Let down by VW Head Office

[ibbero]

I have posted a few threads, regarding the problems that I have been having with my 2008 GTI/DSG.

To cut a long story short, my car has been in and out of the VW Service centre in Bunbury WA, with various problems. The main one being what I consider a jerky and erratic take off in first and reverse. Also, when I start the engine and pull away I get a clunking noise, as something engages, this happens at about 22km/h. They say it is the ABS engaging (pigs ass) I of course contacted VW Australia, they have been in contact with Bunbury and have been told by the technician that all is within specification. VW Australia have been in contact with me and wiped their hands of the matter.

I have test driven a couple of MkV Golfs from the dealer, including a 2008 GTI/DSG, I also had a 2005 GTI and none of them had a clunk when starting off.

I am contemplating writing to the VW Head Office in Wolfsburg, Germany and would be grateful for any advice.

[Mass]

I have posted a few threads, regarding the problems that I have been having with my 2008 GTI/DSG.

To cut a long story short, my car has been in and out of the VW Service centre in Bunbury WA, with various problems. The main one being what I consider a jerky and erratic take off in first and reverse. Also, when I start the engine and pull away I get a clunking noise, as something engages, this happens at about 22km/h. They say it is the ABS engaging (pigs ass) I of course contacted VW Australia, they have been in contact with Bunbury and have been told by the technician that all is within specification. VW Australia have been in contact with me and wiped their hands of the matter.

I have test driven a couple of MkV Golfs from the dealer, including a 2008 GTI/DSG, I also had a 2005 GTI and none of them had a clunk when starting off.

I am contemplating writing to the VW Head Office in Wolfsburg, Germany and would be grateful for any advice.

sorry to hear of your problems mate.
your issue is definitely not normal and absolutely not within specs of the car!

an idea would be to take it to another VW Dealer or VW technician and ask them to report on the matter.
if your going to another VW dealer (not the one where you bought your car from),just say you were in their area or thinking of moving nearby and wanted your car looked at.
Once you get the report and its obvious something dodge is going on, then fax,email and post a copy to both VW OZ and your dealer.
If all else fails then I would approach the ACCC or ombudsman and submit a complaint. Wouldn't harm also sending a communication to Germany as well.

good luck.

[CatonaPC©]

I'd say it's your DSG. That clunking noise at 22km/h sounds more like a rough shift from either 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd gear.

What I suggest you do is go back to the VW dealer and ask them to reset the DSG. I had a similar clunking noise but when it was downshifting and the workshop reset the DSG and now that has fixed the problem.

It's all due to wear and tear depending on how old your car is, so it's normal, I guess. You just need to find a dealer prepared to do the adjustment. If it doesn't fix the problem then you need to take it to the next level.

There are other threads in this forum on issues with DSG, so do a search for them for more info. The DSG is a great gearbox but it does have its quirks. You just need to push VW to get them to identify and fix the problem.

22km/h and the ABS kicks in? Who are they kidding?

[bazzle]

It seems points to a dsg issue.
Firstly ask them to do the DSG reset OR find someone local with VagCom (VCDS) to reset it for you.
The shuddering in reverse and sometimes with a jerk into 1st after you stop and take off 'may' also be dsg (megatronics unit) related.
The dealer has a fault chart to follow. reset is 1st.
Megatronics change is normally 2nd.

Sadly around the world lots of the Megatronics units seem to be failing in some 2008 cars. Rumour has it either side of march 2008 build BUT others have reported issues too.
A few chaps have had theirs changed here in Oz (Maverick for one) and lots reported on USA sites.

Bazzle

[ibbero]

VW Australia

VW Australia are saying, after consultation with the dealer that the vehicle clunk and jerkyness when pulling away are within specs. If I take it back for warranty work, which I believe it should be and they find nothing wrong (which they have made up their mind that they are not going to) they are going to charge me.

I have had several VW's over the years and to me the build quality has dropped, it's no wonder the Golf has gone way down the list in the customer satisfaction stakes. I will not be buying another VW.

Does anyone know the contact details of the head office in Germany?

[ibbero]

I'd say it's your DSG. That clunking noise at 22km/h sounds more like a rough shift from either 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd gear.

What I suggest you do is go back to the VW dealer and ask them to reset the DSG. I had a similar clunking noise but when it was downshifting and the workshop reset the DSG and now that has fixed the problem.

It's all due to wear and tear depending on how old your car is, so it's normal, I guess. You just need to find a dealer prepared to do the adjustment. If it doesn't fix the problem then you need to take it to the next level.

There are other threads in this forum on issues with DSG, so do a search for them for more info. The DSG is a great gearbox but it does have its quirks. You just need to push VW to get them to identify and fix the problem.

22km/h and the ABS kicks in? Who are they kidding?

The clunk happens before it changes to 2nd and only when you start the engine. It doesn't happen when pulling away from a stop sign, or traffic lights.

Another thing that happens occasionally, after the car hasn't been started for a while, is the car revs a lot more before changing into second. The car is about 10 months old and has only done 13000 kms.

[XXX-1.8T]

mate ur going about it the wrong way Wolfsburg will forward your problem to VWA.

Talk to the department of fair trading and watch how quick VW change their tune

[Jase]

Shame about the problems. Seems the odd DSG plays up and yours is one of them. Try another dealer and/or try get a mechanic/service manager into a demo car of same specs with you...if no noises or clunk you can use that as leverage a problem exists.

Alternatively demand a VW rep independently assesses it. They visit dealerships usually 1-2 times a month.

Ibbero I've sent you a PM with the contact details of someone at VW Head Office - you may have more luck with them compared to the usual methods of contact.

Good luck, keep us posted.

[STV4SYT]

I dont understand this at all. Why would the dealer not fix it, at the end of the day, any work the dealership does on your car under warranty is paid for by VWA. By not fixing it they are losing out. IF you take it to someone else to look at it then they get to bill for the repairs....

[ibbero]

I dont understand this at all. Why would the dealer not fix it, at the end of the day, any work the dealership does on your car under warranty is paid for by VWA. By not fixing it they are losing out. IF you take it to someone else to look at it then they get to bill for the repairs....

They are using the line that the clunk is normal and within specs and tell me that they can't just go ahead and change a gearbox, without VW's permission

[ibbero]

Shame about the problems. Seems the odd DSG plays up and yours is one of them. Try another dealer and/or try get a mechanic/service manager into a demo car of same specs with you...if no noises or clunk you can use that as leverage a problem exists.

Alternatively demand a VW rep independently assesses it. They visit dealerships usually 1-2 times a month.

Ibbero I've sent you a PM with the contact details of someone at VW Head Office - you may have more luck with them compared to the usual methods of contact.

Good luck, keep us posted.

I have already driven two of their vehicles. The first one was a TDI/DSG, which they said that you couldn't compare with a DSG (so why did they let me drive it) The second vehicle was a 2008 GTI/DSG that was on the forecourt. Both of these vehicles took away smoothly and neither of them had any clunking noises, like mine. But they are still adamant that mine is within specs. If that's the case, VW specs have dropped over the years

[Mass]

I have already driven two of their vehicles. The first one was a TDI/DSG, which they said that you couldn't compare with a DSG (so why did they let me drive it) The second vehicle was a 2008 GTI/DSG that was on the forecourt. Both of these vehicles took away smoothly and neither of them had any clunking noises, like mine. But they are still adamant that mine is within specs. If that's the case, VW specs have dropped over the years

like other members have mentioned (including myself), it seems there is an issue/fault with your DSG. Follow through with getting an independent report by a VW tech, then take this to the dealer. If they fail to rectify the problem, then you have options and its up to you how you proceed. The main thing is to get your problem fixed and for VW to keep you as a happy customer.
I'm sure I speak for everyone, but if there was any clunks/cracks/pin noises coming from the DSG or the car for that matter and this was explained as normal within specs "I Wouldn't Buy The Car".
Keep us posted

[ibbero]

GTI Clunk

I have posted several messages about the clunk that I get when I start the engine and get up to about 22km/h. I have been told that this is normal and within specs.

I would like to know whether anyone else has a normal, within specs VW like mine.

2008 GTI/DSG

[Maverick]

Take your car to another dealer and get them to look at it, it's the only way to know for sure.

[guliver_twist]

have you tried a different dealership??