Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

[kaanage]

Golf VI 118 TSI 7sp DSG MY09

My engine died yesterday as well. This is the second time. The first dead engine was at 15,000, now this one at 90,000.

You should update the thread about the Service Campaign that 'Resolved' that issue. Then you'll get questioned about your fuel...

[rude]

We ended up trading ours in after 4 engine failures for a new golf. So far there has been no issues!

[Stelex]

I have. I also asked them for the assistance, called the ACCC and lodged a formal complaint but to no avail. These bodies are toothless tigers. Essentially, they advised me that I need to seek remedy from VW and if they don't come to the party I can lodge complaint with them, which I did. What happened? Nothing, they told me that the best course of action is to sue VW for lost time and reduced value of vehicle, make it under (IIRC) $7,500 and take it through the small claims court. That's where it (their advice) ended.

I spoke to a lawyer who is a good friend of my best friend and who specialises in this sort of disputes. She advised me that the thing is winnable but it will take forever and that I might need to remortgage the house if I want to go ahead.

In the end I have purchased extended warranty. The car is leased, so I couldn't sell it until the lease expires (4 years) unless I incurr serious losses. As I wasn't keen on having the car without a warranty for one single day after all that happened to it, I had to get warranty myself.

The dealer where I purchased the car, and never serviced there, was very sympathetic and very apologetic and sold me the extended warranty for $1,670, he said it was 'at cost'. At the time I couldn't find it anywhere under $2,300.

In early 1990s I spent 5 years of my life in Germany and had Golf I, Golf Ia, Golf II, Passat Wagon Diesel and Jetta II and really enjoyed each one of them, with no issues at all, even though they were all 10+ year old cars. Then I bought this piece of junk, I don't know what happened meanwhile, they cocked it up big time.

What now? Waiting 29th November, the car will be on sale the moment the sun goes up.

Last month I purchased a new Honda Accord Euro and enjoying it no end ... fingers crossed Golf is now driven by my wife, doing just minimum kilometres, work, shops, garage. I just don't trust it anymore, don't trust VW at all.

Never again.

Never.

Not. Ever. Again.

(well, I guess it shows how frustrated I am

Just a quick update: the car is now at VW service centre in pieces - waiting for the new engine (#3), new clutch pack (#4) and new mechatronics (#3). This is about 1,000 km after the post above.

[Alissa]

Hi everyone,

I need help!!! I have a 2010 Golf 118TSI with 107000km on the clock (ie just out of warranty). It has always been serviced at the VW dealership. About a month ago the catalytic converter light came on and the car started idling rough on startup. On one occasion the car actually stalled on startup and also had considerable loss of power when driven. I took it to the dealership and they diagnosed it with "bad fuel causing an engine misfire", cleared the code and said to come back if it happens again. A few weeks later the light came on again, it was still misfiring and back to the dealership I went. They said the engine has a cracked piston and they would need to replace it (possibly all four? I was so horrified I tuned out a bit) at a cost of $6000. VW goodwill have agreed to pay for parts and 30% of the labour costs which would leave me $1900 out of pocket.

So I am completely freaking out. How do I get VW goodwill to cover the entire cost?? I've done a lot of research and clearly there is a fundamental flaw in the these engines that is causing them to fail. How can VW expect me to shell out nearly 2 grand to repair the engine when so many have died already??? I think it has had that 24S4 software upgrade but the damage must have already been done by that point...

Another question is: if they replace all the pistons, will the engine just die again down the track?? Has the software upgrade actually fixed the issue or is it just a bandaid?

And I was also wondering, is replacing the pistons just a dodgy fix?? Should they be replacing the whole engine?

Thanks very much for you help.

[parso_rex]

What state are you in (not state of mind ) if your in Sydney I can point you in the right direction

[Alissa]

Hahaha yeah no doubt you already know my state of mind!! I am in NSW - Hunter Valley. Thank you!

[Umai Naa!!]

From my time at dealership level, the first offer of goodwill is the only offer of goodwill. It's not known to be negotiable.

What fuel do you use?

Should you choose to go ahead with the engine rebuild, I'd strongly recommend using 98 octane premium from here on in.

[brad]

If you've only been communicating at dealership level then you could escalate direct to VW Customer Service.

Keep in mind that while your factory warranty may have expired, you still have a statutory warranty which basically says that an item has an expected lifespan. I'm sure when you bought the car a reasonable person wouldn't expect a modern, quality product such as a VW engine to expire in 4 years/100,000km if it had been serviced properly. As you state you've had all your services done at VW you should be more likely to have your claim accepted.

I would push a bit harder, document your communications & be firm & polite. Do your homework. Have a read about statutory warranties at the ACCC website as many retailers haven't a clue what they are or what they mean.

[minke]

If you've only been communicating at dealership level then you could escalate direct to VW Customer Service.

Keep in mind that while your factory warranty may have expired, you still have a statutory warranty which basically says that an item has an expected lifespan. I'm sure when you bought the car a reasonable person wouldn't expect a modern, quality product such as a VW engine to expire in 4 years/100,000km if it had been serviced properly. As you state you've had all your services done at VW you should be more likely to have your claim accepted.

I would push a bit harder, document your communications & be firm & polite. Do your homework. Have a read about statutory warranties at the ACCC website as many retailers haven't a clue what they are or what they mean.

Good advice that - I'd also suggest that you (not saying you wouldn't) keep the emotion out of it. Don't get into 'the Service Manager is an a$$$$hole etc...' keep it factual, and to the point.

[Alissa]

Thanks for all the advice guys - excellent news today! VW goodwill have agreed to pay the entire repair bill ($6000) in full!! I didn't even have to kick up a stink, I was just as nice and courteous as possible and it actually worked. I am incredibly relieved and honestly felt like kissing their service manager.. So so happy!! Im obviously still very concerned about VW reliability (especially the reliability of this car) but I've got to say I'm incredibly impressed with their service.

Has anyone had any experience with these cars after something like this (cracked piston)??? The car will have a 2 year parts and labour warranty on the engine now, but should I be worried that it will just die again in another 2 years? Has updating the software (ie through the service campaign) actually resolved the engine failure issue in these golfs?

I'm strongly thinking about trading it in for a (possibly) more reliable car, but I can't really think of a car I would prefer more than this one (without spending a lot more money).

Thanks again for the advice!