VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[Hubert]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

I changed my first California after 3 years when the warranty expired.

I wouldn't want to own one without a warranty, as Kernowlad says, they can become expensive if not covered. I appreciate it can apply to all vehicles but there is so much that can and does in some cases go wrong because of all the fittings and electronics for the habitation. Perhaps my glass is always half empty rather than half full.

Certainly won't be keeping this one longer than three years.

hubert

 

[Tangle Foot]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

I changed my first California after 3 years when the warranty expired.

I wouldn't want to own one without a warranty, as Kernowlad says, they can become expensive if not covered. I appreciate it can apply to all vehicles but there is so much that can and does in some cases go wrong because of all the fittings and electronics for the habitation. Perhaps my glass is always half empty rather than half full.

Certainly won't be keeping this one longer than three years.

hubert

I understand what you're saying but, you must surly lose about 6-7k over 3 years??

That would cover a lot of repairs should there be a problem?

 

[Hubert]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

I understand what you're saying but, you must surly lose about 6-7k over 3 years??

That would cover a lot of repairs should there be a problem?

I was fortunate with my first California got a really good deal as it had been in the showroom for over six months (there wasn't the following there is now) and VAT was 15%, so when I came to change the p ex was not far off what I paid. Admittedly the van price had increased substantially.
Agreed the cost will be high should I decide to change after 3 years this time (may not be buying another California).
It isn't just the cost of repairs it's the hassle getting things repaired, my nearest dealer is 45 miles away (90 miles round trip) plus I like to keep up to date with new vehicles. Now that has cost me a great deal during my car ownership years but I've had enjoyment of owning and driving some really nice cars.
There are no pockets in shrouds :lol:

Hubert

 

[soppelsa]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

my van has only been out for 7 days it is 7 months old 380 miles and I have managed to pick up two blisters it looks like an electrolytic problem because of the use of dissimilar metals one is quite deep so I suspect it started when manufactured. VW get your act together and be bold enough to do a recall.
Has anyone been to the press ie Honest John.

 

[Andy]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

Recalls are only done on safety items.
We are trying to get this resolved by talking to VW not by threat tactics such as bad press. The German forum are making headway on this issue.

Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk 2

 

[muttley]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

Just checked my Cali after reading this thread, and found two large paint blisters. The van is only 7 months old, so I am really quite unimpressed. I will get it sorted at the first service, but it sounds like it is only a matter of time before it reappears.

Simon

 

[choplee]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

Is it better for everyone of us to contact customer services and lodge a complaint separately as well as a group ??

 

[KernowLad]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

It needs replacing with a steel panel then painting properly; unless that happens, the problem will keep coming back.

This would save VW headaches in the long run too; these warranty claims will soon stack up,

 

[Hubert]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

Just taken in my van to have the roof blisters AND the rear door handle paint sorted. Taken to my local dealer JCT600 in York, they wanted van for 5 days and have given me a new Golf in the meantime. Quite enjoyed the drive home not driven a car for over 4 years, felt like I was sat on the road.
Will report on the quality of the work for others in Yorkshire who may want to take theirs there.
Can't believe how new some of the vans are that have blisters, always wash the roof so picked up the fault on mine fairly quickly (now just 17 months since build date)

Hubert

 

[philcod]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

Sorry if this has already been answered earlier in this enormous string - but is this covered by the bodywork warranty? Seems like a bodywork issue to me - or is that only 3 years too?

 

[Calimark]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

It would be good to better understand whether the cali's which are suffering from the front panel corrosion are garaged or whether they sit out on the drive. Obviously the garaged cali's won't be subjected to as much rain and dampness.

Any thoughts ?

 

[KernowLad]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

It would be good to better understand whether the cali's which are suffering from the front panel corrosion are garaged or whether they sit out on the drive. Obviously the garaged cali's won't be subjected to as much rain and dampness.

Any thoughts ?

I would be surprised if a Cali fits in most domestic garages.

Mine is always outside. Just like all the cars Ive ever owned with no paint issues!

 

[Ewan]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

I'd like to understand if there are any patterns emerging. My van is over 2 yrs old and doesn't have this issue (yet?). Does it relate to vans manufactured only during certain periods ? Or certain colours ? Or where the roof panels rub up against each other ? Etc. etc. This is the kind of evidence needed to support any collective discussion with VW.

 

[Calimark]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

It would be good to better understand whether the cali's which are suffering from the front panel corrosion are garaged or whether they sit out on the drive. Obviously the garaged cali's won't be subjected to as much rain and dampness.

Any thoughts ?

I would be surprised if a Cali fits in most domestic garages.

Mine is always outside. Just like all the cars Ive ever owned with no paint issues!

Mine is garaged and fits in with quite a few cm's to spare, but I had to fit a new electric sectional garage door to replace the older steel up and over. I think you are right, most cali's will probably be parked outside but it would still be interesting to see whether any owners who garage their cali still have the paint issue.

 

[Hubert]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

My Cali sits outside and has the paint / corrosion problem BUT my previous Cali also sat outside for 3 years with no issue about the roof corrosion.
So, I don't believe it is just down to whether vans are inside or out. Sometimes it can be worse sitting in a garage if damp or wet when garaged. IMHO,It is better to have air flow around a vehicle.

Hubert

 

[SusiBus]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

Out of 89 Calis inspected at COTF, 55 had roof corrosion, one of which was only 6 weeks old! I am too depressed to talk about it at the moment! Will post more information in the near future.

SUSIBUS
:cry:

 

[philcod]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

Sounds like a pretty powerful statistic to lay at VW's door to me. Is that the plan - I'd be happy to help - mine is one of the 55 so I'll be taking it up one way or another!! I cannot understand how they can resist a permanent solution. It feels like an investment in some specialist advice in consumer law might be worthwhile?

 

[HistoryBob]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

Did you note the ages of the other Calis or their chassis numbers. Strikes me that we might be able to identify a particular batch. The information would be very useful to VW and might get them to look kindly on us.
I'm the six week one but I am holding off doing anything as you had said that you were personally handling this situation/complaintwith a senior person at VW on our behalf.

 

[Stu]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

Out of 89 Calis inspected at COTF, 55 had roof corrosion, one of which was only 6 weeks old! I am too depressed to talk about it at the moment! Will post more information in the near future.

SUSIBUS
:cry:

Excellent work and I for one applaud and thank you for taking up the mantle to represent us in such a way. I do believe that armed with this kind of statistic and perhaps in combination with our German counterparts you have more than enough to open a serious dialogue with VW.

 

[choplee]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

if help is needed i'm sure everyone will help in anyway they can

 

[KernowLad]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

Out of 89 Calis inspected at COTF, 55 had roof corrosion, one of which was only 6 weeks old! I am too depressed to talk about it at the moment! Will post more information in the near future.

SUSIBUS
:cry:

Nice one; I will be using that when mine gets sorted.

So is anyone going to contact VW? If not, I am happy to call/write to them.

 

[Hubert]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

It has been said that to make a steel panel is too costly due to the low numbers.
Modern day plastics are used more and more in vehicle manufacture, surely a quality "plastic" panel would solve the issue. I don't think the panel is structural ?. After all other, convertors/motorhome manufacturers use various panels GRP, ABS and their longevity is improving.

Hubert

 

[BerndRos]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

When I had mine repaired I queried what the position would be if the problem cropped up again. VW Plympton said it would be covered under the 12 year ?.... Rust warranty.

 

[KernowLad]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

When I had mine repaired I queried what the position would be if the problem cropped up again. VW Plympton said it would be covered under the 12 year ?.... Rust warranty.

That would make it a lot less annoying but even if covered, its still a complete PITA getting it sorted.

 

[BerndRos]

Re: POLL: Roof Paintwork Issues

True.....

And how often might it occur...?