Volkswagen Problems

You need to persist with the dealer and VW, and perhaps consult an independent mechanic who specializes in VWs and can assess it for you, and perhaps back your claim. If that fails to nudge VW into action consider action through the consumer affairs people.

VW has earned a poor reputation for the way it deals with customers who complain, but it appears to have softened its stance in recent times after being subjected to intensive scrutiny in the media. In June the company ran full-page ads in newspapers all around the country, in which Managing Director, John White, stated that “If you are concerned about your Volkswagen vehicle due to this recent media coverage, for your peace of mind, Volkswagen Australia is offering a free inspection of your vehicle at any Volkswagen dealer throughout Australia.” I would take him up on his offer and have my vehicle inspected.

I doubt very much that you would get the 90,000 km you claim you would out of a set of pads, and 50,000 km or so out of a set of rotors is not that shabby in today's world where rotors wear at a much faster rate than they once did. I really don't think you've got much of a complaint.

The best course of action is to try and create a groundswell of feedback to VW as you are doing. That way the message might get through.

It's disappointing when you have issues with a relatively new car like yours. I would suggest you talk to your dealer and point out your disappointment and frustration.

Were you given an explanation of what was causing the grinding noise? I can't believe it's normal for a car to have a grinding noise, so I would be pressing VW for an explanation that makes sense to you. It's also a good plan to get the car independently checked, as you are going to do.

You need to take it to your dealer and report the problems and request that it be fixed. Your car is still under warranty, so there shouldn't be any issues in having it repaired. If that doesn't resolve the issue, take your concerns directly to VW.