MK8 GTI AM Radio issue

Hi all,
we purchased a new MK8 GTI, and the AM radio doesn't work and VW Australia won't fix the issue.
They blamed bad reception, which is a BS as all new models have the same issue.
To say I am happy is an understatement! Paid $65K for a car that is great to drive but lacks the basic features that should be there. We in Australia are treated like second class customers.
The dealer has been great but their hands are tied by VW Australia.
Anyone else has this issue?

Too be fair - the tech's at your local dealership probably don't even know what AM radio is.

Poor reception probably is the issue, as most modern cars use the rear window as the antenna, rather than having a very ugly long antenna coming out of one of the panels like they did years ago. The big ugly antenna was much better at picking up radio stations, but was ugly and more likely to be damaged. Less and less people listen to the radio these days, and less so listen to AM, so antennas in the rear windows it is.

See if you can pick up some local AM stations from within the Melbourne area. If not, see if you can pickup the stations in another similar car.

If not, you might be left having to use an app on your smartphone to stream the AM radio. There are various app's dedicated to streaming radio stations.

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Originally Posted by Lucas_R

Too be fair - the tech's at your local dealership probably don't even know what AM radio is.

Poor reception probably is the issue, as most modern cars use the rear window as the antenna, rather than having a very ugly long antenna coming out of one of the panels like they did years ago. The big ugly antenna was much better at picking up radio stations, but was ugly and more likely to be damaged. Less and less people listen to the radio these days, and less so listen to AM, so antennas in the rear windows it is.

See if you can pick up some local AM stations from within the Melbourne area. If not, see if you can pickup the stations in another similar car.

If not, you might be left having to use an app on your smartphone to stream the AM radio. There are various app's dedicated to streaming radio stations.

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Thanks for the reply
The issue is in the design of the radio system, when you we start the car up and drive 3AW is noisy, you selected another station and go back it is clear. Why supply a AM/FM radio for Australia if AM doesn't work, false advertising.
My MK7.5 Golf is perfect, so they should fixed the issue.
VW is big on technology but no digital radio option in Australia, what a joke.
Shouldn't have to use an app to get AM radio working, especially in Australia.