Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

[Rems23]

I’m sure it’s been mentioned several times already over the previous 170+ pages, but it seems inconceivable that VW are not issuing a formal recall of all 23/24 models for inspection, or at the very least writing to all owners to make them aware and check themselves. It’s entirely possible that an infrequent, fair weather camper could easily sail past warranty period having never experienced a rainy session with the roof up and therefore never knowing they even have a problem!

 

[babble]

so, miracle of miracles, after my bellows leaked and i filmed it and showed the water pouring in, VW Brussels have eventually replaced them for an 06s model. they made out like they had done me some enormous favour of course, and to get this done i had to take the van there twice, the first time last year for two weeks, (when they changed something entirely unrelated to the leaks,) then this time they kept the van for A MONTH. no apology of course, or anything at all, but at least i now have the 06s bellows fitted. as Rems23 says above it is astonishing that VW haven't just accepted that any pre 06s bellows should be changed is crazy/pathetic/offensive. i can't believe you have to wait, film it, then they test it etc. my god.

 

[RockinNRollin]

I’m sure it’s been mentioned several times already over the previous 170+ pages, but it seems inconceivable that VW are not issuing a formal recall of all 23/24 models for inspection, or at the very least writing to all owners to make them aware and check themselves. It’s entirely possible that an infrequent, fair weather camper could easily sail past warranty period having never experienced a rainy session with the roof up and therefore never knowing they even have a problem!

It has indeed been mentioned several times, but the consensus (with "insider knowledge" from those who have experience in the automotive industry) is recalls generally only happen for safety critical components. The fact changeovers are happening with little fuss demonstrates dealers are clearly aware of the issue as they aren't having to jump through the same "warranty hoops" they were 12 months ago.

It is unlikely the bellows will be going out of production anytime soon and given the affected vehicles typically have at least 12 months of warranty left on them, as long as owners act over the next year it shouldn't be an issue to resolve.

 

[Corradobrit]

Got my Cali back from the local VW Commercial dealer. Showed videos and pics of the leak, told them it leaks when the outer layer is saturated. After having my Cali for over a week I get the call that the Computer says no. The dealer was unable to see infiltration follwowing the VW test procedure. SInce I have the 03S which is considered the leakiest of the leakers, I was flabagasted. They couldn't even replicate the leak through the upper seal on the rear door. To add insult to injury I was made to pay 1.5 hours labour at over 200 euro for the experience.
Dealer seemed apologetic but said their hands were tied. With 3 revisions since my bellows was produced at the end of 2022, the fact that VW are not acknowledging the design problem which prevents me using the top beds under most rain conditions has soured my ownership experience.
I will argue my case at the Customer Center at the Factory and see if there is a better Cali specific dealer in the area which I can go to before my warranty expires in Jan. Failing that I'll be ordering a can of Aquatex.

This news piece I saw taday is no surprise to me.

Volkswagen cars taken away with little warning, says watchdog

VW Finance showed "a lack of empathy", according to the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.bbc.com

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Got my Cali back from the local VW Commercial dealer. Showed videos and pics of the leak, told them it leaks when the outer layer is saturated. After having my Cali for over a week I get the call that the Computer says no. The dealer was unable to see infiltration follwowing the VW test procedure. SInce I have the 03S which is considered the leakiest of the leakers, I was flabagasted. They couldn't even replicate the leak through the upper seal on the rear door. To add insult to injury I was made to pay 1.5 hours labour at over 200 euro for the experience.
Dealer seemed apologetic but said their hands were tied. With 3 revisions since my bellows was produced at the end of 2022, the fact that VW are not acknowledging the design problem which prevents me using the top beds under most rain conditions has soured my ownership experience.
I will argue my case at the Customer Center at the Factory and see if there is a better Cali specific dealer in the area which I can go to before my warranty expires in Jan. Failing that I'll be ordering a can of Aquatex.

This news piece I saw taday is no surprise to me.

Volkswagen cars taken away with little warning, says watchdog

VW Finance showed "a lack of empathy", according to the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.bbc.com

That’s an absolute fecking joke mate, a 200EUR charge as well?!

 

[stationmaster]

...all this shockingly poor treatment of VW customers...

And our reaction is?

We keep on buying them.

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Got my Cali back from the local VW Commercial dealer. Showed videos and pics of the leak, told them it leaks when the outer layer is saturated. After having my Cali for over a week I get the call that the Computer says no. The dealer was unable to see infiltration follwowing the VW test procedure. SInce I have the 03S which is considered the leakiest of the leakers, I was flabagasted. They couldn't even replicate the leak through the upper seal on the rear door. To add insult to injury I was made to pay 1.5 hours labour at over 200 euro for the experience.
Dealer seemed apologetic but said their hands were tied. With 3 revisions since my bellows was produced at the end of 2022, the fact that VW are not acknowledging the design problem which prevents me using the top beds under most rain conditions has soured my ownership experience.
I will argue my case at the Customer Center at the Factory and see if there is a better Cali specific dealer in the area which I can go to before my warranty expires in Jan. Failing that I'll be ordering a can of Aquatex.

This news piece I saw taday is no surprise to me.

Volkswagen cars taken away with little warning, says watchdog

VW Finance showed "a lack of empathy", according to the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.bbc.com

Absolutely shocking.

 

[Corradobrit]

You can't make this stuff up. Got this email from VW asking for feedback after my recent service

"Thank you for your last visit to the workshop with your VW California 6.1 H-BU 550 were with us on 20241015.
Your satisfaction is important to us and we want you to continue to be yours in the future Give trust. For this reason, we ask you for your feedback on your workshop visit. Your assessment helps us to improve our customer service.

To start the survey, please click on “Participate now”."