Volkswagen Problems

I doubt that replacing the driveline in itself would make any difference, but I would recommend you talk to the dealer about what was done to the driveline and get their opinion on its possible effect.

It’s clearly frustrating, but it’s a long way from being a “lemon”. VW found and fixed the problem with the brakes, so that’s done and dusted. The warning light issue is another issue and one that VW needs to fix. I would be firm towards the dealer and tell them to keep the car until they can guarantee the problem has been fixed. Leave it with them, don’t simply drive away in it and hope they have fixed it. Ask questions until you are satisfied they have found the fault and fixed it.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.

I would certainly get it repaired. Fixed it would be worth around $15,000, so it’s well worth fixing, but if you don’t it’s value would be severely affected.

Take it to an auto transmission specialist for an opinion and quote to rebuild it. You really shouldn’t have any trouble with a rebuilt gearbox if an experienced auto trans mechanic has done it.

From what you say it does appear that it's a problem with the painting and not the result of a stone chip. Have it checked by the VW rep and make a claim against the warranty. If the rep rejects it you could go direct to VW and present your case directly. If you have no joy there you could consult a paint specialist for an independent appraisal, but as that would likely cost more than the repair you would be better off it have the dealer repair it.

You didn’t tell us how many kays your T5 had done prior to the rebuild, but because you used the extended warranty I can assume the factory warranty had expired. VW, like all carmakers, will refuse to cover any car that has been worked on outside the dealer network, which is understandable given they have no control over the quality of that work or the competence of the person doing it. It’s perhaps also worth considering having the auto serviced once it’s clocked up 100,000 km-plus; a change of oil can work wonders for the life of an auto trans.

Despite the finding that all was well on the diagnostic check I   would suggest the auto could be in need of a service. The computer,   after all, can't assess the quality of the shifts. Changing the oil   was a good first move, even though it hasn't proven to be the fix. As   for the warranty you would have to read it to check what it covers   and what it doesn't.

It has a chain and doesn't require servicing.

We contacted VW for a response to your criticism and this is what we were told: “The reverse light is there for other road users to see that you are reversing, there is no requirement for it to be positioned on a particular side of the vehicle. The reason there is (only) one is that the other side is taken up by the fog light.” Perhaps you should try turning the fog light on when reversing at night!

It doesn’t sound like the ABS, it does sound more like the diff or something else in the driveline. I would get it checked by a VW specialist.