VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[Richie]

Damn you VW!!! You give me a new 4motion DSG as a replacement whilst olde faithful is getting the roof done. All the bells and whistle, I'm too weak to resist this blatant seduction. Thankfully the wife has provided me with the look which translates to 'keep dreaming sunshine you're not upgrading any time soon!'

 

[jts46]

They ought to be DAMMED for their cock up which we have to pay for.

 

[estresao]

Hi,

I'll take delivery of my brand new Cali in few weeks and I'm very concerned about this problem, because I've read that some 2014 Calis suffered this problem even after VW knews about the design defecf.

I have to read this thread, but it will take me long time because the size it reached, so I would like to ask some questions that surely was covered (sorry about that):

- Do new vehicles continuing having the problem?
- In Spain VW is repairing this problem but, after that VW sais you lose the 12 years corrosion warranty because it become 2 years after the reparation. That point impressed (and scared me) a lot.... is that also happening in UK?

thanks

 

[pbroad]

To pbroad,
I think if you read through this thread you will find that most posts refer to one of two problems or both.
1. Areas of galvanic corrosion on the front section of the roof, above the windscreen due to a problem in the alloy composition. This whole panel is being replaced if under 6 years old.
2. Areas of galvanic corrosion on the aluminium elevating roof under or around the rubber seal. Affected vehicles have a respray but with, I gather, a thicker zinc based primer.

However, in your case it seems to be on the underside of the elevating roof section, at each corner. Different to the others.
I would get the vehicle checked, take photos and if the Dealership refuse to forward a claim under the 12 year Corrosion Warranty then contact VW Customer Services direct.

Thankyou WelshGas, will do.

 

[Mazvw42]

My van is being collected on Monday for repair. the van was treated from new with a paint treatment https://www.gen-3glasscoat.com/ Did anyone have the paint treatment renewed on the roof section following the repair? AB Crush tell me that I need to talk to VW Customer Services, which I will do, but just wondered what the outcome was likely to be, if anyone had the same issue?

 

[snowy55]

Good news.
Picked up our Cali on Saturday from Listers at Coventry after having the raising section of the roof repainted. No problems at all, very clean and tidy. New bellows and seal fitted.

Our Cali, in November was 105 in the queue at Shorade, who are doing 2 per month so that means over 4 years before they get to ours! but after speaking to Jordan at VwCS he suggested we try elsewhere. We got the job reassigned to Listers who could do the job within a couple of weeks of acceptance by Vw.

Phil Greenfield at Listers took new photos and resubmitted the claim and liased with Jordan at VwCS so it worked smoothly.

If your Cali is stuck in a ridiculous queue somewhere and it's only the raising section that needs attention then it can be done at any approved Vw paint shop, try somewhere else and VwCS will help you get it transferred.

 

[pbroad]

Thankyou WelshGas, will do.

Hi WelshGas - good news, I have warranty approval to repair! Booked in for April the 17th. Let's see how this goes.

Paul

 

[WelshGas]

Well done.

 

[Addieg]

Hello all - apologies if this question has already been asked/answered in this thread but I've done a search and can find no reference to it.

I have recently had my front panel and roof of our 2009 Cali repaired by AB Crush. As with other reports the service was faultless and the job very well done.

My only problem is that when the van was picked up we had three windows in the bellows and when it was delivered back to us it only had two. Are three windowed bellows not available any more and if not why? Has anyone else had similar issues and is it something I should just shut up about and be grateful for the new bellows and paint job?

I am a little disappointed as we had previously enjoyed panoramic views at our favourite campsite and I now have a funny looking cali-topper!

Any information gratefully received.

 

[Californiaman]

Early Calis had two windows that was them changed to three. If you've gone from three to two, I would ask for a replacement with three!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[WelshGas]

Why would VW keep the older Bellows in stock?

 

[calikev]

Not unless they have used a beach bellows

 

[WelshGas]

I think you're correct Calikev. Just checked the latest Brochure. Beach has no front window.

 

[Paul L]

Hi.
I'm just posting an update on my (unsuccessful) roof corrosion claim.

I have a 2007 Cali, which I know is just outside the 6 year warranty period. My claim however has been based on the fact that I bought my Cali in June 2012 as an approved used vehicle form VW in Kirkcaldy. I believe that VW would have been aware that there was a problem at the time I was sold the vehicle. Furthermore at no point did VW make me aware that there was a potential problem with roof corrosion despite the fact that I got my van serviced at an approved dealership. I have reasonably bad bubbled corrosion on 3 areas on the front panel above the windscreen only. In all other respects, my van is immaculate.

My claim started with VW Specialist Cars in Kirkcaldy. They rejected the claim on the basis the van was more than 6 years old. I then went to VW Customer Service. They did seem to investigate but came back with the same answer that the warranty period had expired so they could do nothing. I am now on to my final course of action, which is to contact the Motorcodes trade body. Apparently I am told that they may take a view and arbitrate. However I am not holding out much hope.

I am interested if anyone has any suggestions which would help me. I'm told the repair bill for this is £3000. I feel really let down by VW of this as I feel they have some responsibility. Given how expensive these vans are, I expected better service than this. I anticipated renewing my van in a few years time. I don't however feel inclined to buy another Cali based on my experience here.

Thanks
Paul

 

[Kirk]

have you checked under the rubber seal of the main roof as I would be surprised that is not bubbling aswell

 

[WelshGas]

The first post on this thread was made on the 7th July 2012.
I do not think VW new of or had confirmed that there was a widespread problem at that time, nor, as far as I am aware, had they agreed to an extension of the paintwork warranty from 3 to 6 years in relation to the roof panels at that time. In fact I don't think the change in the Paintwork Warranty for the roof panels was confirmed and publicised until sometime in early 2014.

 

[jts46]

My Cali was repaired for blistering front panel in July 2009, I think you are wrong, they did know about the problem and tried to cover it up, and it was the early buyers of the Cali who are now expected to pay for a repair that VW should because of the manufacturing fault.

John

 

[Martin]

all the people that had their claims rejected are in communication with each other via email, if you email us we can add you to their list.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[AndyFromTheBrac]

I agree with John. The root cause has been known for some time now, but the reluctance of VW to properly notify (and perhaps even recall) all California owners is shoddy. When I bought my 2011 model in 2013 there was little information available and VW certainly didn't make me aware. The club get my eternal gratitude for doing that (and that alone is worth a lifetime of subs to me)

Keep on trying and don't give up the fight. I'm sure the club will offer all assistance possible.

 

[jts46]

Am i not already on this list?

John

 

[Martin]

yes you are John, but it seems to have gone very quiet?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[andyrob]

Hi all,

Thought you would find his helpful and be able to possibly update me of 2014 built Cali's with regard this issue.

I placed my order for new 180 SE before Xmas. When I placed the order I specifically asked the dealer to review the situation with regard the issue with roof corrosion. They quickly came back and explained the issue had been resolved on all new 2014 models.
Via a few emails I have pushed for some form of written assurance that if the issue appears I will be entitled to the six year warranty fix from the date of registration. The below his the response.

I have had confirmation from Volkswagen reference the vehicle roof warranty on California.

Currently there is a factory goodwill gesture in respect to existing vehicle issues with paint defects on vehicles that meet the warranty criteria. This goodwill gesture will expire when Volkswagen decide it is the right time to do so. There is no fixed date.

Different metal compounds and primers are now used on new build California. These are covered by the standard warranty.

In light of the above can I ask the forum if we their are indeed no recorded issues with Cali's built in 2014, or is it a little early for the problem to show?

I am continuing my effort to gain written assurance, but it is proving very difficult and very frustrating. That coupled with the engine bay primer post, really does make me wonder if I am making the correct choice on how to spend a vast amount of money.

Thank you
Andy

 

[Martin]

We have had several reports of corrosion on the main elevating roof (under the rubber seal) of 2014 vehicles but not the front panel.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[andyrob]

Do you have numbers with any build dates. I would like to go back to the dealer with detail if poss?

 

[Scrabble]

I'm just about to take delivery of a 60 plate, 2010/11 Cali. It’s been through a VW check and was ruled not to have corrosion. Is it the case that most Cali’s will get this problem at some point? Are there people who have never had this problem? And is it mainly down to water penetration i.e if you’re parked outside or in the rainy the UK!? Just interested as I’m new to the forum and about to park my near to warranty end Cali out on the road… Yes in the rainy UK.