Problems / Faults

[Blacky]

Still thinking of getting an R36 and thought I would get some further opinions on what I might be getting myself in for!

If you have something you want to get off your chest or maybe just enlighten my life feel free to respond with your experiences.

I am interested in the complete story;

Pre-Ordering
Dealers
Delivery times
Initial issues
Long terms problems

Thanks in advance

[Cro]

There were a few initial issues with mine, the RNS510 sat nav kept crashing on me in certain regions. I now have a new unit that works fine apart from a loose bolt rattling in my dash.
The car came with a shoddy wheel alignment (toe issues) that destroyed two of my tyres ($1200 worth), but that has since been sorted by Heasemans.

The only other problem I have is the aluminium bit that runs across the dash keeps rubbing against the styrofoam behind it causing an annoying mouse squeak. First the drivers side was doing it, which got fixed now its the passenger side.

Once the sat nav rattle and the mouse squeak get fixed in the 30k service next month it will be smooth sailing

[theplanner]

I had the following issues:

1) Memory seat mechanism was faulty. It had to be replaced under warranty but the whole process was not pleasant as they insisted on testing it over 2 occassion which means only on my 3rd visit was it fixed.

2) engine does not start properly on hot humid days after engine is warm. Have repeatedly taken back for checkup but still not fixed. Again, the service is utterly disappointing.

3) Rattering from rear shelf, still not fixed

4) Interior alarm did not work intially

5) there was a recall on the electrical cable again the whole replacement process was not seamless like other manufacturers I have dealt with

Overall, not happy with quality and servicing (I have lose count how many times I had taken my car in for check ups for servicing since 1 year & 15000kms ownership, it has taken up a lot of my time = opportunity cost) however the bang for buck factor enables me to oversee the VW flaws. And the car drives great! Would I buy a VW if it were not for the R36, short answer is most likely "NO".

[Rocket36]

3) Rattering from rear shelf, still not fixed

I bet it's the headlining strip across the back of the roof that covers the brake light! Mine vibrated and rattled after the window tinter didn't put it back on properly. Has a weird clip system. Took it off myself, tighted the clips and put it back. Sorted!

[GHW]

I had the following issues:

1) Memory seat mechanism was faulty. It had to be replaced under warranty but the whole process was not pleasant as they insisted on testing it over 2 occassion which means only on my 3rd visit was it fixed.

2) engine does not start properly on hot humid days after engine is warm. Have repeatedly taken back for checkup but still not fixed. Again, the service is utterly disappointing.

3) Rattering from rear shelf, still not fixed

4) Interior alarm did not work intially

5) there was a recall on the electrical cable again the whole replacement process was not seamless like other manufacturers I have dealt with

Overall, not happy with quality and servicing (I have lose count how many times I had taken my car in for check ups for servicing since 1 year & 15000kms ownership, it has taken up a lot of my time = opportunity cost) however the bang for buck factor enables me to oversee the VW flaws. And the car drives great! Would I buy a VW if it were not for the R36, short answer is most likely "NO".

Man I hate reading about stuff like this. I pick mine up in 3 hours (delayed from yesterday), I've just "crossed over" from Subaru and had zero issues, I hope I haven't made the wrong decision

[Rocket36]

Every manufacturer has cars with issues. Regardless of brand it is luck of the draw. But that's what warranties are for.

[nting]

I think it would be very foolish to believe that there is a car maker who cannot make lemons. Or at least make all their cars almost perfect. Even some things like the tinting, tow bar, etc are installed locally and it could be a source for issues too (eg. Rocket's post). Also, my friend bought a new Mazda RX-8 three months ago. He has had to return it 4 times to get the tinting fixed. Also it is getting a new gearbox this week because that failed. A new gearbox after three months only... So whilst we may have had some issues, you may or may not be so lucky. This will be so with any car maker. But I can understand your intrepidation, You would expect them to get things right for the amount of money you're paying. You're not buying a $200 power drill, you're buying a $70,000+ car.

In the case of getting a lemon or poor customer service, I would expect to be properly compensated. Especially if they expect any kind of brand loyalty.

[PassatB6]

Man I hate reading about stuff like this. I pick mine up in 3 hours (delayed from yesterday), I've just "crossed over" from Subaru and had zero issues, I hope I haven't made the wrong decision

Don't know why but many VW drivers are very nervous about their cars listening for every minute sound and looking for every imperfection. Owners of other brands seem to get problems fixed in the first service or so and not have so many anxieties about it. They certainly don't spread their distress across the net as much. We're a weird bunch. You're already a neurotic VW owner and you haven't even picked the car up yet!

[Burkey]

A few issues with mine as well...

Exhaust mount and the bloody service department forgetting to hook everything back up

Vibration through the DSG. Both sets of synchro's running apparently. This was fixed with a software update (with no permanent damage they tell me).

The time is the killer, been back to the doctors 5 times in 15,000k.

But would I swap back to the old car (XC70) not a chance! The driving experience is awesome. It's taken a little of getting used to, different driving style. Chuck it in and get on the power early!

Looking to change service departments so if anyone can recommend someone in Sydney that would be helpful.

Cheers,
Brett

[Blacky]

Man I think there were more excuses than people giving problems feedback LOL

Yes, every car has it's problems and I must say everybody who loves there cars makes excuses.

Anyhow your feedback is appreciated and I look forward to some possible more problem posts and less excuses.

In regards to the dealers I have to say there sales departments are ****, I have now been to two dealers, one multiple times and I don't seem to get their attention.

Do I need to bring my misus and a baby before they will take any interest