A Cry For Help.....Looks like I Have a Power Steering Failure

[Kevin]

Thanks for the advice, really useful to know that this is a known problem to VW.

I am more annoyed that the vehicle was in with the service provider on Friday and they didn't pick this up in the service record.

 

[BeachBoy]

VW Germany has now re-designed the pump that is causing this power failure. I have this redesigned new part fitted after a recent loss in power steering. It's certainly a known problem.

 

[WelshGas]

No problems on my 2014 California - after 29,000 miles.

 

[Kevin]

I have now had my VW checked at my local dealer. The tensioner failed but they are denying this is a known problem and although this has happened twice in 3,000 miles (once in France, once in the UK) VW are being quite slippery about it. I really don't have a lot of trust in the vehicle anymore. It seems difficult to get many questions answered by VW and they certainly think this is "just one of those things"

 

[jeff moore]

Having the same problem with our 2014 T5 SE 180 (8,000 miles). Only had the vehicle three weeks, power steering failed on our first trip. Now been at the VW dealership for four weeks, apparently waiting for a part to arrive from VW Germany. Really not impressed and I can totally understand losing trust in the vehicle.

 

[James H]

Having the same problem with our 2014 T5 SE 180 (8,000 miles). Only had the vehicle three weeks, power steering failed on our first trip. Now been at the VW dealership for four weeks, apparently waiting for a part to arrive from VW Germany. Really not impressed and I can totally understand losing trust in the vehicle.

Jeff, do you have any update ?

 

[Kevin]

I got the van back - not even an apology from VW head office or dealer (VW Van Centre Edinburgh) - appalling customer service. Would not even extend the warranty as the van has broken down twice in 2 years (lost 2 holidays because of it!)

Would be interested to see how you get along, sorry you have had the same issue

 

[James H]

I mentioned the matter to the service manager today ( Carrs, Exeter, Devon ) whilst my 2014 SE was in for its first service. He was, however, unaware of any problems stating that there are no current recalls / checks in force relating to power steering. (They did carry out the upper brake light recall # 9419)
I hope VWCS will compensate you for the inconvenience and loss of use.
Regards
James

 

[jeff moore]

We eventually got the the van back after a 'guard' was fitted to prevent the auxiliary belt from shredding again. There was also a problem with the alternator which was causing it to overheat. Unfortunately wasn't getting anywhere with the dealership so made a complaint to VW Head Office. Although it didn't speed things up, they did keep me updated on a regular basis. Likewise, they wouldn't extend the warranty but we did receive £400 in gift vouchers and two free services. Have been away in the van since and had a great time, so trying to put the initial experience behind us and look forward to more trips.

 

[jeff moore]

Further to the earlier post, when I picked the van up from the dealership, the service manager did know of the problem, he even showed me a print out from VW, which stated what work needed to be carried out. Strangely though, VW Head Office said it was not a known problem!

 

[T6 CFO]

Good result Jeff sounds like it's all sorted and you have a bit if recompense


Mike

 

[Poptop]

I have a 2014 180 DSG.. I dismissed the first belt going.. but it broke for the second time on Saturday.. just been told by the dealer it now needs a complete new engine due to the damaged caused.. the Cali has only covered 6000miles.. the dealer says its a complete mystery.. reading this forum I think VW have problem brewing. Oh for the record VW customer care is one of the worst!!

 

[snowy55]

I have a 2014 180 DSG.. I dismissed the first belt going.. but it broke for the second time on Saturday.. just been told by the dealer it now needs a complete new engine due to the damaged caused.. the Cali has only covered 6000miles.. the dealer says its a complete mystery.. reading this forum I think VW have problem brewing. Oh for the record VW customer care is one of the worst!!

Is it the auxiliary belt or the cambelt that broke?

 

[Poptop]

The auxiliary belt..

 

[WelshGas]

I have a 2014 180 DSG.. I dismissed the first belt going.. but it broke for the second time on Saturday.. just been told by the dealer it now needs a complete new engine due to the damaged caused.. the Cali has only covered 6000miles.. the dealer says its a complete mystery.. reading this forum I think VW have problem brewing. Oh for the record VW customer care is one of the worst!!

I also have a 2014 180 DSG and just passed 34,000 miles today.
I think you were just unlucky and in fact had a faulty engine or more likely auxiliary belt drive train, which should have been carefully checked if not totally replaced when the 1st belt failed, rather than just replace the belt.
A good engineer/mechanic shouldn't just assume that when a part fails it is the cause and not a symptom.

 

[snowy55]

The auxiliary belt..

And has that then got tangled up with cambelt ?

 

[snowy55]

I have a 2014 180 DSG.. I dismissed the first belt going.. but it broke for the second time on Saturday.. just been told by the dealer it now needs a complete new engine due to the damaged caused.. the Cali has only covered 6000miles.. the dealer says its a complete mystery.. reading this forum I think VW have problem brewing. Oh for the record VW customer care is one of the worst!!

Have a look at this thread.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/new-engine-required.14852/#post-159429

 

[Poptop]

Yes sounds the same.. the VW (AA) guy who came out said that it had affected the timing belt.. so lost all compression... the dealer is just doesn't want to give me any real info...other than it needs a complete engine which will take 5 days to get and 2 days to fit!!

 

[Poptop]

Thx for the link... I will be speaking to VW head office once again...

 

[Loz]

Thx for the link... I will be speaking to VW head office once again...

Just to understand.. if the dealer has this in hand and presumably will handle the warranty for you.. What is VWCS doing for you in this situation?

 

[Poptop]

Yes the dealer is being pretty good.. OK I won't have my California for nearly 10days.. but hopefully it will be sorted. VWCS on the other hand are a complete waste of time.. had three conversation now and I'm still no further.. My dealer has had my California in the work shop now on collective problems for nearly 30days..including this time.. I have only covered 6000miles on it.. I'll keep you posted on VWCS's response

 

[Loz]

Yes the dealer is being pretty good.. OK I won't have my California for nearly 10days.. but hopefully it will be sorted. VWCS on the other hand are a complete waste of time.. had three conversation now and I'm still no further.. My dealer has had my California in the work shop now on collective problems for nearly 30days..including this time.. I have only covered 6000miles on it.. I'll keep you posted on VWCS's response

So are you just using VWCS to have a rant at then?

 

[Poptop]

Strange thing to say!! Rant no.. it's called a complaint about a product they have supplied.

 

[Loz]

Strange thing to say!! Rant no.. it's called a complaint about a product they have supplied.

Not really, all you are doing is getting wound up by them and wasting your time when you might be better escalating your case to the dealer principal. But, if as you say, the dealer is getting on with it then just chill and hope it's sorted to your satisfaction.

It's a bit like calling up Microsoft to complain about bugs in Windows...

 

[Poptop]

You have your opinion and I have mine.. at the end of the day it's my California and I will complain or rant at who I like about it.. thanks for your very valuable feed back..