VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[owen_h]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Yep, We too have blistering on our 2011 registered Cali Berghaus, Blue (immediately above the windscreen, fairly central). Actually it was purchased out of the showroom, so its only been on the road 18 months, since Feb 12. I will report the issue to the WV Commercial, in Dyce, Aberdeen where the vehicle was purchased. I will probably hold off requesting a fix until say its 2 year service. That way it seems they'll be clear about their repair procedures.

I would be very interested to hear how you get on with this case. The majority of people are getting blisters on the side of the panel next to the awning rail. Mine and it sounds like yours as well is in the middle of the panel above the rear view mirror and VW cust service rejected my claim claiming it was a stone chip.

 

[dave&jackie]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Sadly some dealers are both misinformed and somewhat less than truthful.

The warranty on your vehicle remains intact. The situation is quite clear, if something fails and it's failure or fault is attributable to any unapproved modification then that item would not be covered.

For example having a sodding great hole in the roof is not going to void the warranty on a failed turbo charger.

I do not doubt that , but would said hole be an issue on "this" subject of ROOF / paint warranty. It's not going to be an issue on a turbo but I feel that VW dealers could argue that an after market pop up roof could be an issue on this subject.

 

[Stu]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

I do not doubt that , but would said hole be an issue on "this" subject of ROOF / paint warranty. It's not going to be an issue on a turbo but I feel that VW dealers could argue that an after market pop up roof could be an issue on this subject.

No, I think you are missing the point and you take my example too literally.

The problem under discussion here is relates to a longstanding issue affecting California. The issue is contained within the aluminium section of the roof and is corrosion from poor preparation or galvanic corrosion so will not affect aftermarket roofs made of fibreglass.

Aftermarket roofs will be produced using fiberglass and fit differently to those on the Cali which are made of aluminium and have a separate front section above the windscreen to 'smooth' the lines and incorporate the roof into the vehicle, aftermarket ones just sit on top of the van.

I'll try another example.

The rear doors of a barn door conversion van have dropped / sagged and don't close properly. If you have a gaping hole in the roof as a result of an aftermarket conversion and VW believe the problem is caused by the rigidity of the body shell having been compromised in fitting the roof then you're on your own. If not then of course you'll be covered.

If you have a problem with the paint on your roof and VW attribute the cause to be related to the hole in the roof then they won't cover it - why should they?

I don't think I can be any more lear than my previous statement -

The warranty on your vehicle remains intact. The situation is quite clear, if something fails and it's failure or fault is attributable to any unapproved modification then that item would not be covered.

 

[mattblack]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Just checked mine (60 plate). Small blisters nearside above awning rail, a few on the other side too. Wonder if VW customer care will contact us. I'll contact the dealer before mine goes in for MOT in Nov. Thanks for raising it.

 

[Chilly Cali]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Hi,

Just got up during a polish fest and found I too have blisters on the o/s of the panel above windscreen. Mine, a 12 plate in blue.

I shall be reporting it to VW customer services tomorrow and await with interest the new TPI. I can only imagine that it will involve a replacement panel having read back through previous posts. Fingers crossed.

I didn't buy my Cali brand spanking new, but 9 months old, private sale. Does anyone think that I might have any difficulties with my local dealer, having not purchased through him? or are VW pretty good at honouring their warranty regardless of place of purchase? Would I be best to report to customer services at Bury St. Edmunds dealer, or phone some sort of centralised customer services, if such a thing exists?

 

[Stu]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Your warranty will be valid at any UK dealer regardless of place of purchase.

 

[campandfly]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Hi all

I wonder if when I order a new Cali this issue with the blistering paint will be sorted :?

Tony

 

[robo]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Just had a telephone call from VW customer services, who are now being really helpful!
I am logged for a call once they have established training and garages that can do the repair properly.

robo

 

[KernowLad]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Just had a telephone call from VW customer services, who are now being really helpful!
I am logged for a call once they have established training and garages that can do the repair properly.

robo

They were with me too but I never got the call back...

 

[gliderpilot]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Hi All,

heard today that VW are sorting the problem. Training is being organised at selected bodyshops, they know of at least 60 vehicles with the issue.. and then they are going to do a recall of ALL Californias to put the problem right. Not sure when this will happen though.

 

[fordyski100]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Can you let us know who advised you of this as I am still awaiting any correspondence from my dealer.
Thanks

 

[gliderpilot]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

I work at a VW approved bodyshop and the manager had a conversation with the VW area manager...we're looking into the training at the moment. Not sure if this should be public knowledge yet !

 

[Silverfox]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Hi All,

heard today that VW are sorting the problem. Training is being organised at selected bodyshops, they know of at least 60 vehicles with the issue.. and then they are going to do a recall of ALL Californias to put the problem right. Not sure when this will happen though.

Make that 61, found some small bubbling this week, in for service and inspection next week, let you know what's said.

 

[logyk]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Am I right in thinking that vehicles built after March 2013 have had a " fix " applied during manufacture ?

Or did I dream that I read this ?

 

[campandfly]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Am I right in thinking that vehicles built after March 2013 have had a " fix " applied during manufacture ?

Or did I dream that I read this ?

I too would be interested to know if the manufacturing fault has been fully resolved before I dive in and place an order.

Tony

 

[Stu]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

they know of at least 60 vehicles with the issue.

I don't think there will be a problem upping that number to 3 figures.

They really do need to ensure all affected vehicles are repaired, that's not just those reported but any built within the time frame they identify as having been incorrectly manufactured, it's going to be expensive though.

 

[reserves]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Can anyone point me to a thread outlining the issue (with pics?) and how it's being resolved?

 

[Martin]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

There are several threads on this topic, but here is the main one

viewtopic.php?f=45&t=4132

I will see if it is worth merging these all together at some point

There are various photo's on that thread plus this youtube clip

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8BEMHZgmWw[/youtube]

 

[Jules]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Had a call from VW Customer Care this morning to say that someone is coming over from Germany to train the master technicians in various van centres to carry out the repair. He said due to this it is unlikely that I will hear anymore from them until October.

 

[SusiBus]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

To those ordering or taking delivery of a new Cali this is a repeat of a previous posting-

It came to light at COTF that all Calis built after March this year have modified roof construction, (how’s that for fast reactions to a problem by VW !) This includes some sort of material separating the front aluminium section from the steel section of the roof. This was further backed up by the presence of Aileen’s new Irish registered Cali which apparently is only the second one to be supplied to Ireland with a build completion in March 2013 with this mod clearly visible .

Has anyone got a new Cali with build date after March 2013 to confirm this?

 

[logyk]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

To those ordering or taking delivery of a new Cali this is a repeat of a previous posting-

It came to light at COTF that all Calis built after March this year have modified roof construction, (how’s that for fast reactions to a problem by VW !) This includes some sort of material separating the front aluminium section from the steel section of the roof. This was further backed up by the presence of Aileen’s new Irish registered Cali which apparently is only the second one to be supplied to Ireland with a build completion in March 2013 with this mod clearly visible .

Has anyone got a new Cali with build date after March 2013 to confirm this?

My Cali has a build date of May 2013. What should I look for and where exactly should I be looking ?

 

[SusiBus]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

It's like a rubber gasket (although I don't know what material it actualy is) about 4mm thick between the steel and alloy roof panels above the front windscreeen.

 

[Dibz]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

I've noticed some bubbling on mine too, watching these threads with interest!

 

[Andy]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Just dropped my Cali off at local Vac Centre for a lot of warranty work. All fairly common items, including the blistering roof. I will ring them on Wednesday to see what the score is with the roof.
They say they have done a handful in the past & have used a "specialist company" to do the work.

I'd be very surprised if VW recall all Calis and "repair" the panel above windscreen. This, as Stu says will cost them a LOT of money on a vehicle that already doesn't make them much profit.

 

[CannellWalker]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

Had a call from VW Customer Care this morning to say that someone is coming over from Germany to train the master technicians in various van centres to carry out the repair. He said due to this it is unlikely that I will hear anymore from them until October.

Does anybody know where the 'various van centres' are?