Servicing under warranty--anywhere?

[Goz]

Hi,

I recently bought a new Polo Trendline and so it is still well within the 3 year manufacturer's warranty period.

My question is, can I get this car serviced by any mechanic and keep the warranty?
Or would the warranty become void if it's not done by the dealer where I bought the car?

Thanks in advance for any information.

[Transporter]

As long as your servicing is done to manufacturer's requirements by qualified mechanic, your warranty can't be voided.

[Hillbilly]

Make sure they use ONLY the correct APPROVED oil in the vehicle There is a list in the lubricants section of the Forum


List of Approved oils from the ERWIN site

VW have been known to do oil tests on faulty motors to see if the oil was correct

[AdamD]

VW are currently offering a 5 year "goodwill" warranty (so, a 2-year extension) on DSGs if the car has been serviced through the dealer network for every scheduled service, and meets all other warranty criteria. Worth bearing that in mind in light of the spate of DSG failures.

[Transporter]

...and if you do so, just make sure that your VAG car doesn't have any performance tune since that automaticaly voids the warranty. It will be interesting to see how many affected by recall will get their car fixed if previously tuned.

[AdamD]

...and if you do so, just make sure that your VAG car doesn't have any performance tune since that automaticaly voids the warranty. It will be interesting to see how many affected by recall will get their car fixed if previously tuned.

As far as I know, VW will be required to replace parts that are being recalled, irrespective of any modifications to the vehicle. If it's a safety issue then it's a safety issue, and regardless of whether an owner has modified the part or not, it still constitutes a risk.

If this was just a campaign where VW were changing parts at their discretion as required, then the case would be different. But mechatronics are being replaced regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms, because the faulty parts are susceptible to future failure that may lead to a dangerous situation.

[Transporter]

Hmm, I received the email saying it's a voluntarty recall. Still, you're right and it should not mean anything in this instance and the car owners get their cars fixed, but most likely get flagged in the VW system as the one that was tempered with.

[brad]

Hmm, I received the email saying it's a voluntarty recall. Still, you're right and it should not mean anything in this instance and the car owners get their cars fixed, but most likely get flagged in the VW system as the one that was tempered with.

AFAIK, all recalls are voluntary.

[Hillbilly]

AFAIK, all recalls are voluntary.

No they arent the one in China was brought about by the Government

Most are forced upon manufacturers by the relevant authority due to dangerous or deficient goods

Eg something doesnt meet Australian Standard or has parts that may be swallowed by small children.

I am mildly perturbed that VW may choose to only replace perceived faulty units.

In one place on the Recall site it says Mechatronic units will be replaced and in the Mass mailout it says GEARBOX UNITS so what actually is it

[brad]

Sorry should have clarified that as "in Australia" as that is the recall email we are talking about.

A voluntary recall simply means the supplier & the government have come to an agreement as to the process that will be undertaken.

The Minister for Competition Policy & Consumer Affairs does have the power to order a compulsory recall of a product if it will or may cause injury to a person and where it appears that the supplier has not taken satisfactory action to prevent the goods from causing injury.

When you say:

Most are forced upon manufacturers by the relevant authority due to dangerous or deficient goods

Do you mean in Australia or world wide? The info I have is that the bulk of AUS recalls are voluntary. I asume because it's cheaper to come up with your own solution rather than have The Minister foist one upon you. maybe I'm wrong. It would be interesting to see some stats.

VWs recall notice says:

Volkswagen Group Australia will replace the gearbox mechatronic unit on all potentially affected vehicles at no cost to the customer. At the same time, we will also update customers’ vehicles with the latest software version.

relevant points in bold. In simple terms, if the vehicle is within the nominated date range then they'll change the mechatronics unit.