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Brokendown brakes

My 05 VW Golf has just been diagnosed with a faulty ABS control unit, estimated repair £1,500. We have had the car since new and done 45,000 miles, exactly one year out of warranty. Not happy with prospect of this bill, after being passed backwards and forwards between the retailer, Murray VW of Plymouth, and VW itself, the manufacturer has offered us 50% loyalty contribution, but Murrays resolutely refuses any contribution as we've only had 1 of the 2 necessary services carried out by them. A Murrays Customer Services Adviser has informed us that this is a recognised failure in Golfs and Tourans just out of warranty, and I have discovered through internet searches many other aggrieved VW Golf and Touran owners who have suffered similar fate, some luckier than others where this failure has happened just in warranty, others where the retailer has agreed to stump up the remaining 50%. It appears you may already be aware of this issue. VW is very coy about admitting a widespread problem and have told us they are not recalling all "at risk" vehicles but treating each case individually. Fair enough, but if this is an acknowledged problem, then surely either they, or the retailer, should cover the full cost when and if the problem does arise? I'm in process of issuing the retailer letters informing them of my intent to take the matter to court under the Sale of Goods Act 1979.

Asked on 29 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
This is rapidly becoming a major problem. I get a report every couple of days. Today, two e-mails of the same thing one after the other. You MUST report it to www.vosa.gov.uk , which, if enough other UK drivers do the same, may issue a vehicle safety recall. Do nothing and this will never happen.
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