Just announced - T6 recall for roof corrosion beneath the seal

[Volkywagen]

I need to look at my roof. Should I be checking that the tape had been applied. I only asked because when I tap the roof it sounds plastic rather than metal.

The section of roof that raises is aluminium. If you are tapping the front bit (above the windscreen) which doesn’t raise, then this is plastic.
You should have the tape applied, it may be worth checking. You can easily peel down the black strip and see if it’s there, and push back the strip quite easily.
I wouldn’t worry for around 12 months from purchase, then take the black seal off and check for yourself.
I had the steel inside the black strip start to corrode, however with the tape present it would have prevented and damage to the aluminium roof paintwork.
Vw did however replace the full seal after I sent it in for it’s first service under warranty, so it is worth checking from time to time.
The very front section of raising roof doesn’t seem to have the foil/tape under the seal, so I may be adding this myself this summer.

 

[Richard Hurst]

The section of roof that raises is aluminium. If you are tapping the front bit (above the windscreen) which doesn’t raise, then this is plastic.
You should have the tape applied, it may be worth checking. You can easily peel down the black strip and see if it’s there, and push back the strip quite easily.
I wouldn’t worry for around 12 months from purchase, then take the black seal off and check for yourself.
I had the steel inside the black strip start to corrode, however with the tape present it would have prevented and damage to the aluminium roof paintwork.
Vw did however replace the full seal after I sent it in for it’s first service under warranty, so it is worth checking from time to time.
The very front section of raising roof doesn’t seem to have the foil/tape under the seal, so I may be adding this myself this summer.

No I was tapping the actual roof part, maybe it is aluminium just didn’t feel like it. It will be a year old in July so I’ll try not to look just yet

 

[Keith Smith]

The section of roof that raises is aluminium. If you are tapping the front bit (above the windscreen) which doesn’t raise, then this is plastic.
You should have the tape applied, it may be worth checking. You can easily peel down the black strip and see if it’s there, and push back the strip quite easily.
I wouldn’t worry for around 12 months from purchase, then take the black seal off and check for yourself.
I had the steel inside the black strip start to corrode, however with the tape present it would have prevented and damage to the aluminium roof paintwork.
Vw did however replace the full seal after I sent it in for it’s first service under warranty, so it is worth checking from time to time.
The very front section of raising roof doesn’t seem to have the foil/tape under the seal, so I may be adding this myself this summer.

I added the tape to my roof and it was a big mistake, the paint on the front edge peeled off alarmingly when I removed the tape so that VW could check under the seal. My advice is to look if you must but don't apply tape, you would be giving VW an excuse to wash their hands of any responsibility.

 

[T6 CFO]

The section of roof that raises is aluminium. If you are tapping the front bit (above the windscreen) which doesn’t raise, then this is plastic.
You should have the tape applied, it may be worth checking. You can easily peel down the black strip and see if it’s there, and push back the strip quite easily.
I wouldn’t worry for around 12 months from purchase, then take the black seal off and check for yourself.
I had the steel inside the black strip start to corrode, however with the tape present it would have prevented and damage to the aluminium roof paintwork.
Vw did however replace the full seal after I sent it in for it’s first service under warranty, so it is worth checking from time to time.
The very front section of raising roof doesn’t seem to have the foil/tape under the seal, so I may be adding this myself this summer.

Mine has just been in for its first service after 2 years and the recall.

Evidently mine was fine and the tape was applied to both sides and the back. Evidently the front isn’t done as not necessary.

I wasn’t at my best suffering from an absolutely lousy cold so didn’t hang around to watch.

On a bright note for our dealers the service guy took one look at me and arranged a courtesy taxi to get me home.



Mike

 

[Keith Smith]

Mine has just been in for its first service after 2 years and the recall.

Evidently mine was fine and the tape was applied to both sides and the back. Evidently the front isn’t done as not necessary.

Mike

This is crazy as the front edge of mine was the worst affected area. Don't VW have a clue what they are doing?

 

[Bramco]

Ours is finally through the saga.. Last week it was away for a few days while they repaired the mess they had made trying to do the recall after the seal had been bonded on at Claridges where the first fix was done.

We now also have a new canvas as the cludger that did the recall work also put a big hole in the canvas.

Not sure if any Beach owner has had a replacement canvas but the new one is much stiffer than the old one and somehow doesn't seam to fit well when you bring the roof down but hey, it's new!

It also seems to let more light through or is this just that it's a lighter colour?

 

[CYCLOPATH]

I was told in Exeter, that I have a recall,but they dint have the tape....this means they haven’t done it before....I’m not to impressed as they even get confused with the service schedule....so
Who has had it done well, and where,,,,I’m hapoy to drive , and have a short holiday, to get it done properly.
I was told I have no corrosion, but I don’t know( and doubt) they removed the seal

 

[WelshGas]

I was told in Exeter, that I have a recall,but they dint have the tape....this means they haven’t done it before....I’m not to impressed as they even get confused with the service schedule....so
Who has had it done well, and where,,,,I’m hapoy to drive , and have a short holiday, to get it done properly.
I was told I have no corrosion, but I don’t know( and doubt) they removed the seal

South Hereford VW, combined car and commercial Dealership, in Hereford. My California was in for a major service + Cambelt for a day and a half. They did it during that. No Corrosion so tape fitted. No problems.

 

[CYCLOPATH]

South Hereford VW, combined car and commercial Dealership, in Hereford. My California was in for a major service + Cambelt for a day and a half. They did it during that. No Corrosion so tape fitted. No problems.

Thanks for that, I think I will go to them,,,,nice place for a short holiday
Did you take your rubber off and check it for corrosion,and the roof, before it went in?
Having read so much negative stuff about VW on this site, I would worry they wouldnt look very closely, or ignore a small amount of corrosion, as they know they are sealing it in, and hopefully it would show for many years.....or am I just getting a little paranoid

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks for that, I think I will go to them,,,,nice place for a short holiday
Did you take your rubber off and check it for corrosion,and the roof, before it went in?
Having read so much negative stuff about VW on this site, I would worry they wouldnt look very closely, or ignore a small amount of corrosion, as they know they are sealing it in, and hopefully it would show for many years.....or am I just getting a little paranoid

I checked it with them at 3 years and it was clear. Checked it before the Service, clear.
They do have a strict procedure to follow.

 

[CYCLOPATH]

I checked it with them at 3 years and it was clear. Checked it before the Service, clear.
They do have a strict procedure to follow.

Thanks,Great they follow the protocol. .I’ve booked in for when we get back....and we will stay a few nights in Hay, just in case it takes a few days.

 

[Billywizz]

I was told in Exeter, that I have a recall,but they dint have the tape....this means they haven’t done it before....I’m not to impressed as they even get confused with the service schedule....so
Who has had it done well, and where,,,,I’m hapoy to drive , and have a short holiday, to get it done properly.
I was told I have no corrosion, but I don’t know( and doubt) they removed the seal

I wouldn’t trust any VW Dealer they are so incompetent

 

[Seamelody]

I’ve asked twice @my local VW dealership ( Van centre ) not a Cali approved dealer if there is a roof recall they have accessed the recal system and both times nothing, not convinced so when it’s two I had planned on going to Exeter having read the thread now I have no idea


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[WelshGas]

I’ve asked twice @my local VW dealership ( Van centre ) not a Cali approved dealer if there is a roof recall they have accessed the recal system and both times nothing, not convinced so when it’s two I had planned on going to Exeter having read the thread now I have no idea


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They started fitting the Tape/Foil to the roof edge on the T6 in 2017, probably around July onwards. So depending on when your vehicle was made/registered it may already have the Tape.
Have you checked if you have the Tape?

 

[VW Guru]

I’ve asked twice @my local VW dealership ( Van centre ) not a Cali approved dealer if there is a roof recall they have accessed the recal system and both times nothing, not convinced so when it’s two I had planned on going to Exeter having read the thread now I have no idea


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Hi @Seamelody how old is your Cali ? If the build date is after Jan 2017 then it’s not subject to the recall. However if it’s before that date it will be

 

[Seamelody]

Thanks for the replies and clarification it was first registered on 1st September 2017 so can only assume it’s already fitted with the tape. Appreciate the messages


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[Lalala]

Just catching up on this thread . Our T6 ocean was deliver nov 2016 and registered jan 2017 . So seemingly well before this tape being added automatically . I have heard nothing about a recall, it’s been for it’s first service and nothing mentioned and phone van centre today and was told I had not recalls on the van.

I can not see clear tape - is it easy to spot?

Should I be requesting a recall or just ask them to check for roof corrosion ? We are a bit nervous around pulling away the black seal and causing damage

 

[Meoncoast]

ust catching up on this thread . Our T6 ocean was deliver nov 2016 and registered jan 2017 . So seemingly well before this tape being added automatically . I have heard nothing about a recall, it’s been for it’s first service and nothing mentioned and phone van centre today and was told I had not recalls on the van.

I can not see clear tape - is it easy to spot?

Should I be requesting a recall or just ask them to check for roof corrosion ? We are a bit nervous around pulling away the black seal and causing damage

Your van is about the same age as ours. You will not get a call re-recall they will look at it when you are in for service.

 

[CannonDale]

Just catching up on this thread . Our T6 ocean was deliver nov 2016 and registered jan 2017 . So seemingly well before this tape being added automatically . I have heard nothing about a recall, it’s been for it’s first service and nothing mentioned and phone van centre today and was told I had not recalls on the van.

I can not see clear tape - is it easy to spot?

Should I be requesting a recall or just ask them to check for roof corrosion ? We are a bit nervous around pulling away the black seal and causing damage

My 2016 T6 went into Breeze Van Centre two weeks ago as the coil light came on, they informed me when I took it in that they would need it for two days as they had to check the roof for corrosion. There was no corrosion and they applied the tape.

 

[David Eccles]

If you mention the word roof RECALL to dealership they will look blank! Roof inspection is an advisory to dealers to inspect the roof assess anything needed when vehicle comes into them, but you can ask your dealer to do a check anyway without waiting till kits booked in for something. Worth doing, recommended by VW all should do it (except new Calis I guess?) Recall word is only used for safety issues apparently, a different sort of thing.

 

[CYCLOPATH]

If you mention the word roof RECALL to dealership they will look blank! Roof inspection is an advisory to dealers to inspect the roof assess anything needed when vehicle comes into them, but you can ask your dealer to do a check anyway without waiting till kits booked in for something. Worth doing, recommended by VW all should do it (except new Calis I guess?) Recall word is only used for safety issues apparently, a different sort of thing.

Well I was told that there was a recall on my 2015 t5, when I had a service, a couple of months back.but they didn’t have the tape.
I rang Hereford Vw, as it has been recommended, by Welshgas, and was put through to a call centre, who said there was no recall. I rang again I think they were less busy, and spoke to Les in van servicing, and he said there was a recall, it would take an hour, to remove seal, take pictures, apply tape.
So I’m booked in for that

 

[Perfectos]

To answer your question. The tape is fairly easy to spot when your at roof level, on mine you can see the edge of the tape protrude by a couple of mm above the roof seal (not in all place though) pealing the rubber back slightly would reveal the tape if already fitted.

The seal is just a push fit, you will only need to carefully peel back a small section, corner of the roof is a good place.

Could try ringing the dealer, tell them you are aware of the roof issue and simply askif they will / can apply the tape, (don’t mention recal)

 

[TripleBee]

Which brings to mind that they still haven't learned from their first attempts to build a California.
The model is already running from 2003!!
They all suffer the same issue. Water and dirt getting between the roof and the rubber. This causes corrosion.
How hard can it be after 16!!!! years to build something that does not rust?

 

[Spotlight Kid]

I took my van in for its first MOT last month and got told about this roof recall. They did the tape thing but found corrosion and said it would need to be booked into the bodyshop to be fixed. I have just been told that VW now require this work carried out by an external company they have nominated who have such a backlog of work that it will likely not be until next year before I get an appointment!

I also need to take the van back to the dealer for photos to be taken of the corrosion. Apparently VW now require to see these before they will authorise the work to be carried out.

 

[David Eccles]

my experience exactly!
and VW are telling me only 3% of Calis need this...HA!