Volkswagen Tiguan Problems

In order, I would suggest you consider the VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5. All are reliable, drive nicely, and are well equipped.

Dealers are now looking for ways to boost profitability, with all sorts of added-cost extras that are good for their bottom line but not for owners or their vehicles. The bottom line is simple: if the car is operating fine, and the suggested service is not on the list of manufacturer requirements, then say a big NO.

I am not given to defending car companies or dealers, but your car is out of warranty, you have not been loyal on servicing regardless of the reason and at least they are offering some sort of contribution to the cost of the parts.

You are being treated absolutely appallingly, by the dealer and by VW. The problem starts with the dealer, if they can't fix it it's their responsibility to go to VW and ask for assistance. It is not for them to tell you to go to VW, that's passing the buck. It's also not VW's place to tell you to go back to the dealer, as the car's manufacturer it's their responsibility to fix it. Go to the dealer and express your dissatisfaction with their service, and ask that they request VW's help in sorting the problem. VW has technicians who can assess and hopefully fix your car. If they can't fix it they can request help from VW in Germany. Keep escalating the problem up the tree, from the dealer, the VW Customer Care, to VW's Managing Director or higher if needed. It is their job to fix your car.

Three weeks have passed since your car was towed to the dealership, which is more than enough time for VW to get back to you with a resolution. The resolution must come from VW via the dealer, so keep the pressure on at dealer level, while at the same time stay in contact with VW. If the response isn't to your liking when you get it you'll have to attempt to negotiate a resolution that is more to your liking. You could consult the Consumer Affairs people in Victoria, but I doubt they would be of any help. You could also seek advice from a solicitor, but again I doubt that you would get any satisfaction there. The best course of action is to negotiate with VW and stare them down.

It's always frustrating when you find yourself shelling out large sums of money on a car that you would think should be be bulletproof for the first period of it life. It's not like your car has done a million miles. I'm tempted to say that's the European experience. I would recommend that you find a good independent mechanic who specializes in VWs and take your car there.

Much as I like the CX-3, and have given it The Tick, it's a tiddler that will not work if you need space. From the cars on your list, I'd go for the Tiguan.

What's happening is that the car's computer is detecting a problem and putting it into limp home mode. The idea is that you are then able to drive on at a reduced speed to get it to a dealer for repairs. What's not happening is that the dealer is not identifying a problem when they get to see the car and check it on their diagnostic equipment. It's difficult to find the cause of a problem when it is not evident when the mechanic is doing the check. There is likely to be a problem with a sensor or a wiring connection issue. The only way to find the problem when the diagnostic gear isn't telling what is causing it is to do a thorough manual check. I would be taking the car back to the dealer and telling them that you won't be taking it back until the car is fixed.