VW Avoiding Warranty

**Golfed** · 03-12-2016, 08:19 AM

Hi All,

Golf 118TSI Mk6 DSQ200 - 2 clutch packs in space of 5 years, dealer now suggests time for 3rd pack installed as again have shudder 1st-2nd gears and clunking but VW Aust refuse to cover as few months outside of 2 year parts warranty, even though issue raised with them and investigated at 18 months but on test drive they could not diagnose at time nor did dealer have ability to perform detailed clutch test in 2015.

Now they quote $3k for clutch pack but likely will drive it till clutch breaks and then send car to wreckers as no point throwing money at a flawed design, virtually worthless now despite being in otherwise excellent condition and less than 150,000kms which should sell for around $10,000 but not with a failing clutch pack.

So regardless of not doing my homework on DSG design flaws before I purchased vehicle back in early 2012, what are others perspective on VW parts warranties not being honoured? What would you do?

Thanks

**cme2c** · 04-12-2016, 02:16 PM

I'd check Australian and Victorian consumer law. Things are supposed to work for a "reasonable time" regardless of written warranty. I also agree with you, we are keeping my wife's 2009 118 TSI until something breaks that is too expoensive to fix. I'd also get another opinion from an independant VW specialist, and be aware that Exedy, for example, make clutches for the DQ200.

**Umai Naa!!** · 04-12-2016, 02:28 PM

It's up to the dealer to honor the parts warranty.

You could try, through the dealer, for a goodwill repair. It is most likely that you'll be out of pocket one way or another anyway.

**salrom** · 05-12-2016, 01:36 AM

I had the clutch fail on my wifes 2010, sam model at about 26,000 it was still just under warranty so it was done by VW though it has continued to suffer from a shutter in the clutch particularly on hill starts. Every time I took it in they say that can't find any problem. I dont know if this is the company line now, it seem to be given your comments.

I have maintained the car extremely well, not a scratch and everything in good working order but it's gradually been getting worse so I think it's time to sell even though it's only done 47,000km. A $3000 repair is not worth it given the problems with the design i'd rather put the money into a new car.
I also have an R which has been great so far apart from the entertainment unit which is not great by comparable car standards, though it's only done 7,000km may be time to trade in for a new one also.

**brad** · 05-12-2016, 09:06 AM

Talk to the ACCC. You have a binding statutory warranty. Based on repairs so far, VW appear to have designed the clutches with a <3 year lifespan. Would a reasonable person expect the gearbox of a car marketed as high quality and reliable to need $3k of work every 2.5 years? I don't think so.

**Umai Naa!!** · 05-12-2016, 09:55 AM

In my mind, clutches are considered a consumbale. In much the same vein as brake pads.

If you're going to balance it on the friction point in traffic, on hills, etc, it's going to get hot spots and shudder, and eventually wear out and fail.

**Guest001** · 05-12-2016, 10:14 AM

One thing you should not do is creep in traffic with your foot on the brake Causes clutches to slip and give the trouble you have.

Stop, let it roll with foot off the brake, Stop etc.

**brad** · 05-12-2016, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by Umai Naa!!

In my mind, clutches are considered a consumbale. In much the same vein as brake pads.

If you're going to balance it on the friction point in traffic, on hills, etc, it's going to get hot spots and shudder, and eventually wear out and fail.

You have a point but VW market the DSG as an "automatic".

The bulk of owners (my landlords and their 90tsi Golf included), just get in and drive. They don't read the manual. They don't want to know the technical ins & outs. They just wanted a car with 2 pedals and the salesman would have told them that "this is VWs automatic transmission".

And if it's considered normal for a clutch to wear out every few years I'll eat my hat.

**Guest001** · 05-12-2016, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by brad

You have a point but VW market the DSG as an "automatic".

The bulk of owners (my landlords and their 90tsi Golf included), just get in and drive. They don't read the manual. They don't want to know the technical ins & outs. They just wanted a car with 2 pedals and the salesman would have told them that "this is VWs automatic transmission".

And if it's considered normal for a clutch to wear out every few years I'll eat my hat.

Therein lies the problem. Get in think they know all about it and drive it like an old slushbox and wonder why they wear clutches out.

If they sit in traffic and creep of course they will wear out. Same as the old burning smell when dipsticks held them on the clutch in a manual.

Perhaps VW salesmen should explain about the tranny. Not only VW have twin clutch gearboxes these days either, so must be happening in other makes as well.