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We have a 2.0 TDi SEAT Altea Sport on a 54 plate. We bought this four years ago at 10 months old, registered by SEAT but with only delivery mileage on it. The car has 60k on the clock and a full service history (dealer serviced for the most part.) Recently, the ESP warning light has been permanently lit which, on interrogation by a local garage, was found to be a Brake Pressure Sensor fault requiring a whole new ABS module at a cost of £1,410.29 at the local garage. The local SEAT dealer has confirmed this but has managed to get SEAT UK to agree to a 40% contribution, taking their cost to do the work to £782. The car also requires a cambelt replacement (manufacturer recommendation) a service and MOT is due in September. The main dealer says he will do this additional work for £450. Does the fact that SEAT UK offered a 40% contribution indicate that this might be a known problem and should we pursue them for a greater contribution/full cost of replacement?

Asked on 31 October 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

The ABS/ESP fault is a standard problem affecting 3 - 5 year old VAG cars, BMW 1-Series and Volvo S40s/V50s. Yes, the 40% offer does indicate it's a known problem. VW is paying 100% if the car has been exclusively serviced by VW dealers and will also consider claims were cars have been serviced independently as long as the service schedule, including brake fluid changes, has been strictly adhered to. Make sure the dealer bolts the engine back in properly after the timing belt change.

Tags: buying recalls technical issues abs vosa owning

Dear Honest John,

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