Just written about rust to head of VW group! *Now includes the great result!*

[homesqueeze]

I got hold of the personal email address to Martin Winterkorn who is basically the boss of VW. I have sent him a detailed letter to express my anger at only being offered a 70-30 split on repairs to the rust below my boot release mechanism. As we all know it's a design fault and should not have to be paid for! Anyway, I wanted to go to the top man in the hope that he will sort out the problem. Had some success with a problem in the past with this kind of action so hoping for a result! Will keep you posted on the result.

[jedi-knight83]

also point out that some people.... (me for one) have had it done 100% under warranty. would be nice if there was some consistency with their warranty dept.

[homesqueeze]

Thanks, I did mention that fact in my letter because I have heard that some people have had it done free. Can't understand what's different for me!

[jedi-knight83]

Thanks, I did mention that fact in my letter because I have heard that some people have had it done free. Can't understand what's different for me!

I think alot is down to how the dealer presents the warranty case.

Not sure where your located but try Chris Hollis (bodyshop manager) at VW Chelmsford. He got my wings and tailgate 100% funded and they did a GREAT job.

[homesqueeze]

Yeah you're probably right. Although, I had no trouble getting my wings done for free a while back.
Cheers, but I'm in the South West so that would be too far away. I'm just going to hold out for something to happen after my letter. Fingers crossed!

[zerolag]

As Jedi infers, if you can collate enough people (with Number plates / VINS) that have had this done under warranty, it's going to seriously warrant your claim.  I think manufactures really worry about the power of forums / groups now, and the negative press they can deliver to their brand.

Additionally, I think it's nice to add praise to VW / dealerships when work has been done in merit. :)

[homesqueeze]

As Jedi infers, if you can collate enough people (with Number plates / VINS) that have had this done under warranty, it's going to seriously warrant your claim.  I think manufactures really worry about the power of forums / groups now, and the negative press they can deliver to their brand.

Additionally, I think it's nice to add praise to VW / dealerships when work has been done in merit. :)

Thanks. From what I've heard, when people complain that others have had it done for free, they just say that each case is different and judged on its own merits. This is why I decided to write to the top guy who runs VW, in the hope it might stir up some action. I did mention I was in contact with other forum members with the same problems and that people are losing faith in the VW brand. I was polite about the whole thing and complimentary where possible, but made sure he knew my true feelings about the situation.

[homesqueeze]

Just wanted to share the good news that my letter worked! 
I didn't get a direct reply from Martin Winterkorn himself, but one of his assistants. They said they had looked into it and forwarded the info to VW UK and that they would contact me. Sure enough, today I got a call from VW UK customer care. They said that they had studied my case and felt that it was the right thing to do to cover the whole cost of the repairs. Needless to say I am chuffed to bits!!! 

[Kregiel]

great outcome! consider it small Christmas present from VW!

happy for you mate

Paul

[ReeceH13]

I have a bit of 'bubbling' around the boot logo, Would this constitute a claim?

I have a black VW badge but surely they wouldn't say anything about that...

[homesqueeze]

It's probably worth a try, badge colour shouldn't matter really. My rust is appearing on the paint under the badge. It's where water sits in the groove of the badge mechanism. Seems to be common problem. Take it to your local dealer and they should submit a claim for you. Of course its going to help if you've got a full VW service history though.