New GTI => bad engine

[Jeff_DML]

New owner here who just bought a new 2018 GTI S two weeks ago.

First day I got it I went to my parents house to show it off. Later that day I get a call from my dad saying my new car leaked something on his driveway. I said it is probably some overflow from the factory but will keep an eye on it. A few days go by and then I notice fluid on my driveway which looks like oil. I looked around in the engine and I see fluid on the plastic tray under the engine.

So take it to the dealer, they proceed to take apart the engine but cannot find out the source of the leak. They work with VW, send them pictures, add dye to the oil. etc. Mechanic does mention that it looks like the engine could of been dropped since scuff on the block. So I call up corporate to create a case. Lady on the phone is sympathetic and said I would get a call by the end of the week.

Today I get a call from corporate that my engine is being replaced with a re-manufactured engine. So I ask him if a used engine? "no new parts". So I ask if used block, "it meets the warranty requirements". He does confirm it is not a fresh brand new factory engine.

I have asked corporate for a refund or a new replacement car. They said they will get back to me 7-10 days. Hoping they will make this VW customer happy in the long run.

Kind of funny that I have wanted a GTI for probably over a decade but was always scared of VW reliability thus never pulled the trigger until now. New 7 year warranty and good feedback of other MK7 owners got me to pull the trigger.

 

[Striker23]

Wow this sucks. I wouldn’t want a re manufactured engine in my new car either. Keep up the fight and keep us posted.

 

[2slowvw]

Im willing to bet if everything is how you say, they put you in a new car or give a new engine.

 

[oddspyke]

If they don't take care of you, there's a good chance that your average VW dealer isn't actually capable of diagnosing and replacing a complete engine in under the required time for lemon law in your state. I'd give them a chance to make it right first of course, but document everything just in case, so you can go that route if you need to.

 

[The Fed]

I'd research what constituents a lemon in California. A defective engine block might not be considered an affected component, and usually an auto needs to be out of service for a particular amount of time and/or be a safety hazzard. Being California though, an oil leak could be a state EPA violation. While I would also prefer a new engine, re-man does meet VW's obligation to you. Tell them the only satisfactory resolution is a new car or a new engine. Did VW pick up the cost for a rental car?

 

[Jeff_DML]

Thanks for the replies

The re-manufactured engine sounds like a done deal since policy unless I lawyer up. I am going to call the dealer today to discuss with them, thought it was kind of odd corporate called me instead of them.

I have a loaner Tiguan from the dealer.

I did ask if the dealer would replace the engine or they would send it to some sort of specialty shop and they said dealer.

CA lemon law is basically 30 days of non use

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/30/business/la-fi-five-lemon-20120930

 

[rahtx]

Wow, sorry to hear that. That's pretty much a nightmare scenario for a new car and someone new to a brand. Like you, I pulled the trigger with some trepidation about VW's reputation. Knock on wood, I'm coming up on a year of no issues whatsoever.

I know it's kind of a moot point now, but doesn't the factory fill have UV dye in it already? The fact that they can't even tell you where the leak is coming from is really disturbing to me. It's not like you're asking for a scientific analysis of which component or material exactly failed - or asking for blame to be assigned (manufacturing, assembly, shipping, dealership/PDI)...

If you haven't already, start logging *everything* - names, dates and times, written summary of a phone conversation, etc.

 

[codypka]

Personally i would not settle for anything less than a brand new car. It might not hurt to consult with a lemon law lawyer. You drive a brand new car off the lot, own it for one day, and vw wants to put a reman enginr in there? Thus lowering your brand new cars value? No dice. I'd get back in touch with corporate, dont take no for an answer, raise a stink if necessary

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

[Reboot]

Sorry you bought a new car with a new engine not a new car with a re-manufactured engine. Fight them on this.

 

[Jeff_DML]

Mechanic thought there was maybe a hairline crack in the block. A specialist from VW was coming yesterday to inspect it . Did not hear from either yesterday just corporate that it was being replaced.

 

[vj123]

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Like everyone said earlier, dont settle for a re-manufactured engine.

And do keep us updated on the progress.

 

[IES99]

Best of luck to you. You had it one day? I would want a different brand new car.

(I know I might not get it, but I'd be very,very unhappy and let everyone know how I was treated).

My confidence in VW is constantly deteriorating.

 

[Jeff_DML]

Best of luck to you. You had it one day? I would want a different brand new car.

(I know I might not get it, but I'd be very,very unhappy and let everyone know how I was treated).

My confidence in VW is constantly deteriorating.

Had it a week. Guess I should of looked for oil leaks at the dealer before I bought it

 

[GTI-Jay]

Wondering if they don't have any brand new engines in stock ? Seems strange they're offering you a re manufactured. I would expect them to be bending over backwards, 'new' engine and some compensation for all the inconvenience. That or a new car !

 

[IES99]

Nobody

Had it a week. Guess I should of looked for oil leaks at the dealer before I bought it

Don't beat yourself up. Nobody inspects a brand new car underneath before driving it away. This is all on VW and the dealer. You are the injured party.

Somebody somewhere should be ashamed.