VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[Noeleen]

I am going to see and test drive my first glimpse of a real Cali tomorrow in Leicester, VW garage. Have only seen pictures of Calis so far. Haven't seen any Calis here in Ireland. It is good to know what to look out for now. I really appreciate the warning and the help. I will take pictures and revert back to you.

 

[Fozzstrider]

Yes I had same problem with paint blistering and Volkswagen sorted it out for me so far
it has not come back after bodyshop.

 

[yanathem]

'With the comprehensive evidence produced here legally VW have no option other than extend the issue to the main roof and warranty both for at least 6 years'

Nevermind for at least six years it should and needs to be from the start of production, the front panel corrosion never started just this year. VW have know about it now for a very long time.

 

[Claudiopinto]

Yes I came to the information on this forum and am going TODAY to my local VW local dealer to see what is there solution for this. I was in the planning to pain all the bus because the previous owner made some small ding's, but will await the response from the vw dealer for now.

My only problem is that the Cali is a rare car in Portugal. I came to know there are so little as 4 models like mine (174 bhp 4 Motion with ALL EXTRAS) in Portugal....

As soon as I get some news, i will return with my feedback.

 

[Isa Neal]

Hi am in the North Cape at the moment on a Scandinavian 7-8 week trip. It's snowing at the moment with high winds! I have had my vehicle repaired under the old method via SMG- not sure whether warranty or good will.However the blistering has recurred again on the RHS drivers side bit between the windscreen and the roof exactly where it first started. It's not safe for me to check the roof due to the weather however this is not the original roof, that also was replaced after the roof and bellows were damaged by a metal spike on the metal arms/scissor mechanism that gets the roof lifted so it may be to early to detect any blistering issue on the roof as it's newer. When I can and it's safe I'll inspect the roof! And let you know. My new blistering isn't registered with SMG yet as I just discovered it when cleaning the vehicle just before departing on this epic trip.

 

[jhgf]

Hi

Our red Cali was built July/August 2012. So far no evidence of blistering but I will keep my eyes open.

Thanks for the low down on this.

Jonathan

 

[robo]

Good morning all.
I had corrosion on the front panel, which was "repaired" under warranty last year.
It had just a rub down and respray, nothing was removed or replaced. VW have agreed that it was not a satisfactory repair and I am in the queue for the proper repair to be completed - whenever.

As advised by the forum I gave the elevating roof a thorough examination and have found the start of further corrosion on the edge by the rubber seal.

I'll have to go to the garage again, get photos taken etc. to get it looked at and hopefully added to the eventual repair.

3 year warranty expires September this year.

I have added my click to the voting.

rob

 

[Martin]

Thank you everyone for your reports, please keep them coming.

We are also receiving loads of emails aswell from people who are finding the corrosion for the first time, dont forget when checking for corrosion on the main elevating roof it appears to start under the rubber seal so you need to fold it back slightly.

 

[Jimbo965]

Found small blistered areas at each corner of the front panel (grey 2010 model). Spoke to Cordwallis Maidenhead. I just need to get them to take few pictures and log the repair with VW. They say mine will be the first one they've organised so don't know how long it might take but sounds like months rather than weeks. Informed that paint warranty was 6 years anyway.

 

[Brisbees]

We had this problem on our 2011 California and it was repaired under warranty by Bristol Heritage

 

[Caliboard_CaliPilot]

Found small blistered areas at each corner of the front panel (grey 2010 model). Spoke to Cordwallis Maidenhead. I just need to get them to take few pictures and log the repair with VW. They say mine will be the first one they've organised so don't know how long it might take but sounds like months rather than weeks. Informed that paint warranty was 6 years anyway.

If this will be their first repair then i would choose another shop (if you have a choice). The repair is very difficult and should be done by very well trained technicians.

ck

 

[Jimbo965]

Found small blistered areas at each corner of the front panel (grey 2010 model). Spoke to Cordwallis Maidenhead. I just need to get them to take few pictures and log the repair with VW. They say mine will be the first one they've organised so don't know how long it might take but sounds like months rather than weeks. Informed that paint warranty was 6 years anyway.

If this will be their first repair then i would choose another shop (if you have a choice). The repair is very difficult and should be done by very well trained technicians.

ck

Thanks, they wouldn't do it but organise with the nearest VW centre authorised to do these repairs

 

[Stu]

We had this problem on our 2011 California and it was repaired under warranty by Bristol Heritage

Unless the repair was very recent it's possible you've had a standard repair and not one of the new 2 week jobs with modified parts - In which case you should likely ask for it to be done again as the ordinary fix didn't work.

 

[Dave_T]

Apologies if this has been answered previously, but do we know exactly what the work entails yet? A while back the rumour was that the whole roof was being replaced, but from the sounds of it they're just replacing the front section.

Thanks
dave

 

[DavidofHook]

Thank you whoever raised the alert about corrosion on the rising roof (was it you Kev?) .
I have just looked and it has started at the rear drivers corner, just a small amount of bubbling.
So I will be onto Alex in a minute to find out what the procedure is. My front roof panel was reported I think, in September and despite emails and discussions with VW they still haven't got to me yet. Now the job has got bigger so maybe the queue will get even longer!!

It is quite disappointing that this has occurred and at how long it is taken to repair.

David

 

[James]

Maybe it's time to buy that Sportline Kombi lol

 

[calikev]

Thank you whoever raised the alert about corrosion on the rising roof (was it you Kev?) .
I have just looked and it has started at the rear drivers corner, just a small amount of bubbling.
So I will be onto Alex in a minute to find out what the procedure is. My front roof panel was reported I think, in September and despite emails and discussions with VW they still haven't got to me yet. Now the job has got bigger so maybe the queue will get even longer!!

It is quite disappointing that this has occurred and at how long it is taken to repair.

David

I can't take credit for raising the issue but will be working hard to get a resolution from VW
In anyway we can

 

[Andy]

Apologies if this has been answered previously, but do we know exactly what the work entails yet? A while back the rumour was that the whole roof was being replaced, but from the sounds of it they're just replacing the front section.

Thanks
dave

We still do not know what the repair entails. I asked my Customer Services contact & got a reply of ....

"I am unable to confirm the repair procedure for your Volkswagen California as this is assessed on an individual basis. However, when our Approved California Repair Specialist contacts you to arrange a booking, you will be able to discuss the repair needs
for your Volkswagen California with them."

So they are still reluctant to say.

 

[KernowLad]

It's probably something VERY obvious that they should have spotted at the design stage rather than up to seven years later!

Isolating two metals isn't rocket science; unless you are Land Rover...

 

[James]

It's clear it's a big problem. I have a tiny bubble at the back of my roof. In my mind the whole roof is a disaster waiting to happen.

And I can't see how VW will solve or fix these Calis. And what about resale?


James

 

[Ambler]

Presumably they will issue some paperwork to verify this repair has been carried out? Otherwise, when sale time comes, any potential purchaser will have googled and found this thread.

 

[James]

Presumably they will issue some paperwork to verify this repair has been carried out? Otherwise, when sale time comes, any potential purchaser will have googled and found this thread.

Exactly

James

 

[Stu]

"I am unable to confirm the repair procedure for your Volkswagen California as this is assessed on an individual basis. However, when our Approved California Repair Specialist contacts you to arrange a booking, you will be able to discuss the repair needs
for your Volkswagen California with them."

So they are still reluctant to say.

In other words I don't know but I'm going to make you think it's more complicated than it is.

Makes my blood boil.

I am sure the TPI/TSB will give specific instructions on how to carry out the repair.

 

[mountainman]

Well done to all for time spent chasing this issue. I have checked my van, which is a California Berghaus 180, now two and a half year old. I do have blistered paintwork to the panel above the windscreen, but not on the roof. There is quite widespread blistering at each side and some smaller blisters immediately adjacent to the glass towards the centre.

I live near Aberdeen and bought the van from an Aberdeen VW Commercial Van Centre. When it was in for its second service in February this year, I reported the problem and they referred me to the VW body shop elsewhere in Aberdeen. I have an appointment with them tomorrow and have no idea if they know about the problem. I will treat the appointment as a formal registration of a warrantee claim and show they the important bits of this forum content.

Hopefully they will get me booked into one of those 4 centres.

Many thanks again.

 

[lucy]

Just found the dreaded roof corrosion problem on rising roof and above windscreen on my 4 year old Cali. Going to VW van center tomorrow hoping for a positive response.

Lucy