and they have offered to foot 30% of the bill... So from about £900 this will be close to £600.
My repair will be different from OPs as I will have a new clutch kit PLUS throw-out bearings.
You guys might call me greedy, but I was expecting a tad bit more. I have asked the VW guy to try and sweet talk them a bit, and he said he'd try.

I intend to take the goodwill gesture, as the whole clutch will be replaced for £600, and I would easily get loads of miles out of it (I intend to).

All in all, this still leaves a bit of a bitter taste for me. I love my 'roc, and this hasnt made me fall out of love with it anyway. I am just disappointed that they didnt attempt a recall or something else... Or at least offer extended warranty (free) on the drivetrain

Excellent news that VW are helping you out! I would try and get as much as possible out of them!

[dimexi]

Another update:
VW called back and said they will contribute 50% to the bill - I was pretty happy with this (I tried not to show it :laugh: ), but I decided to take it.

I am having the whole clutch kit replaced, along with the throw-out bearing.
The throw-out bearing is the 2 piece part in the design - I think revision D and E of the part are made in two bits, with an O ring that acts as a seal. For some reason, this O ring leaks in cold weather, and oil gets all over the pressure plate and fly wheel... revision F of the TOB is a one piece part

[sciroccorich]

Dimexi,

As the originator of this thread, I am really pleased that someone else has had at least some success by doing some research and sticking to their guns.

Good for you!

[dimexi]

Dimexi,

As the originator of this thread, I am really pleased that someone else has had at least some success by doing some research and sticking to their guns.

Good for you!

Thank you for bringing this thread back up, with such a detailed insight to what was happening! If not for this thread AND bunnyjen's input, I dont think I would have realised what was wrong with my car. I wonder how many people are out there just carrying on with this fault - the fact that clutch fluid leaks everywhere will probably mean people have their clutches burning out prematurely.

I dont think I came across anyone with "out of warranty" success when I did a bit more digging too - My advice is to go in armed with knowledge as sciroccorich said, and don't be discouraged if you get fobbed off because you will at first. Just keep taking it up the chain of command.

Edit: I have got a call saying my car is ready; bill likely to be at £440 (just under half the price I suspect). I am happy with this. Gutted I didnt catch this under warranty, but this is the best outcome I could wrestle for! Also, completely new clutch at 45k miles.
I'm sure this thread will help people in the future; dont hesitate to hit me up for info if needed

[Sebbristol]

Hi Guys,

I had exactly the same issue with my car and I ended up paying £78 for the whole clutch to be fixed. The way I went round it was I went to the garage and spoke to the manager regarding the issue. He had a look at the terms and conditions of my warranty and had a good think for few days. Finally he came up with an idea to submit a claim to warranty for faulty 'thrust bearing' which was covered by warranty!! After that was approved and paid for I asked how much would be the difference to pay for the clutch to be replaced and it was only £78! I couldn't believe it and I went for it now there's no noise and the drive is enjoyable [emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BunnyJen]

Dimexi,

As the originator of this thread, I am really pleased that someone else has had at least some success by doing some research and sticking to their guns.

Good for you!

Thank you for bringing this thread back up, with such a detailed insight to what was happening! If not for this thread AND bunnyjen's input, I dont think I would have realised what was wrong with my car. I wonder how many people are out there just carrying on with this fault - the fact that clutch fluid leaks everywhere will probably mean people have their clutches burning out prematurely.

I dont think I came across anyone with "out of warranty" success when I did a bit more digging too - My advice is to go in armed with knowledge as sciroccorich said, and don't be discouraged if you get fobbed off because you will at first. Just keep taking it up the chain of command.

Edit: I have got a call saying my car is ready; bill likely to be at £440 (just under half the price I suspect). I am happy with this. Gutted I didnt catch this under warranty, but this is the best outcome I could wrestle for! Also, completely new clutch at 45k miles.
I'm sure this thread will help people in the future; dont hesitate to hit me up for info if needed

Had mine sorted too. I also received a nice goodwill gesture from my local dealer based upon the fact I had purchased the car from a main dealer and had a full VW service history with said dealer. Really glad I kept the car serviced with VW now and have since purchased another service plan because of this.

Thanks to everyone else who posted their experiences with this issue. Doing research in a situation like this turned out to be invaluable!

[Cthejackal]

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