2015 Touareg Issues - Overheating, ACC, Wheel Alignment, Electrical

Rossco · Jul 10, 2015

Some issues have come to light with our new 2015 Touareg 180 3 litre TDI. Be aware this vehicle is now just 3 months old.
The most significant has been overheating when towing our caravan. This overheating problem has not been restricted to when climbing, but also on flat surfaces. The temperature gauge would increase to just below the red markers and I needed to coast for a while to return the temperature gauge to normal, only to heat up again when load was placed on the engine. Interestingly this problem did not present unless the caravan (2.4 ton) was in tow and I had travelled a considerable distance whereby the engine was around 90'C.
Following considerable investigation by my dealer it was found the engine block has a fault which allows exhaust gases to escape into the cooling system when the above conditions apply. So I now await fitting of a new short block, probably about 4 weeks until all is done.
Added to this the following faults have been detected and repaired:
* Wheel alignment fault resulting in the car pulling hard to the left
* Adaptive Cruise Control applying emergency brakes when no vehicle
present in the lane.
* A fault light "check left tail light on trailer" no matter which trailer
connected.
In terms of poor quality standards, I have to say that VW have let themselves down very badly in the lack of quality control in the latest model Touareg and they definitely need to address such issues, especially when one considers that this vehicle cost in excess of $100,000.
On a positive note, I am extremely grateful to the Dealer Principle and staff at Kinghorn Motors in Nowra, who have made every effort to provide assistance to me during these events. They have provided a loan vehicle and kept me informed along the way and I give them a big tick for all their assistance. They are now, through VW Assist arranging a hire car for the duration until the Touareg returns.
I will provide updates to the forum as they happen.

13Tregex · Jul 11, 2015

Rossco said:
Some issues have come to light with our new 2015 Touareg 180 3 litre TDI. Be aware this vehicle is now just 3 months old.
The most significant has been overheating when towing our caravan. This overheating problem has not been restricted to when climbing, but also on flat surfaces. The temperature gauge would increase to just below the red markers and I needed to coast for a while to return the temperature gauge to normal, only to heat up again when load was placed on the engine. Interestingly this problem did not present unless the caravan (2.4 ton) was in tow and I had travelled a considerable distance whereby the engine was around 90'C.
Following considerable investigation by my dealer it was found the engine block has a fault which allows exhaust gases to escape into the cooling system when the above conditions apply. So I now await fitting of a new short block, probably about 4 weeks until all is done.
Added to this the following faults have been detected and repaired:
* Wheel alignment fault resulting in the car pulling hard to the left
* Adaptive Cruise Control applying emergency brakes when no vehicle
present in the lane.
* A fault light "check left tail light on trailer" no matter which trailer
connected.
In terms of poor quality standards, I have to say that VW have let themselves down very badly in the lack of quality control in the latest model Touareg and they definitely need to address such issues, especially when one considers that this vehicle cost in excess of $100,000.
On a positive note, I am extremely grateful to the Dealer Principle and staff at Kinghorn Motors in Nowra, who have made every effort to provide assistance to me during these events. They have provided a loan vehicle and kept me informed along the way and I give them a big tick for all their assistance. They are now, through VW Assist arranging a hire car for the duration until the Touareg returns.
I will provide updates to the forum as they happen.

So sorry to hear about the problems on a new VW. Really glad to hear that a dealer is looking after you in the manner that all dealers should - very well.

noobytoogy · Jul 11, 2015

Doesn't your consumer law in Oz allow you to reject the car with such serious faults?

If so, then can the damned thing pronto and move on.

Singh · Jul 11, 2015

Sorry to hear that! Very disappointing experience especially when you buy a new car of such value.
Hope its resolved for you in the best possible manner.
Keep us posted

denod1958 · Jul 12, 2015

noobytoogy said:
Doesn't your consumer law in Oz allow you to reject the car with such serious faults?

If so, then can the damned thing pronto and move on.

No such "Lemon" laws exist in Australia.

Rossco all the very best to you and I hope its fixed to your satisfaction and you continue to get support from the dealer and VW Australia

Modern day cars shouldn't but do from time to time experience substantial mechanical issues by way of example, MY 14 Porsche GT3 cars all had to have engines replaced worldwide due to faulty engine connecting rod bolts

nm2003 · Jul 12, 2015

denod1958 said:
No such "Lemon" laws exist in Australia.

Rossco all the very best to you and I hope its fixed to your satisfaction and you continue to get support from the dealer and VW Australia

Modern day cars shouldn't but do from time to time experience substantial mechanical issues by way of example, MY 14 Porsche GT3 cars all had to have engines replaced worldwide due to faulty engine connecting rod bolts

Oz may not have USA lemon laws, but we do have laws to protect consumers from defective goods.

Refer to attached doco relating to your rights under Australian Consumer Law when related to Motor Vehicles. View attachment ACL.pdf

WIth all the issues with our vehicle and the inablility to fix the issues in a reasonal time, you qualify to reject the car. You engine overheating issues are way more major that the issues I have been having. Talk to Consumer Affairs in your state. They will most likely tell you to go to VCAT and get a desirable outcome.

Rossco · Jul 12, 2015

Thanks for the feedback all.
I am hoping that the dealer will resolve all the issues with the Touareg. So far they have been excellent and have kept me informed as well as providing a demonstrator vehicle. VW Assist have agreed to supply a rental car for the duration with them meeting costs. Unfortunately I cannot get a Porsche Cayenne

I am told all the other problems have been addressed and operating correctly. The engine will be assembled by the service manager so no complaints there. My hope is that it will be a better product when completed than straight off the assembly line. Are my hopes too high???
If, upon return it turns out to be a lemon, then the excreta shall hit the oscillator and I shall suggest in extremely strong vernacular that the bleedin' thing be donated to a local fishing club as a fish attracting device.:twisted:
Many thanks Nick for the Consumer Law Information.
Cheers.

noobytoogy · Jul 12, 2015

I don't recall anyone on here [or elsewhere] having a new Touareg's engine rebuilt with a short block.

Given the value of the car I would definitely take formal legal advice as to what you do when the car is returned to you.

It is possible, nay, probable, that you signed a document presented to you by your service adviser when you dropped the car off - it's pretty standard practice at dealers.

Did you read it? I doubt it!

Do you have a copy? I doubt that too!

You will want to reserve your consumers rights in respect of whatever work is being carried out.

Indeed, you may have already put those rights in jeopardy by allowing the repairs to proceed.

I hope it all works out for you, but, to put it bluntly, you'll feel a right tit if the car is still a problem when you get it back [and just think what your wife will have to say about it all!] if you haven't covered yourself properly so for goodness sake, don't just sit there and hope for the best, get some professional advice now.

nm2003 · Jul 12, 2015

noobytoogy said:
I don't recall anyone on here [or elsewhere] having a new Touareg's engine rebuilt with a short block.

Given the value of the car I would definitely take formal legal advice as to what you do when the car is returned to you.

It is possible, nay, probable, that you signed a document presented to you by your service adviser when you dropped the car off - it's pretty standard practice at dealers.

Did you read it? I doubt it!

Do you have a copy? I doubt that too!

You will want to reserve your consumers rights in respect of whatever work is being carried out.

Indeed, you may have already put those rights in jeopardy by allowing the repairs to proceed.

I hope it all works out for you, but, to put it bluntly, you'll feel a right tit if the car is still a problem when you get it back [and just think what your wife will have to say about it all!] if you haven't covered yourself properly so for goodness sake, don't just sit there and hope for the best, get some professional advice now.

Ross, regarding getting legal advice, unless you have a mate who specialises in consumer law, a solicitor will charge your anywhere from $2k to $5k to write a letter to VW Aust. One letter will probably not be enough (as VW Aust's stance is that they need to be given ample opportunity to fix the problem. They do not care about ACL

If they can't fix the problem, when you pick it up, open a case with VW Aust, Cust Service team and then write up an email/letter (quoting case #) with all the facts and quote from the pdf I attached and demand to reject the vehicle under ACL. The car has major defects that cant be fixed easily and the car is not fit for the purpose it was intended (to tow). Demand a refund/replacement.

If they refuse your demands to reject the vehicle and/or if VW Aust claim to have tixed the problem, but it is still having problems, get an independent VW specialist to look over the repairs (and determine if the issue is correctly fixed) and then write up a report,. You will need this report if you take it further.
BTW, I would get the independent VW shop to still check that they have put everyone together correctly anyway (as a piece of mind). I have had drivetrain issues with my wife's Mazda CX-9, after they pulled the engine out as they disturbed other things.

Write another letter/email to VW Aust again, attaching the independent report, and demand your right to reject the car and request a refund/replacement.

If no luck, contact Consumer Affairs in NSW. They willl be on your side and will want to act as a reconciliation role and will contact VW Aust.

If that fails, apply to go to VACT tribunal (or you equivalent in NSW). Will cost you around $600 to apply (for VCAT).

BTY, My issues with control module faults appear to no longer exist,, after VW Ringwood did a wheel alignment and re-calibrated the ACC radars, otherwise I would have been down the VCAT route.

Rossco · Jul 12, 2015

Thanks for the helpful information.
Noobytoogy, I was presented with the document by the service advisor which I read in detail and signed same, also getting a copy of same.
Having a degree in health management where consumer law is an integral ingredient, I do have a pretty fair knowledge on the subject.
From experience I have found that treating people with respect and not bringing out the Big Stick and causing waves in the first instance results in better outcomes.
The dealer has worked extremely cooperatively with me and we have agreed that the job will be completed by the end of the month.
Should problems continue after that time, we will then consider other options, yes that may well include legal measures in line with New South Wales Consumer Law and the dealer is aware of this possibility and is agreeable to broach such measures should this be necessary. Replacement of the vehicle may also be an option.
The prime purpose of posting this topic in the first place was to alert fellow Touareg drivers of the potential problems experienced by myself, associated with overheating, adaptive cruise control, wiring faults and wheel alignment.
Cheers.

plumberbazz · Jul 12, 2015

Worrying times Rossco, I have just driven 150kms towing my 2 ton caravan to it's new home, I did not not notice any changes with temperature or engine power, but the outside temp. was around 10 deg. C. Did your dealership say this was a common fault or one off.

noobytoogy · Jul 12, 2015

Good, I'm glad you are on the ball on the legal front.

I am curious why you weren't simply given a replacement engine rather than a rebuild as, on balance, I would have thought that might have been the cheaper [and faster to fix] option for VW?

Rossco · Jul 13, 2015

This is the first time the dealer has heard of this problem.
My understanding is the same block is used in Porsche Cayenne and Audi A7 diesel engines, so should be pretty reliable.
The overheating only occurred for me when I was towing the caravan - 2.4 ton and had travelled a distance ie 80kms. Then the gauge would climb at any stage the engine was laden, even on pretty flat surfaces, eg between Forbes and Cowra NSW. That really highlighted the issue for me. Going up the Clyde Mountain near Batemans Bay resulted in a real challenge to keep the temp from climbing too high.
Cheers.

Bettsy · Jul 13, 2015

Hi

I have towed approx 15,000km with a 2.5 tonne van and a significant amount with a 2.1 tonne ski boat, with a 2011 and now a 2013, without any issue. Just waiting for my 2015 to arrive, which was due to be delivered 31 July, but got a call from dealer today letting me know it will be delayed by a week or two.

Cheers
Bettsy

4ePikanini · Jul 13, 2015

3 months old. I wouldn't budge. I don't want a repaired car.

I want a new one!

Odessa · Jul 13, 2015

Agreed !!!!

As per Aust Consumer Laws

"Not fit for purpose" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! End of story in my books !!!!!!

Rossco do yourself a favour ring consumer affairs (pain in the azz) best to do it first thing in the morning to beat everyone else.

If it is not your only vehicle i would drop it off at the dealer let them know where you stand and that you intend to contest the purchase and their position on the sale that they are not willing to accept reasonable tolerances for the vehicle that the manufacturer had in mind.

Also seperately contact VW- Oz

4ePikanini said:
3 months old. I wouldn't budge. I don't want a repaired car.

I want a new one!

tgh05 · Jul 13, 2015

Not the same...

An engine assembled on a dealers workshop floor will never replicate the new engine.. IMnsHO….

Modern engines can be rebuilt close to new by specialists.. but a dealers shop floor… never.

Once you disassemble something and reassemble it .. it's compromised.
The dirt and dust is enough to warrant below spec assembly, without the lack of special tools, oem assembly compounds etc etc etc.

As new buyers , we deserve a honeymoon period , thats why most insurers give you a new car in the first 12 months.

You cannot be expected to know the technical challenges , you have been manipulated and I guess you are now committed.

There is no way you will ever know the quality of the work until or unless it fails.
You won't know if it is delivering within spec.. you will simply be given back a shiny car with your keys and a big smile.

I'm with most of the others , I would have dumped the car and told them to find a duplicate.. or else.

addendum .. It's no huge deal for VW .. They give you a new car , repair the other and sell it to some poor unsuspecting sap as a factory demonstrator.. good as new…

StevieC · Jul 14, 2015

Something as serious as that so new - A new car would be reasonable request and good customer PR. Agree important to remain diplomatic and firm.
Clearly had a major fault from the factory - assuming the dealer was correct in diagnosis.
I have towed 2.4 ton van large hills, long distances, all day, temp gauge does not move. Aus spec has larger capacity cooling fans too.

trust you get it all sorted quickly

Rossco · Jul 22, 2015

The news is good. Notified today that work on our Touareg will be completed and ready to collect next week. After much discussion with VW there is a brand spankin' new complete engine being installed.
The original engine was pretty well cactus with a crack in the block and the head gasket also leaking. So we are pretty happy with this result. I am told all the other issues have been fixed ie Adaptive Cruise Control, electrical problems and emergency braking.
Taking into consideration all the issues I have had with the vehicle I am in negotiations with VW to have the warranty period extended and that VW meet service costs for that extended period. Still negotiating....
I was informed today that a number of engines in various models are failing, the dealer currently has 6 vehicles in the shop for rebuilds. Not only the Touareg, but Tiguan and Amarock. Don't know if it is all diesel engines but will find out next week. What's going on VW????

noobytoogy · Jul 22, 2015

That is very good news about your engine (but not so good to hear about all the others).

As you know I and others were concerned - yes I know you felt you were on top of things but that doesn't stop total strangers from the other side of the world worrying on your behalf! - so push hard for some service recovery perks.

2015 Touareg Issues - Overheating, ACC, Wheel Alignment, Electrical

Rossco

13Tregex

noobytoogy

Singh

denod1958

nm2003

Rossco

noobytoogy

nm2003

Rossco

plumberbazz

noobytoogy

Rossco

Bettsy

4ePikanini

Odessa

tgh05

StevieC

Rossco

noobytoogy

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