Problems after problems...

[marc77777]

Just wondering if i'm the only one that got a lemon so far...

Here are my issues so far after 2 weeks of ownership

1. Wind noise, dealer fixed last week but still not fixed. Will be looked at again next week
2. Horn, deffective and will be replaced next week
3. Driver door panel rattle, fixed last week
4. Rear defrost, vw engineers confirmed dealer needs to replace back glass!! (and re-tint because my windows are tinted), will be replaced next week
5. Now the spedometer makes noise, they will check next week
6. The famous recall, my dealer has the parts on order (I threw this one in even though all 2011 Jetta owners have this)

To say this car has disapointed me is an understatement, when the spedometer started squeeking this past weekend I couldn't believe it and even worse when the dealer told me today that they need to change the back glass to fix the rear defrost. Something about removing windows on a brand new car just doesn't sit easy with me. How the deffective horn was missed in 2 pdi's is beyond me as well.
I will say this though the dealer has been very good so far, they will deliver a rental car to my home and take mine to the dealership for servicing next week, so no wasted time there.
A couple of emails to the VW Canada "we don't care" people have done nothing so far.
If the problems persist beyond this, next step is camvap!!

I should have bought the golf!

 

[snakeye]

I was going to post that problems like the ones you're experiencing are to be expected in the first year of a new model. However, the horn and wind noise problem really make me wonder how much testing actually went into the car before its production began.

 

[mo_focus]

Marc just out of curiousity did you find couple of bottles of Corona in the trunk? maybe it was fiesta friday when they built yours?

Have you talked to your dealer about this? Tell them you want the Golf or you are going to let the news papers or TV know about the crappy car you got.

 

[DC-IT]

Marc
When I signed the papers to buy my TDI the CA explained to me that any disputes will be settled by arbitration which is where CAMVAP comes in.

So you should at least call CAMVAP to ask if you have a case for VW to replace your TDI with another one or the GOLF?

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

Wow - sorry that you are having so many issues with your car. Seems like it isn't ending. I do hope that you get something resolved.

 

[anotherTDI]

sorry to hear about your troubles.

luckily in FL we have a lemon law that replaces the vehicle after three tries at a repair by the dealer.

FWIW my wife went from a 2004 to a 2006 Mercedes E350 at no charge after multiple failed attempts to fix a major electrical issue.

 

[~Jb]

Marc just out of curiousity did you find couple of bottles of Corona in the trunk? maybe it was fiesta friday when they built yours?

My thoughts exactly, lol!

Marc, You got a Friday car no doubt about it. I would defiantly document and make sure that not only your dealer but VWoA is made aware of these on going issues. While its clear that VWoA dropped the ball when producing your car, your dealer does not sound like the most competent either.

My 11' JTDI has experienced a couple of issues that you have mentioned, and my dealer went above and beyond to remedy the issues swiftly and accurately the first time, and I now have no issues other then the recall fix, which my dealer has ready for me, but I have not had time to deal with, nor have I experienced the problems outlined in the recall.

For the record, my car experienced the wind noise issue and a few (expected) plastic on plastic squeaks that I fixed myself with some felt tape.

It does suck that you are having so many problems with your JTDI, but as I am sure all past VW owners and enthusiast will tell you "you got what you paid for." I test drove the A3 and its leaps and bounds over my JTDI that I settled on. But it was not what I wanted (hatch). That said, the moment there is an A4 sedan in TDI available in the USA, I will move on.

The way I look at it, for under 25,000 USD, I can live with a few minor inconveniences, to have the joy of TDI.



Goodluck,

~jb

 

[marc77777]

My thoughts exactly, lol!

Marc, You got a Friday car no doubt about it. I would defiantly document and make sure that not only your dealer but VWoA is made aware of these on going issues. While its clear that VWoA dropped the ball when producing your car, your dealer does not sound like the most competent either.

My 11' JTDI has experienced a couple of issues that you have mentioned, and my dealer went above and beyond to remedy the issues swiftly and accurately the first time, and I now have no issues other then the recall fix, which my dealer has ready for me, but I have not had time to deal with, nor have I experienced the problems outlined in the recall.

For the record, my car experienced the wind noise issue and a few (expected) plastic on plastic squeaks that I fixed myself with some felt tape.

It does suck that you are having so many problems with your JTDI, but as I am sure all past VW owners and enthusiast will tell you "you got what you paid for." I test drove the A3 and its leaps and bounds over my JTDI that I settled on. But it was not what I wanted (hatch). That said, the moment there is an A4 sedan in TDI available in the USA, I will move on.

The way I look at it, for under 25,000 USD, I can live with a few minor inconveniences, to have the joy of TDI.



Goodluck,

~jb

I didn't find any Corona bottles in the trunk, only the caps.

I know I may come off as a bit picky and maybe somewhat of a complainer but the car cost me 30k and I expect something reliable (the whole reason of buying new). I spoke with CAMVAP but they said as long as the dealer is fixing the issues not much to do at this point except to document everything, beleive it or not there's a lot to document so far. I am trying to get the dealer to buy it back and possibly trade for new golf, not as easy as it sounds, dealer says it's vw canada who decides and vw canada says it's dealer who decides...time for a 3-way call I think.
If things don't go my way and they do get everything fixed my next upgrade will deffiinately be some dynamat on the doors.

For the good now: Contrary to others I think the bluetooth works great, the car stops amazing and it has loads more power than I was expecting. I finally figured out how to categorize music on a sd card so that the car can see them all...finally.

Now as far as the rear defrost issue go's, well dealer is replacing the back glass, apparently the connector became unsoldered and cannot be fixed. Service manager said i'm not the first one either...you guys might want to check yours.

 

[mo_focus]

Now as far as the rear defrost issue go's, well dealer is replacing the back glass, apparently the connector became unsoldered and cannot be fixed. Service manager said i'm not the first one either...you guys might want to check yours.

Was it like that before you got it tinted or the tint guys did it?

 

[marc77777]

Was it like that before you got it tinted or the tint guys did it?

Had the windows tinted by the dealer so I guess nobody will ever know.

 

[tdi90hp]

tint guys did it ,,,probably....a few other issues are teething...dont worry...cars are sound. but you are right...golfs are sweeeet

 

[mo_focus]

Had the windows tinted by the dealer so I guess nobody will ever know.

ahh this explains why they are so easy in agreeing about the window replacement.

Goodthing you got the window tinted by them!

 

[marc77777]

ahh this explains why they are so easy in agreeing about the window replacement.

Goodthing you got the window tinted by them!

Came close to getting it done elsewhere until they knocked off $200, glad I took their offer. Let this be a lesson to anyone else thinking of getting their windows tinted, best to have it done at the dealer.

On a side note, the service manager mentioned that the connector is unsoldered, I think if the tint guys did any damage it would have likely been a cut defrost line or something but this is not the case.

I was somewhat paranoid about having a new window replaced so I called back the dealer to ensure their techs are not doing it and that it is a window specialist...turns out they do outsource this, same as the tint. I have to say it's gonna cost a lot of $$$ to get this window changed.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

I know what you mean with the hesitation of a new back window. I hope who ever installs it does it right. Nice thing, is that it should be factory glass so there will be no fitment issues. One thing to keep in mind is that all windows are made to be replaced, but I know too that you don't want extra noises and/or possible water leaks. The leaks would be my main concern, but that has more to do with the install work I would think.

On our Volvo I had to have the windshield replaced with non-OEM glass and was never happy. Had the company replace it a second time because it was so noisy, like the glass was moving in the frame and the second piece was slightly better. This was all aftermarket glass and I was not thrilled. Not much I could do I felt when held hostage by the insurance company paying bottom dollar.

 

[xllbenllx]

Had the windows tinted by the dealer so I guess nobody will ever know.

tint guys did it ,,,probably....a few other issues are teething...dont worry...cars are sound. but you are right...golfs are sweeeet

ahh this explains why they are so easy in agreeing about the window replacement.

Goodthing you got the window tinted by them!

wouldn't be so sure about that--my defroster wasnt working either when we (my gf and i) bought the car; found out that night. we let the dealership know, and our sales guy just told us to bring it in so one of the service guys can take a look; needless to say, we went ahead and tinted the rest of the car, minus the back winshield; looks kinda silly, but we'd rather get it fixed before tinting and then having to retint lol

 

[Dodoma]

A way to turn your misery into hapiness would be to trade the car. There is slim chance that the new car will be like wise problematic. There will be some loss, but keeping it will perpetuate losses.

 

[marc77777]

A way to turn your misery into hapiness would be to trade the car. There is slim chance that the new car will be like wise problematic. There will be some loss, but keeping it will perpetuate losses.

I have an open case with vw canada, currently there is a lot of finger pointing going on between them and the dealer for who decides the take back of the car.
To put the icing on the cake, my car had to be towed to the dealer today, it stalled out and wouldn't start. It had done it about an hour earlier but it started right back up. What really pisses me off is that the car is 3 weeks old, has 3000km and my kids were in the car!! I'm done with this car, dealer can keep it.

 

[DC-IT]

Sorry to hear that Marc.
Have you contacted CANVAP for assistance to resolve your issues with an obvious lemon TDI?
I hope you can get a satisfactory solution ASAP soon and maybe get a replacement TDI.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

I am really sorry to hear this Marc. I really do hope it all gets resolved in your favor. I also think this is not normal for any new car these days.

 

[DieselNerd]

Don't lose your patience. Just let the warranty do it's job. Make sure they provide you a loaner car while yours is being fixed so you aren't paying for a car and have no transportation.

As my Mom used to say, "You'll attract more flies with honey than you will vinegar". Be kind do the service manager and staff. Explain the issues to them. Use the 4 most powerful words in the English language, "I need your help". Empower them to help you. Make them WANT to help you. Yes, it's their job, but take it from someone who fixes stuff for people, the nice folks get taken care of first and I go the extra mile to make sure they are satisified.

It's mechanical. Things will go wrong and things can be fixed. Next time you go to the dealer, bring in a box of doughnuts and a big box of good coffee. Tell them, "As much as my car has been in here I figured you and your techs might need an energy boost". Tell them you APPRECIATE their help and kill them with kindness. You will find that they fall all over themselves to help you.

Worst come to worse, take the service manager out to lunch and PAY for it. Don't talk about your car problems. Make him a friend.

I'm not intending to say you've not been nice to them, just passing along some free advice. Car dealers are called "stealers" and have a reputation for being crooks. Everyone is out to "get" them and see if they can put the squeeze on those "crooks". When you boil it down, they are just people trying to make a living. Can't fault them for that.

 

[mo_focus]

Don't lose your patience. Just let the warranty do it's job. Make sure they provide you a loaner car while yours is being fixed so you aren't paying for a car and have no transportation.

As my Mom used to say, "You'll attract more flies with honey than you will vinegar". Be kind do the service manager and staff. Explain the issues to them. Use the 4 most powerful words in the English language, "I need your help". Empower them to help you. Make them WANT to help you. Yes, it's their job, but take it from someone who fixes stuff for people, the nice folks get taken care of first and I go the extra mile to make sure they are satisified.

It's mechanical. Things will go wrong and things can be fixed. Next time you go to the dealer, bring in a box of doughnuts and a big box of good coffee. Tell them, "As much as my car has been in here I figured you and your techs might need an energy boost". Tell them you APPRECIATE their help and kill them with kindness. You will find that they fall all over themselves to help you.

Worst come to worse, take the service manager out to lunch and PAY for it. Don't talk about your car problems. Make him a friend.

I'm not intending to say you've not been nice to them, just passing along some free advice. Car dealers are called "stealers" and have a reputation for being crooks. Everyone is out to "get" them and see if they can put the squeeze on those "crooks". When you boil it down, they are just people trying to make a living. Can't fault them for that.

wow great advice! never thought of that.

 

[anotherTDI]

Don't lose your patience. Just let the warranty do it's job. Make sure they provide you a loaner car while yours is being fixed so you aren't paying for a car and have no transportation.

As my Mom used to say, "You'll attract more flies with honey than you will vinegar". Be kind do the service manager and staff. Explain the issues to them. Use the 4 most powerful words in the English language, "I need your help". Empower them to help you. Make them WANT to help you. Yes, it's their job, but take it from someone who fixes stuff for people, the nice folks get taken care of first and I go the extra mile to make sure they are satisified.

It's mechanical. Things will go wrong and things can be fixed. Next time you go to the dealer, bring in a box of doughnuts and a big box of good coffee. Tell them, "As much as my car has been in here I figured you and your techs might need an energy boost". Tell them you APPRECIATE their help and kill them with kindness. You will find that they fall all over themselves to help you.

Worst come to worse, take the service manager out to lunch and PAY for it. Don't talk about your car problems. Make him a friend.

I'm not intending to say you've not been nice to them, just passing along some free advice. Car dealers are called "stealers" and have a reputation for being crooks. Everyone is out to "get" them and see if they can put the squeeze on those "crooks". When you boil it down, they are just people trying to make a living. Can't fault them for that.

.........or you can do like my wife did at Mercedes Benz of Tampa Bay after six months of headaches..............cry your eyes out in the General Manager's office all the while communicating that you have saved your money your whole life to buy your dream car.......a Mercedes Benz automobile which has turned out to be an unsafe, unreliable, and an otherwise complete and utter disappointment of a car.

after about 30 minutes of this drivel.....the response: We are so sorry to hear this Mrs. XXXXX, it would be our pleasure if you would go out on the lot and pick out another.

 

[DieselNerd]

Well, that works for women. Probably not so much for a man.

 

[mwayner69]

Yeah, I have a feeling that if I tried that, the response wouldn't be the same.

 

[marc77777]

Don't lose your patience. Just let the warranty do it's job. Make sure they provide you a loaner car while yours is being fixed so you aren't paying for a car and have no transportation.

As my Mom used to say, "You'll attract more flies with honey than you will vinegar". Be kind do the service manager and staff. Explain the issues to them. Use the 4 most powerful words in the English language, "I need your help". Empower them to help you. Make them WANT to help you. Yes, it's their job, but take it from someone who fixes stuff for people, the nice folks get taken care of first and I go the extra mile to make sure they are satisified.

It's mechanical. Things will go wrong and things can be fixed. Next time you go to the dealer, bring in a box of doughnuts and a big box of good coffee. Tell them, "As much as my car has been in here I figured you and your techs might need an energy boost". Tell them you APPRECIATE their help and kill them with kindness. You will find that they fall all over themselves to help you.

Worst come to worse, take the service manager out to lunch and PAY for it. Don't talk about your car problems. Make him a friend.

I'm not intending to say you've not been nice to them, just passing along some free advice. Car dealers are called "stealers" and have a reputation for being crooks. Everyone is out to "get" them and see if they can put the squeeze on those "crooks". When you boil it down, they are just people trying to make a living. Can't fault them for that.

Great response indeed, funny you mention this but I have actually been very nice to them and yesterday when I droppped off my car again, I mentioned to the service director that I was very displeased with my car so far due to all the problems I've been having but that he and (I mentioned some of his staff by name) have been extremely helpful on getting the matters resolved and that it was very much appreciated. None of my complaints so far have been the cause of my dealership (with the exception of the scratches caused by a third party) but are with the car itself and this I lie the blame with VW and their quality control or lack thereof.

 

[al63017]

Encouragement

Just to give you hope. My 2011 TDI has been totally flawless for the past almost 4 months and 4000 miles. Prior Honda owner for years so used to having zero problems. The recall is the only thing and getting loaner on that day so I over look that. I think I will only buy VW and Diesel from now on. When I trade this it may be a Passat for a change of pace which looks much like a twin of Jetta but a bit bigger. The MPG are insane.



Hang in there