A California without any problems.

[Paul G - 2022 Ocean]

Hi Ozzy,
I have read your comment, and I don’t agree. Actually I think it’s nonsense. I don’t know any product from any company that’s “totally trouble free”, so why on earth should a VW camper van be “totally trouble free”. Because it costs “£70k”? I know of products that cost far more that have production flaws. Because of it has been produced since 2003? That’s not even 20 years! Flawless only is achievable in theory. As long as people are involved in production things WILL go wrong. They are only human after all…
Furthermore what you read on internet fora is very biased. I’m sure that most VW California owners are very happy with there camper van. On internet fora , like this one, people with complaints and other issues, are over represented. What you read is a very skewed image of reality. Happy, trouble free California owners don’t need others opinions, simply because they don’t have any issues. So they have nothing to moan about…

And sadly, as they say, mud sticks!

 

[flying banana]

Hi. Sorry to butt in. Window bouncing bank down, I have this issue. Do you know what the fix was. Ok to PM so not to distort thread

Pull the window switch to send it up. When it hits the top hold it there for 5 seconds plus. Then do the same going down. This recalibrates the obstacle detect

 

[WelshGas]

The perfect vehicle or piece of equipment would not need a warranty or guarantee. No matter how much it costs.

 

[BikerGran]

For once only people who have issues post threads to talk about the problem. People with no issues don't post threads about faults as they don't have any., so the impression out of the forum about how many problems theses vehicles have may be incorrect...
Many of the issues are long being solved with newer models, but buyers of new vehicles still look at older threads and think the pop top is not really waterproof, it needs a bungee to close etc, which is not the case.
As of the mechanical aspects, I think a lot depends how they are driven, how often, how long each time, how hard.

And whether they are serviced
regularly and correctly with the right oils! Bought mine when it was 9 years old with full service history. It's now 14 years and I've had a minor problem with wiring under drivers seat, new engine battery replacing the 7 year old original, broken bottom roller on sliding door, water pump to tap replaced, new gas hose to hob. I'm not complaining - neither am I gloating, that would be tempting fate!

 

[Ozzy Pete]

Hi Ozzy,
I have read your comment, and I don’t agree. Actually I think it’s nonsense. I don’t know any product from any company that’s “totally trouble free”, so why on earth should a VW camper van be “totally trouble free”. Because it costs “£70k”? I know of products that cost far more that have production flaws. Because of it has been produced since 2003? That’s not even 20 years! Flawless only is achievable in theory. As long as people are involved in production things WILL go wrong. They are only human after all…
Furthermore what you read on internet fora is very biased. I’m sure that most VW California owners are very happy with there camper van. On internet fora , like this one, people with complaints and other issues, are over represented. What you read is a very skewed image of reality. Happy, trouble free California owners don’t need others opinions, simply because they don’t have any issues. So they have nothing to moan about…

And you have every right to disagree with me, the same as I disagree with you. Who said anything about “Flawless “?. Flawless is totally different to the same faults for years and never doing anything about it until made to. The roof for instance, everybody knows the reason that roof corrosion was caused by the reaction of Aluminium and steel. Did VW do anything about it? No they just spent millions on repairs when changing the roof seal design would have cured the problem straight away. That has caused massive inconvenience to customers and some waiting two or more years to get the work done. And now some not getting it done at all. I personally have never had a vehicle with so many faults like my California. Now out of warranty left to get them repaired at MY cost. Don’t get me wrong for ALL it’s faults I actually like it but VW have never learned their lesson to get it right even with the umpteenth generation of the California.

 

[SusiBus]

Hi Ozzy,
I have read your comment, and I don’t agree. Actually I think it’s nonsense. I don’t know any product from any company that’s “totally trouble free”, so why on earth should a VW camper van be “totally trouble free”. Because it costs “£70k”? I know of products that cost far more that have production flaws. Because of it has been produced since 2003? That’s not even 20 years! Flawless only is achievable in theory. As long as people are involved in production things WILL go wrong. They are only human after all…
Furthermore what you read on internet fora is very biased. I’m sure that most VW California owners are very happy with there camper van. On internet fora , like this one, people with complaints and other issues, are over represented. What you read is a very skewed image of reality. Happy, trouble free California owners don’t need others opinions, simply because they don’t have any issues. So they have nothing to moan about…

How much grief did VW cause owners due to them, ( VW ) being ineffectiveness in sorting out the roof corrosion issues ? Love my Cali, but not VW!

 

[Gina-B]

Hi. Sorry to butt in. Window bouncing bank down, I have this issue. Do you know what the fix was. Ok to PM so not to distort thread

Put the window down and hold button for 5-10 seconds then put up and hold for 5-10 seconds. Worked for mine. Give it a go.

 

[John G]

Surely you must know the problems related to the 180. But maybe you haven’t?

Yes, I know what people on here say but speaking to friends in the trade they believe it has been blown up out of all proportion. How many people on this forum have had engine failure due to EGR valve and if so what has the mileage been. Just curious as I see plenty of positive high mileage reports with no issues.

 

[Ozzy Pete]

Yes, I know what people on here say but speaking to friends in the trade they believe it has been blown up out of all proportion. How many people on this forum have had engine failure due to EGR valve and if so what has the mileage been. Just curious as I see plenty of positive high mileage reports with no issues.

A very small amount I would imagine especially considering the California is a very tiny percentage of VW vans on the road. Normally California campers on average don’t do high mileages compared to the 50,000 miles a year work counterparts. So if people report problems with their California mechanicals then I would expect that the total amount for their equivalent work van would be extremely high.

 

[66tim99]

Both me and my son have recently ordered a Cali. My son told me tonight how he’s getting second thoughts now after reading about all the faults and complaints that are posted on this forum. So I think it would be a good post, if people did actually post “no problems here”. But all manufacturers have their issues, especially with new models, and it’s usually relative to the number of units sold. Does anyone know the number of Cali’s sold each year in Europe, and the number sold in the U.K.? That might put a bit of perspective on the number of owners experiencing faults. Plus I’d like to know for my own piece of mind too!

Ok, well I’m not superstitious, so don’t believe in fate being tempted (but still like to let it be!) but as you’ve asked I will report that after 10 glorious days (and 2 nights camping), the only fault with my Ocean is the drivers side wind deflector has been fitted slightly incorrectly by the dealer, causing the electric window to bounce back. Despite noodling I haven’t yet fixed it.
I am delighted with this brilliant vehicle.

 

[oryx white]

Delighted for you. It really is a wonderful thing. Here's to lots of enjoyable trips.

 

[flying banana]

Ok, well I’m not superstitious, so don’t believe in fate being tempted (but still like to let it be!) and as you’ve asked I will report that after 10 glorious days (and 2 nights camping), the only fault with my Ocean is the drivers side wind deflector has been fitted slightly incorrectly by the dealer, causing the electric window to bounce back. Despite noodling I haven’t yet fixed it.
I am delighted with this brilliant vehicle.

Try pulling up the window and when it's at the top hold the switch for more than 5 seconds. Then send it down and again hold the switch for 5 seconds. That should recalibrate the obstacle detect.

 

[Kingk2]

Just wondering. Has anyone actually owned a California and not had any problems in the first few years. The forum pages seem to be full of vans with problems. Like the ticking timebomb roof. I’ve had a number of problems.Some done under warranty some I’ve had to fork out for myself. I know these are complicated vehicles but compared to the cars I’ve owned with much higher mileage I’ve had relatively few problems or even none in the first 4 or 5 years. It doesn’t appear VW has actually learned from past problems with the California and now the Grand California.

So collected my van 2 days ago drove 9hrs home from London. Then the next day drove 4hrs to Oban for our first night wild camping.

we stopped at Tesco to collect our late night snack and do a last toilet break only to be stopped by every single amber warning light on the dash.

Breakdown assistance were at the car in 4 minutes from hanging up from Vw assist.
he reset all the amber lights but suggested a databus issues.

we drove 10 miles down the road and unfortunately all the lights came back on.
We had our wild camp and decided to brave driving home from advice from breakdown assistance.
2hrs on journey home the lights randomly starting going out to the point only the EPC amber light was left on.

we have a Vw specialist coming out tomorrow but at this stage all amber lights are now out !!!!!!!!

 

[Ozzy Pete]

So collected my van 2 days ago drove 9hrs home from London. Then the next day drove 4hrs to Oban for our first night wild camping.

we stopped at Tesco to collect our late night snack and do a last toilet break only to be stopped by every single amber warning light on the dash.

Breakdown assistance were at the car in 4 minutes from hanging up from Vw assist.
he reset all the amber lights but suggested a databus issues.

we drove 10 miles down the road and unfortunately all the lights came back on.
We had our wild camp and decided to brave driving home from advice from breakdown assistance.
2hrs on journey home the lights randomly starting going out to the point only the EPC amber light was left on.

we have a Vw specialist coming out tomorrow but at this stage all amber lights are now out !!!!!!!!

View attachment 86664

These things happen. On the way home from picking our van up the tyre pressure sign came up on the dash, the only thing was we don’t have the tyre pressure monitor. Just reset it and it went off. I think many things are linked and nothing to do with the individual item.
If you ever have a ABS sensor failure (. And you will at some stage) the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. Frightening the hell out of you. It’s a £20 fix.

 

[B J G]

When you look at a 204 in the raw it's a wonder that they have so few problems.

 

[andyinluton]

2hrs on journey home the lights randomly starting going out to the point only the EPC amber light was left on.

we have a Vw specialist coming out tomorrow but at this stage all amber lights are now out !!!!!!!!

If You ever disconnect the starter battery , you get a similar array of warning lights when its reconnected.
In that case half the lights can be put out just by moving the steering full lock to full lock as that calibrates things like the lane assist & ACC, other lights take a few miles of driving to complete their calibration.

 

[Perfectos]

I dare not post All the issues I have had, it would take up a entire page !

having had many VW vans previously ranging from T2 Devon, T5 Velle, T5.1 combi to my current T6 Cali i am seriously disillusioned by VW brand.

fair play to the independent dealer, they have fixed / replaced every that has been an issue, without exception, i have an extended 5 year warranty, I cannot fault the dealer, but what happens when that warranty inevitably ends ?

Product quality from VW is not what it should be, (was) quality/ reliability/ longevity is not what it should be for an iconic van (my experience with this van marque) particularly as VW have a solid provenance with the transporter base vehicle And massive in field data to draw on Which should be sufficient for VW to correct all of the historic issues (fully) as the marque developed.

previous VW vans I owned had literally NO issues in my ownership, other than normal maintenance and replacement of wearable parts, consumables etc, my 5.1 having done 150k by the time I sold it, required basic servicing and replacement of wearable parts only during the 150k miles !

The same cannot be said for the T6, which has seen me at the dealers with amazing regularity, since new, Items ranging from broken Failed trim, engine crank case oils seals £900 each (£1.8k) air con issues to replacement batteries £400, failed alternator, (Setting alight), failure of HP fuel pump requiring £8k repair, corrosion to all four wheels £2.5k EGR blockage, roof seal failures x4, steering column failure, floor rail fault Etc etc.

I would estimate the repairs I have required on a new Van, less than 4 years old,to be IRO £15k + = IRO 30% of the new vehicle cost in 2018 !
(if I had to pay)

I Dare not list the full catalogue of problems / replacements I have experienced and the inordinate amount of time I have spent at the dealers To date Having the issues diagnosed and laterly fixed

IMO the Cali is a great vehicle and concept, which suits my family needs and evokes lots of good emotion, however I cannot say the same of VW who have struggled to fix some of the basic issues experienced with early models through to current & keeping pace with modern Eco requirements and provide robust quality of an iconic product.
problems which seem to be secondary to VW volume sales requirements, despite VW ‘s in field history with the T5, T5.1, they (VW) have failed to fix some of the more basic, but major failings, that were experienced on previous Marques.
a classic example is the failure by VW to do anything effective to prevent ongoing roof corrosion issue, which was highlighted on the T5 which has caused severe issues for many due to the failure of a relatively minor and inexpensive part such as the roof seal, resulting in a severely stressful situation for many many owners and a potential loss of value of their vehicle through no fault of the owner, despite this VW fail to properly rectify the known major issue caused to many many owners, ranging from T5 onwards VW have chosen to ignor this issue wholesale by continuing to fit the Known faulty roof seal, evem on the current model!
VW have chosen not to correct this major design issue, despite the fix being within their capabilities and a relatively simple design fix, despite the problem being evident since the T5 VW continue to use a known faulty part on the current T6.1 model! Is that progressive quality control?

in my opinion this one issue should be grounds for a a serious misgiving and should be an indication of VW actual intention And a warning to others Regarding the VW brand Generally.
Summary: lifetime VW advocate, recent experience = No future faith in VW Brand.

my wife (who has a VW car) and I joke that there is not a lot left to be replaced on the van and by 5 years old I will have had all major components replaced!
It’s not a joke it’s a reality I would rather not be subject to, but hey at least All the major issues are getting changed one by one !

I post this purely for a fully balanced approach for others to seriously & fully consider before committing to buy a VW Cali & before placing their entire life savings and time into an iconic brand / vehicle, whether the VW brand is in fact better than any other mass produced Brand, particularly when that Brand commands an ever increasing and severe premium And if it is in fact worth your investment of funds and time.

I am aware this post will probably attract it’s fair share of bad reaction, but everything I post is true and correct & can be proven, it is a reflection of my personal experience to date, which should serve as a warning to others, particularly until VW can be relied upon to produce a campervan where known issues, (by VW) affecting many many vans and customers since the product launch have been resolved fully!
IMO VW do not deserve the customer support they are afforded or indeed the Iconic status They use in their marketing campaigns For the premium California brand

 

[GrannyJen]

I dare not post All the issues I have had, it would take up a entire page !

having had many VW vans previously ranging from T2 Devon, T5 Velle, T5.1 combi to my current T6 Cali i am seriously disillusioned by VW brand.

fair play to the independent dealer, they have fixed / replaced every that has been an issue, without exception, i have an extended 5 year warranty, I cannot fault the dealer, but what happens when that warranty inevitably ends ?

Product quality from VW is not what it should be, (was) quality/ reliability/ longevity is not what it should be for an iconic van (my experience with this van marque) particularly as VW have a solid provenance with the transporter base vehicle And massive in field data to draw on Which should be sufficient for VW to correct all of the historic issues (fully) as the marque developed.

previous VW vans I owned had literally NO issues in my ownership, other than normal maintenance and replacement of wearable parts, consumables etc, my 5.1 having done 150k by the time I sold it, required basic servicing and replacement of wearable parts only during the 150k miles !

The same cannot be said for the T6, which has seen me at the dealers with amazing regularity, since new, Items ranging from broken Failed trim, engine crank case oils seals £900 each (£1.8k) air con issues to replacement batteries £400, failed alternator, (Setting alight), failure of HP fuel pump requiring £8k repair, corrosion to all four wheels £2.5k EGR blockage, roof seal failures x4, steering column failure, floor rail fault Etc etc.

I would estimate the repairs I have required on a new Van, less than 4 years old,to be IRO £15k + = IRO 30% of the new vehicle cost in 2018 !
(if I had to pay)

I Dare not list the full catalogue of problems / replacements I have experienced and the inordinate amount of time I have spent at the dealers To date Having the issues diagnosed and laterly fixed

IMO the Cali is a great vehicle and concept, which suits my family needs and evokes lots of good emotion, however I cannot say the same of VW who have struggled to fix some of the basic issues experienced with early models through to current & keeping pace with modern Eco requirements and provide robust quality of an iconic product.
problems which seem to be secondary to VW volume sales requirements, despite VW ‘s in field history with the T5, T5.1, they (VW) have failed to fix some of the more basic, but major failings, that were experienced on previous Marques.
a classic example is the failure by VW to do anything effective to prevent ongoing roof corrosion, intia
ly highlighted on the T5 which has caused severe issues for many due to the failure of a relatively minor and inexpensive part such as the roof seal, resulting in a severely stressful situation for many many owners and a potential loss of value of their vehicle through no fault of the owner, despite this VW fail to properly rectify the known major issue caused to many many owners, ranging from T5 onwards VW have chosen to ignor this issue wholesale by continuing to fit the Known faulty roof seal, evem on the current model!
VW have chosen not to correct this major design issue, despite the fix being within their capabilities and a relatively simple design fix, despite the problem being evident since the T5 VW continue to use a known faulty part on the current T6.1 model! Is that progressive quality control?

in my opinion this one issue should be grounds for a a serious misgiving and should be an indication of VW actual intention And a warning to others Regarding the VW brand Generally.
Summary: lifetime VW advocate, recent experience = No future faith in VW Brand.

my wife (who has a VW car) and I joke that there is not a lot left to be replaced on the van and by 5 years old I will have had all major components replaced!
It’s not a joke it’s a reality I would rather not be subject to, but hey at least All the major issues are getting changed one by one !

I post this purely for a fully balanced approach for others to seriously & fully consider before committing to buy a VW Cali & before placing their entire life savings and time into an iconic brand / vehicle, whether the VW brand is in fact better than any other mass produced Brand, particularly when that Brand commands an ever increasing and severe premium And if it is in fact worth your investment of funds and time.

I am aware this post will probably attract it’s fair share of bad reaction, but everything I post is true and correct & can be proven, it is a reflection of my personal experience to date, which should serve as a warning to others, particularly until VW can be relied upon to produce a campervan where known issues, (by VW) affecting many many vans and customers since the product launch have been resolved fully!
IMO VW do not deserve the customer support they are afforded or indeed the Iconic status They use in their marketing campaigns For the premium California brand

You are someone who has exhibited through your postings enthusiasm and positivity for both the vehicle and the lifestyle. Your postings are often a delight to read. It is tragic to read this post.

I have been fortunate with my experience, although my electrical issues with my T5 in 2015 were a catalogue of complete failure by VW to address issues with any level of competence or urgency.

I don't just think it is VW. I have yet to have an issue with my FIAT but just getting an extra key fob did not exactly fill me with confidence in either the dealer or the company.

I'm sorry to read of your issues.

 

[Perfectos]

You are someone who has exhibited through your postings enthusiasm and positivity for both the vehicle and the lifestyle. Your postings are often a delight to read. It is tragic to read this post.

I have been fortunate with my experience, although my electrical issues with my T5 in 2015 were a catalogue of complete failure by VW to address issues with any level of competence or urgency.

I don't just think it is VW. I have yet to have an issue with my FIAT but just getting an extra key fob did not exactly fill me with confidence in either the dealer or the company.

I'm sorry to read of your issues.

Hi GJ,

thanks for the comments they are appreciated.

my issues are a culmination of nearly four years of ownership from new. It is fair to say that I generally post positive comments regarding the California, however there needs to be a realistic balance.

I fully embrace the Cali vibe and try to be positive, but these ongoing issues are/ have tested my resolve beyond the norm, during my ownership of this Van I have experienced what can only be described as failings by VW, my experience is not unique as this forum bears out, the resolve of many many others Over the ownership of their vans Has been tested to destruction.

similarly I do not think other manufacturers are immune to such issues, but my posts is to highlight to others that the VW Brand particular to this website does have unresolved issues, Which VW are fully aware of, but whom refuse to do the right thing in the interest of many many loyal customer Whom have invested their time and money into the product And similarly to highlight the potential issues others could face.

I am fortunate that I have an extended warranty so I am covered upto five years, but never in my wildest dreams did I believe that a Brand new vehicle would have had half the issue as I have personally experienced to date. Particularly having owned several VW vans previously!

the fact that I have had a very very high incidence of varied failures, estimated at £15k repairs, should ring alarm bells for prospective owners and make people considering this brand / Marque seriously before parting with their life savings, certainly until VW see fit to permanently fix some of the known issues and resolve them in the customers interest.

I have recently written to my dealer to highlight some of the issues and ask what VWs response will be ? sadly I don’t think I will receive a coherent response.
I will be happy to post both mine and the dealers communication should I receive an appropriate response.

 

[Velma's Dad]

2015 180 manual, done about 50k miles. Serviced by a VW independent. Only base vehicle prob so far has been a pad sensor failure. In first year or so: broken tap, tambour door tape fell apart, both sorted under warranty. So I've been lucky, no complaints.

 

[66tim99]

despite the fix being within their capabilities and a relatively simple design fix,

Is there anything that can be done by the owner to prevent this?

 

[Perfectos]

Is there anything that can be done by the owner to prevent this?

No, not unless you pay a third party to produce a replica of the original roof seal and you specify stainless steel Reinforcement.
In the volume VW buy and with VW buying power, the change from ferrous to non ferrous steel would be pence per seal, and would resolve all issues with the roof corrosion.
should you choose to do this as a private one off it would potentially be thousands!

 

[66tim99]

No, not unless you pay a third party to produce a replica of the original roof seal and you specify stainless steel Reinforcement.
In the volume VW buy and with VW buying power, the change from ferrous to non ferrous steel would be pence per seal, and would resolve all issues with the roof corrosion.
should you choose to do this as a private one off it would potentially be thousands!

Would ensuring the tent is thoroughly dry help? Parking in a garage?

 

[Perfectos]

Would ensuring the tent is thoroughly dry help? Parking in a garage?

Like your style, but unfortunately no,

 

[66tim99]

Like your style, but unfortunately no,

Every California is doomed to suffer in the end?!