Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

[Silvertfox]

Example of information available for Queenslanders:

Legislation and courts
As the Australian Consumer Law is a Commonwealth law, are disputes heard
by the Federal Court or the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
(QCAT)?
The Australian Consumer Law is a Commonwealth law and a State law at the same time. All Queensland courts, including QCAT have the authority to hear Federal and State matters.
QCAT has the authority to hear matters of minor civil disputes up to the value of $25 000.
Who decides what is ‘reasonable’?
If the dispute cannot be resolved between two parties, ultimately a tribunal or court will determine what is ‘reasonable’ under the ACL.
Has the full name of the Trade Practices Act 1974 changed?
Yes. On 1 January 2011 the Trade Practices Act 1974 changed its name to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The Australian Consumer Law is Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
The Fair Trading Act 1989 still exists in Queensland – it is the vehicle used to apply Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (the ACL) as a law of Queensland.
Did all states agree to the ACL?
Yes, the Australian Consumer Law has been adopted by all Australian, state and territory governments. This means that it is a single national law giving you the same rights and responsibilities wherever in Australia you trade as a business or shop as a consumer.
Product safety
The new product safety reporting requirement is effective from 1 January
2011. Is the requirement based on time of sale or time of injury?
The mandatory reporting requirement applies to any incident that a supplier becomes aware of from 1 January 2011, even if the incident or the good was supplied before that date.
Read more about the product safety responsibilities of businesses.

[minke]

I think you are best to talk to your state department of fair trading

I've had to use them in the past to highlight poor real estate practices, dodgy trades etc

I've found them to be excellent

Once you have spoken to them (have all your paper work ready, recipts etc ) get a fair trading email address, case number etc

then goto the dealer ask for dealer principle email address, service mgr address and cc in Volkswagen aust cyst service

Don't blind side the dealer or service guy, give them a heads up. But only after you k ow your rights

In the email start with "as discussed" then Indicate your history (keep emotion out of it - nothing like the service guy is an ******** etc. ). How it has impacted on you and your lifestyle and then clearly state what you want done to resolve the issue that is within the confines of the law

VW will know they have issues, but they are also aware that dealers are the front facing if their brand and don't want it tarnished

[dood]

I have a 2009 118 manual which is out of warranty. It has developed the loss of compression in one cylinder issue. I was not contacted by VW about the service campaign 24S4.

VW have instructed my dealer to strip the engine in order to decide if they will cover the repair, but I have been warned that I could be liable for all costs.

Where do I stand considering this is not a usual wear and tear issue, but a known engine fault? I believe that they should honour the repair even though the car's out of warranty.

[parso_rex]

I know first hand that other brands will cover things like this and given VW's track record with these engines in Aus I'd be very surprised if they did not do the same.
I had a timing belt failure in a Holden Astra which completely destroyed the internals of the engine and it was several years out of warranty at the time. I wrote a nice letter to their head office expressing my disappointment in the brand given the engine was so badly damaged with such low kilometers. To my surprise they recognised that there were a number of vehicles affected and picked up all costs, cylinder head work new pistons, rods and associated parts and all labour. I'm not a great fanboi of Holdens but I have to admit when there was an issue they fixed it and even though I could have had the whole thing done at cost through my own resources it still would have been several thousand all up.
From what I have been told if they do this they avoid the need for a full recall fixing each vehicle as required, the VW issue is worse however because so many vehicles are potentially at risk not just the forum members on here.
I'd just write a nice letter and tell them where you are now and see what happens, from a PR point of view it would be a very bad move if they didn't do the right thing by you and a very good move if they did

[brad]

I have a 2009 118 manual which is out of warranty. It has developed the loss of compression in one cylinder issue. I was not contacted by VW about the service campaign 24S4.

VW have instructed my dealer to strip the engine in order to decide if they will cover the repair, but I have been warned that I could be liable for all costs.

Where do I stand considering this is not a usual wear and tear issue, but a known engine fault? I believe that they should honour the repair even though the car's out of warranty.

If VW don't come to the party then have a look at the ACCC website regarding statutory warranties on motor vehicles.

I t is reasonable to expect an engine to last more than 4 years if it has been maintained properly.

[adhock]

Just for the record.... 118TSI wagon, very late 2010 build in Mexico, 98 RON, c, 25000 km.

The car failed 9 days ago via a 'misfire'. What irks me most is the totally reactive (vs proactive) results from VW customer service and our car dealer (Wangara Volkswagen, name and shame). Every time after initial delivery of the vehicle to them after the misfire, they didn't respond until I rang, even after assurances of contact.

The car was delivered to the dealer on Tuesday (with the dealer comment 'we are totally booked for this week'); no dealer feedback until phone calls from me Wednesday and Friday after promised callbacks didn't happen. Friday midday WST after call from me (feedback was promised by 9am from the dealer): "Yes, it's an engine replacement". It's a long weekend in WA - 'Will you provide a loaner car?' - 'Let me get authorization for that, maybe Saturday, certainly first thing Monday'. Monday, after they've had the Golf for 6 days with an acknowledged problem, I wait for a call, then eventually call VW Customer Service myself at 4pm EST (7 hours of business EST), and get authorization for a hire car (don't know what model/make yet) from TUESDAY 9am. How long would this have dragged out if I hadn't called?

So obviously I'm not impressed. They have been totally reactive, rather than trying to help. Every step of the way - with a car under two years old and a blown up engine - has been at my initiative. This was our retirement car. Now it's very bitter lemon. Unfit for Purpose? Maybe. Grumpy? Oh yes. $35K gone wrong.

[adhock]

Continuing on...
To VW's credit, the hire car they lined up is a Passat sedan, not just a Corolla or Hyundai. Nice ride.

[adhock]

Continuing again....

New engine apparently installed. Ready to collect tomorrow. One week turnaround for the work, hopefully impressive.

Can I trust the car? Very unsure. Maybe I should take a $15K to $18K bloodbath and buy a diesel like I should have initially - the wagon is still the only thing that fits the bill in that segment.

[sVWatt]

Continuing again....

New engine apparently installed. Ready to collect tomorrow. One week turnaround for the work, hopefully impressive.

Can I trust the car? Very unsure. Maybe I should take a $15K to $18K bloodbath and buy a diesel like I should have initially - the wagon is still the only thing that fits the bill in that segment.

Keep thinking about the run out cabrios then I read these stories....should I avoid?

[cktsi]

Keep thinking about the run out cabrios then I read these stories....should I avoid?

As much as I love the car, the interior's quality, thoughtful features, awesome ergonomics, the power and efficiency of the engine, I would be hard pressed to recommend to someone who has taken the trouble to consult an online forum to buy one. Particularly as I just bought a car outside the VAG stable for reasons of reliability and poor service and poor driver advocacy.

If you are, perhaps go for the diesel and 6 speed dsg with the wet clutch. If you can't live with the diesel then look elsewhere if you can help it.

Hard choice as there aren't many competitors for the same price/feature set