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Thermostat housing and water pump fail.

Aussie R

Ready to race!
Location
Australia
We got loaner cars each time my wife's S3 needed warranty work. Twice was in for 2 days just needed to be arranged couple weeks prior.

I'd assume the GTI, S3 water pumps all the same. It's a bit annoying buying best part of $60k car here with known issues in past with turbo failures, water pump failures and haldex issues with either software issue or pump. I'm getting the latest haldex update in couple of weeks which should fix my minor slippage when wot off mark occasionally setting off the traction control. Guess all cars have their possible flaws. As long as turbo doesn't blow and damage engine I'll accept water pump and software update in 4yrs.
 

Terrafirma10

Passed Driver's Ed
Location
North Carolina
This is an ongoing problem, so much so that water pumps are on national backorder. Mine was diagnosed on March 23rd, still waiting for the water pump. The first ETA was April 20th, still waiting. At least it is a small enough leak that I am able to still drive my car.


I took mine in this past Monday and got it back on Tuesday. Great service at my dealership so far.

Also my dealer has always offered me a loaner.
 

elwood1

Ready to race!
Location
Highland Park, IL
Car(s)
2024 GTI SE DSG
My water pump has arrived! I got a call today (on a Saturday!) that it is in. I was away from my phone, will call MOnday to schedule replacement. They've already offered a loaner to me, which I will accept. Woo hoo!
 

cb1111

Newbie
Location
Virginia, USA
Even my Fidelity extended warranty won't pay for waiting for parts. The only time I seen a dealer pay for a rental was if the wait for parts was short and they were making enough to absorb the costs.

Back when I had my MK5, I was getting a passenger seat fault. I figured it was caused either by the connector or the switch in the seat cushion. It went away but I figured I'd get it replaced under warranty, just in case it came back (it never did). I was told the seat switch was special order because it was embedded in the foam and they need to replace the entire seat bottom, and it would take months. I didn't care about that but I was told they would need to keep the car. So I never had them do a diagnosis.

Is the R water pump/thermostat the same as the GTI? I remember back when I had my MK4. If you had one, you'll remember the ignition coil fiasco and the backorders. I had two fail shortly after I bought the car. It was a very early build. I limped to the dealer, they had them in stock then. About a month later, the two they replaced failed. I limped back again, and by then they were not available. They went out to the parking lot and took two from a new GTI. I figure I wasn't the only one they accommodated this way. I can't help but think VWoA reimbursed them for having a new car they can't sell sitting on their lot.
A quick call to VW using the words "possible air bag fault - safety hazard - can you guarantee me in writing that the airbag will not deploy improperly" would have gotten you a loaner for the entire wait (which would have been very short).

For anything identified as a possible safety hazard I've ALWAYS gotten a loaner - including Audi ordering a windshield from Germany.

It is unreasonable to expect a loaner for a non-safety related fault where the car is still mobile, but once the part is in I'd certainly expect a loaner if the repair will be most of the day or longer.
 

The Fed

Old Guys Rule
Location
Florida
We got loaner cars each time my wife's S3 needed warranty work. Twice was in for 2 days just needed to be arranged couple weeks prior.

I'd assume the GTI, S3 water pumps all the same. It's a bit annoying buying best part of $60k car here with known issues in past with turbo failures, water pump failures and haldex issues with either software issue or pump. I'm getting the latest haldex update in couple of weeks which should fix my minor slippage when wot off mark occasionally setting off the traction control. Guess all cars have their possible flaws. As long as turbo doesn't blow and damage engine I'll accept water pump and software update in 4yrs.

Uh, AUDI.
 

Aussie R

Ready to race!
Location
Australia
Uh, AUDI.

Is the VW customer service fairly ave in USA? I found it very ave here when purchasing. I ended up buying from 4th dealership I went to not because of cost but was first one that treated me well.

I have been to 3 audi dealerships number of times and got 10/10 treatment every single time when looking at cars, test driving and service/warranty work.

With my VW I have always had it serviced by VAG specialist who is fantastic and always have loan car for me.

It's surprising the difference in customer service between sister companies.
 

tipo158

New member
Location
Seattle area
Thermostat housing is cracked on my '17 GTI (25k miles). I first noticed coolant residue on the engine block a couple of oil changes ago. Dealer won't have the part until next week.
 

jmblur

Autocross Champion
Location
Massachusetts
Car(s)
2017 Golf R
When the mechatronics unit on my mk6 GTI died under warranty, and it was backordered for a month+, VW corporate gave me a basically brand new CC to drive around for a month, and covered my payment for the month I didn't have the car. Guess the goodwill worked, as I bought a mk7!
 

Summons

New member
Location
Toronto
Thermostat housing is cracked on my '17 GTI (25k miles). I first noticed coolant residue on the engine block a couple of oil changes ago. Dealer won't have the part until next week.

Is that a plastic housing? If not, is your '17 an early build?

Hope they fix it quick for you - with a metal part!

Cheers,
E
 

teemmy

Ready to race!
Location
bay area, CA
Anyone know the part number for this? I have a 15 and my coolant started slowly leaking and I have that burnt coolant smell... Pretty sure it's the thermostat housing :)

I was hoping to find some upgraded housing!
 

normcaldwell

Go Kart Newbie
Location
Denver, Colorado

Golf7RR

Go Kart Newbie
Location
NE
has anyone done the WP change themselves? would like to to hear tips/advice. any special tools necessary? thanks.
 

The Fed

Old Guys Rule
Location
Florida
In the U.S. Audi gives you a loaner. If your VW dealer is also an Audi dealer get it in writing on your contract that they'll give you a free loaner if they need to keep your car overnight for service.
 
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