VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[Martin]

Have you had a good look at the roof yourself? Don't forget you need to also peel back the seal on the main roof to look underneath.

As mentioned before, it is better to have the problem than to not have it, it could be a ticking time bomb!

 

[Scrabble]

Yes, but I will need to properly look at the seal. I've just rechecked and have got until Feb 2017 (when first registered) to instigate a problem...

 

[Martin]

Could be worth getting that in writing from the dealer just in case VW decide to withdraw the goodwill, that way you are covered.

 

[Marigold]

We await delivery of our new Beach which is currently scheduled for a build slot in early May. I queried the likelihood of a roof corrosion issue with Lancashire Van Centre and received the following brief and non-specific reassurance via email.

"Measures have been taken at the factory to avoid the corrosion issue happening again."

 

[campandfly]

When I was looking around for a Cali in 2014 most dealers I quizzed about the "Roof Corrosion" issue said, Oh that's all been sorted now. Hmmmm they were salesmen so lets wait and see.

 

[andyrob]

Hi Marigold, yes that appears to be the standard approach from the dealers. Personally I don't have an issue with this response, however,given the statement from VW that the Goodwill can be removed at VW discretion,what I would like is a written assurance, that should the issue re appear the vehicle will be repaired on the same basis as to that in place now. Given the dealer has stated the warranty is reverting back to the standard 3 yrs, I do not want to be in a position where I may end up paying £3000 for a fix post the 3 yrs or to have to go through the trouble of dealing with a fresh claim.

Therefore very interested to see actual number of 2014 build Cali's that have developed this. I can then look to present back to the dealer with some facts. Suggest any new purchaser of a Cali do the same.

 

[Addieg]

I think you're correct Calikev. Just checked the latest Brochure. Beach has no front window.

Hello all,

Many thanks for all of your responses - it is very much appreciated.

By way of an update I have had the following from VW re the mysterious case of the disappearing window:

It appears your vehicle originally came with 2 windows, it then had a warranty repair back in May 2010 & the incorrect bellows were fitted ( fitted with 3 windows rather than the correct 2). Once your vehicle then went onto AB Crush & the parts required were ordered ref your chassis number the correct bellows were then received & fitted. The vehicle should of always had only 2 windows & not 3. I have looked into obtaining you bellows with 3 windows but these were discontinued as an option on your vehicle from 2012.

I bought the 2009 plate Cali in 2013 so this is all news to me. Does anyone know when the bellows changed from 2-3 windows please? I am also a little confused that VW say that the 3 window bellow was discontinued as an option for my van in 2012 but the older 2 window bellow is still in production....would the new 3 window option not fit? Does this last bit sound plausible?

Again I should probably just accept it and move on but am slightly miffed that this wasn't brought up when they changed the bellows and I guess I was expecting a like for like replacement. Any advice gratefully received.

 

[WelshGas]

The fact that the incorrect bellows were fitted back in 2010 is VW's problem. They authorised and paid for that warranty claim.
Now there might be a difference between the "Optional" 3 window bellows fitted to your vehicle and the modern 3 window bellows !
I suggest that you might track down any owners of 2009-2011 Californias with the "Optional" 3 window bellows fitted as original equipment who have had the bellows replaced as part of the warranty roof repair and find out if they have had a 3 or 2 window bellows fitted. If they have had the 3 windows version fitted then pressure VW to refit a new bellows.
Best of luck.

 

[WelshGas]

With regards to the extended 6 year warranty for the roof panels, front/elevating sections. VW will obviously remove such an extension in early 2021 and it will NOT apply to the T6, when it comes.
It could be removed earlier if there has been a change in the factory paint system sometime in 2014, but who knows as VW have not been very forthcoming.
I'm not going to worry about it until November 2017, at the end of the 3 year vehicle Warranty when I will get the Dealer to remove the roof seal and check for corrosion. I will be present at that point.
If the extension to the paint warranty is still in force at that time then I will get them to do the same check in the 4th, 5th and 6th years as well.
However I would have thought that as VW have declined to confirm if there has been a change in the factory paint process and when the change was introduced they will probably keep the extension until 6 years after the last T5.1 California has rolled of the production line.
Who knows the T6 might have a fibreglass/plastic or carbon fibre roof.

 

[andyrob]

Hi WelshGas, re you rpoint of confirmation that VW have introduced a change, the below is the response I had re the issue - note the dealer states different metal compounds and primers are now used.

I have had confirmation from Volkswagen reference the vehicle roof warranty on California.

Currently there is a factory goodwill gesture in respect to existing vehicle issues with paint defects on vehicles that meet the warranty criteria. This goodwill gesture will expire when Volkswagen decide it is the right time to do so. There is no fixed date.

Different metal compounds and primers are now used on new build California. These are covered by the standard warranty.

back to my question on do we know how may 2014 build Cali's if any are showing signs of the problem?
Thanks
Andy

 

[jts46]

back to my question on do we know how may 2014 build Cali's if any are showing signs of the problem?
Thanks
Andy[/QUOTE]

Nobody seems to know the answer to this question and VW are not forthcoming, It looks like i will have to pay for the repair to my cali, although it was repaired by VW in 2009 for front panel roof corrosion. It has now reappeared and VW refuse to repair it quoting the 6 year rule.

John

 

[jts46]

Just given the cali a health check before our european adventure and surprise surprise i have more corrosion on the front panel, perhaps "corrosion" is the wrong word but it has started to creep along rear of that panel, and on the front of the panel. Is it any good writing to Hanover? or better still has anyone the email address of the chairman in Hanover?

John

 

[eanni]

I have now had my repair completed by Benfields in Newcastle and I cannot fault the service. As I live in Inverness and the nearest repair centre is Newcastle my van was away for 16 days but I had a replacement during this time. I have also received at least six calls from VW Customer Services checking and confirming details of the repair. The front part of the roof has been completely replaced and the corrosion on the elevating roof has been repaired. During the repair they have replaced the canvas roof - I had marked mine so I would know. I received a video of the van to show the level of protection during repair and once they had taken the roof off.
As some off out know, I made a big fuss with VW re their complete chaos in respect of logging calls and the conflicting information I had received from them. Obviously this has worked!
I'm no expert, but the roof repair looks ok, I suppose time will tell.
If repairing one van can take up to two weeks, depending on where you live, goodness knows how long it's going to take to get all the repairs completed.
Benfields provided an excellent service, their admin Donna and Kevin from the workshop kept me updated every couple of days.

 

[gmymsx]

The fact that the incorrect bellows were fitted back in 2010 is VW's problem. They authorised and paid for that warranty claim.
Now there might be a difference between the "Optional" 3 window bellows fitted to your vehicle and the modern 3 window bellows !
I suggest that you might track down any owners of 2009-2011 Californias with the "Optional" 3 window bellows fitted as original equipment who have had the bellows replaced as part of the warranty roof repair and find out if they have had a 3 or 2 window bellows fitted. If they have had the 3 windows version fitted then pressure VW to refit a new bellows.
Best of luck.

Hi checked my 2011 SE and after repair it seems i now have 2 instead of 3 windows in the bellow. Will ring AB Crush tomorrow to find out why

 

[robo]

VW CS have surpassed themselves again.
I have had the repair to front panel and elevating roof approved ages ago.
I mail them monthly to find out where I was in the queue.
The usual response is that I am on the list but they cannot say when it will be fixed.

My last mail received an out of office saying he was out of office til end of month.
I am currently away from the office until Monday 27 April.
Should you require urgent assistance, please contact our Executive Office on the following numbers.
Customer Relations Management: 0800 783 4909

So I contacted their executive office and after two phone calls have been told to take the vehicle back to the garage to have new photos done. They could then make an assessment on how bad it had got and adjust my priority as the list was over two years long !

unbelievable.

I have insisted on a call from Head office now. Fed up with being fobbed off.

rob

 

[eanni]

VW CS have surpassed themselves again.
I have had the repair to front panel and elevating roof approved ages ago.
I mail them monthly to find out where I was in the queue.
The usual response is that I am on the list but they cannot say when it will be fixed.

My last mail received an out of office saying he was out of office til end of month.
I am currently away from the office until Monday 27 April.
Should you require urgent assistance, please contact our Executive Office on the following numbers.
Customer Relations Management: 0800 783 4909

So I contacted their executive office and after two phone calls have been told to take the vehicle back to the garage to have new photos done. They could then make an assessment on how bad it had got and adjust my priority as the list was over two years long !

unbelievable.

I have insisted on a call from Head office now. Fed up with being fobbed off.

rob

Hi - that is almost the identical situation that I was in a few months ago. I went to town on VWCS and told them that whilst I was ok with getting new photos, I wanted to find out where I was on the list based on when I had my first claim for the front panel accepted. This was July 2013 - they then told me it was July 2014, when I produced the letter from them stating July 2013, they back tracked, saying typo, etc. I threatened them with Watchdog - I sent a copy of my email. Within about three weeks, I received an apology and they started updating me on a weekly basis. My van was then collected, taken to Newcastle, and the repair carried out. Benfields contacted me every other day, sent a video of the repair. Charlotte from VWCS contacted me every couple of days as well. She has also contacted me since the can has been returned to check if I'm happy with the repair. Sadly they only seem to act if you jump up and down

 

[robo]

Awful way to treat a customer when they have admitted fault.
Waiting for call from Head office today.
Not confident.

Glad you finally got yours sorted.

rob

 

[blakeley]

Reading this post prompted me to call VWCS as I have been in the queue for over a year now and not heard a dicky bird, to my horror when I called they said they had no record of my claim and I needed to go back to the dealer to have photo's taken !!!

This is obvioulsy a major problem and needs to be addressed urgently, I suggest anyone that has not had a letter to confirm their claim called VWCS today

 

[robo]

I feel the pain easing as its not just me.

rob

 

[CaliforniaDAN]

Reading this post prompted me to call VWCS as I have been in the queue for over a year now and not heard a dicky bird, to my horror when I called they said they had no record of my claim and I needed to go back to the dealer to have photo's taken !!!

This is obvioulsy a major problem and needs to be addressed urgently, I suggest anyone that has not had a letter to confirm their claim called VWCS today

When you go to your dealer, INSIST in obtaining a DISS number for your claim. This will be invaluable when you have to deal with VWCS. Finally after 2 resprays on the roof corrosion and a 3rd claim placed in July 2013, I am finally having my roof repaired.

 

[robo]

I have been given this. Is it a DISS number?
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles authorisation id is : VN-2013/08-002534.

 

[CaliforniaDAN]

I have just checked a letter from VWCS in February last year and I have a similar looking reference number.

When I liaised with my dealer at Preston Lancashire they gave me a number that began DISS no/BIAD then some numbers hope this helps.

 

[Andy G]

I've got this problem on the front panel and roof! I've been waiting for 8 month for the repair and VWCS can't give me any idea when the repair will be carried out.
What's the best email contact to use to get things moving?

 

[Bigbud]

After having my original claim approved in June 2013 then all repairs cancelled waiting for the new repair centres to come on line and told to wait for contact, I chased them in Oct 2014 to be told that they had lost my details which they "found" at my local dealer and I was now on the list at Cannock.

I'm apparently Number 42 in the que at Cannock with an approx repair wait of 2/3 years, not happy at all All in all a possible wait of 5 years for my repair.

 

[AlanC]

Hi Bigbud,

The issue with the queue is the availability of a loan Cali. Each of the 4 approved repair centers only have 2 loan vans each and this is holding things up. The vans are moved around the country by VW Rescue, now contracted to the AA.

The backlog of parts is resolved, by all accounts.

I was 82 on the list before I said I didn't need a loan van, then it was 'can we have it tomorrow'!

If you can do without a loaner, then contact Cannock direct, and they will probably schedule your repair in almost immediately. They will need to check with the dealer you used to register the fault in the first place, but this is just a formality. I don't think they contact VWUK customer service, at least Heritage in Westbury didn't for my repair.

Once the job is completed and signed off by you, the dealer will issue a warrantee note to you for the repair.

Alan