VW Sucks is One Year Old!">VW Sucks is One Year Old!
The VW Sucks website is now one year old. It was started by me, a frustrated VW victim… er…owner… after repeatedly getting bent over by VWOA. So I made the website out of sheer anger and a loss for other options.
THANKS, everyone, for making this site a success! I’d throw a party or something but I don’t know where you live.
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Clint Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- well Rick, i have to give it up to you… you have done a fine job in keeping this site up and running… do you still own your VW or did you brush it off on a unsuspecting victim?
rick Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- I still own it because I’m still upside down on the payments! And, after I wrecked it to within about $1.50 of being totalled, the body shop stole the air bag which I still haven’t replaced.
Of all the problems I’ve had with this, about 80% are VW’s doing but others have helped me achieve my misery!
Thanks for the kind words.
Ivan Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Well, you guys should make a party! Everybody will pull up to the place in their Hondas and Toyotas. You guys will sit down in the back yard, eat some lemons, and talk sh…t about VW. Whatta night that is going to be.
Ivan Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Just a sound of that makes me want to be a part of this “Volkswagen loving” group.
rick Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- hmmm… sitting around, eating lemons… I LIKE the idea. We could have a VW Sucking contest.
Ivan Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Rick, I was being sarcastic. I love VW, and I sell them.
rick Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Oddly, and predictably, I was NOT being sarcastic. I really LIKE the idea. You can come and bring a fistful of TSB’s with you!
jasenm Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- ivan works with me. hes a ruskie, so give him a break. when he learns to count to 10 in english he may even sell one. as far as your party goes, enjoy those lemons, while i motor by your mitsuhondamazdaoyotas and your volvkiaabs and your chrysfordevys. yeah pretty stupid, just like volksyugo. anyway, i like this site because it actually gives a proud salesman like me a forum to try to defend out product and give people solutions, as people like paul and some others do. so keep those flames coming.
YupOldBull Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- My 2000 Jetta is now 4 years old.
Air conditioning leak (after 1 week)
Rear defroster has two strands that don? work (after 3 months)
Cloth Front Floor Mats ripped out (3 times)
Replaced cloth mats with heavy duty VW rubber mats
(Check engine light came on (4 times) (Coil pack failures?)
(2nd time engine light came on VW Dealership told me it would cost $100 to ?cope?
Rear brake pads wore out at 40k (front pads showed no wear?)
Rear rotors ?cored?by premature pad failure.
Gear shift knob loose
2.0 litre engine burning oil (1 quart every 1,000 miles)
2.0 litre engine cylinder walls deglazed and new rings installed (didn? work)
Replaced Mass Air Flow sensor
Drivers Door ?nterior armrest?(cosmetics) showing poor wear patterns
Glove box hinge broke (3 times) Still broken.
Replaced Clutch (should /could go to 150k?replaced at 93k)
Seat belt recall from VW
Brake light pedal switch recall from VW
Numerous calls to the VW #800 line (No help)
Replaced Coolant flange on engine (told these are known to break)
Sunroof broke
Warranty extension from VW on oxygen sensors
Replaced spark plug wires
Mystery rear window (Comes down 6?on its own)
Replaced engine vacuum hoses
Letter to Dealership, they get VWOA involved, both ?ombined?offer ?o help?Front of plastic cup holder ?alls off?Front windows crashed down inside of door (4 times)
2.0 litre engine burning 1 quart every 2,000 miles (over 45 quarts in 93k)
2.0 litre engine completely replaced
Temperature gauge sensor replaced (silent VW recall item)
Received Mass Air Flow sensor ?arranty extension?from VW
Car wouldn? pass State inspection (replaced 2 oxygen sensors $360)
Received window regulator litigation notice
Dash light failure (works ?k?for 2 weeks and then ?ff?for 2 weeks)
Intermittent trunk light
Compensated by VW for oxygen sensors
Need to replace rear pads again 90k (second time)?.front pads are still Ok. (?)
Over 20 trips to the dealership.
?ormal?maintenance items replaced such as?timing belt, serpentine belt, oil changes, wipers, air filter, and plugs.
Here is a site to check out the catagory of “”TSB’s”" by make, model, and year.
http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/vehicle.do
Beck Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Looks like Jasenm isn’t selling too many Volksyugos these days. Note how much time he has lately to post in this site. Better find another job soon Jasenm! maybe with more secure companies like Hondatoyotamazdakiasaabgmchrysler…. I heard VW is starting a round of layoffs soon! Maybe you can live in your beloved Volksyugo after that! Hah!
rick Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- “”so keep those flames coming.”"?
*sigh* I’ll say 2 things.
First (and I’ve said it before), we welcome ALL viewpoints. But, if you’re a VW advocate, you’re in the minority. You know that going in.
Second, you’ve been posting some very pointless stuff here. If you want to advocate for VW, be intelligent and on topic. Otherwise, expect REAL flames.
The name of the site is VW Sucks.
chrismelton Said,
September 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- We may be in the minority on this site, but in the majority in the real world. I have sold VW’s and Honda’s. We have both franchises. I have serviced them both. Now I am primarily with VW. I see just as many Honda’s come in with MIL, SRS, window, brake, etc. problems as the VW’s. So it is not just the world of VW. One thing you must all realize that industry wide, there are problems with all vehicles. People complain especially now about the “oil sludge” problem. Well Toyota had the same problem a few years ago, and other manufacturers HAVE a sludge problem CURRENTLY. Ever heard of changing your oil? Also people complain about having to replace brake rotors, well industry wide again, on compact and mid-size vehicles, and on some full size vehicles, manufacturers are going with disposable rotors. And window regulators, I can remember a few years back when Honda had major problems with window regulators. VW’s problem with the window regulators was that they left Germany and used an American supplier. Maybe if they stayed in Germany, there would not have been a problem? Well on and on the list goes. Point is, this site is for people who have currently or have had problems in the past with their VW’s and there are plenty of other site’s out there for people who have had with other brands, but myself as a Service Manager like to look at the posts on this site, so as to better service and serve my current customers. Maybe you should all visit my store, and I will try to make you happy?! And the thing about TSB’s, every manufacturer has TSB’s. The purpose of TSB’s is so that dealers know of a potential problem that has occured in a small number of vehicles, and if you see it, the bulletin lists the fix. You all complain about TSB’s or Updates, but look around in your everyday life for a minute. My computer at least once a week has an update, I am supposed to update my roaming capabilities on my cell phone weekly and update my software monthly. I have gone through 4 cell phones the past year for hardware issues. It happens. But when a manufacturer proactively issues an update, a warranty extension, or whatever, why not take advantage of it? You can complain all you want, but take advantage of it. For example, all the window regulator update kits we have replaced in my shop, I have had no vehicles back in for a regulator repair, at least that I can remember, and I have a pretty good memory of what came through my shop. And recalls, they happen. Get them performed. (If I remember correctly doesn’t the Focus have quite a few recalls.) If VW or any other manufacturer offers to extend a warranty on MAF sensors, or oil sludge, take advantage of it. I have told quite a few VW people the past week about this site, I believe that they are looking at it. Remember though there are people out there that love VW, and love our VW’s, so we have the right to defend them, as much as you have the right to criticize. Thanks for listening.
rick Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- “”we have the right to defend them, as much as you have the right to criticize”"
Ah, but we’re not going to the VW fan sites and starting arguments. And I won’t debate your points again as they’ve been debated a hundred times before here.
Ivan Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Rick, VW fans do not say anything offensive about the product or the people who represent the product. Now most of the people here just talk sh..t. I think, we have the right to be here and defend what we believe in. I will make sure that the more people who have the knowledge of VW will come here and try to help people with their problem. Maybe the site eventually will have the purpose. Bitching and whining will not change anything not for you, not for us.
rick Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Agreed… again. And yes, all viewpoints are welcome here. There have been instances of people calling us whiners and accusing us of being the cause of these problems (which is usually just ridiculous), and some instances of VW advocates being downright offensive.
If you guys can help out, like paultakeda does, then welcome. If some of you are here to bash then we can (and will) do without you.
Ivan Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Rick, “”I still own it because I’m still upside down on the payments! And, after I wrecked it to within about $1.50 of being totalled”". I bet you appreciated every single safety feature designed by “”idiots – Germans”", that are “”STANDRARD”" on VWs, when you walked away from that accident. I guess there is a plus side to everything. What would happen if you would of been driving a Honda or Toyota with the optional airbags and the 1/2 of Passat’s mass, and a tin can like body. I guess something to think about.
Clint Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- This site is awesome… to see what people think, to get help, its just an all around good site. I come to work every day and the first thing I do is come to this web site to see of any new problems, its kind of like a new drug… very addicting to see people fight till their are blue in the face. OH WAIT you know what this is really like, one of those stupid ass reality shows… tons of drama! I think this site should be put of TV or something. LOL
rick Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Ivan – I try to be fair. Reference this thread I started after the accident.
Beck Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- So Ivan, let’s see the statistical record that proves that the Japanese cars you mentioned does not protect it’s participants in crashes as well as Volksyugos. You guys are so quick to call anything from that part of the world “tin cans” that it reeks with more of a hint of racial stereotyping that Asians can only produce “tin can” toy products. Thinking like this should have been shoved into the dustbin of history long ago. I bet you 3/4 of the products, (including the computer you are using to send in these posts) you use in your house owes it’s existance to a lot of “tin can” components from Asia.
297 Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Safety ratings… most new cars are quite safe. The problem is when safety is an option.
VW has long made side airbags standard, at the expense of the customer, yes, but no VW comes without them.
Toyota Camrys as of the 2004MY still only list these as an option.
In other words, all cars are designed to crumple (the tin-can euphemism); this absorbs the force of impact.
For major impact, airbags are a must, and having the side airbags remain an option inherently makes a car unsafe.
The same goes for VWs that come with ASR standard, but ESP options. I would rather ESP were standard. Of course, I’d also love to see a limited-slip differential come standard, but hey, what can you do.
I will note that New Beetles excel in every crash safety test (Jettas and Golfs, while on the same chassis, have a less worthy structure/cage.. ever see those “”arch”" commercials for the NB?).
I’ll also note that my bumpers rock. In 5mph impact tests (parking lot hits), the NB requires repairs of $5… basically paint. A BMW? $300. Actually, all luxury cars suck at this. Corollas. Corollas do well. But Civics not so much.
See other results
Beck Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Paul,
You know very well that the problem I am pointing out regarding the common use of the term “”tin can”" when some of the Volksyugo supporters describe most cars from Japan have nothing to do with safety crumple zones. Please do not try to insert a spin on the statement to help them save face.
jasenm Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- do you realize that almost every car company has a site like this one where disgruntled owners can have a forum to post the problems they have with the respective maker? at least some of us have enough pride in out product to come here with a positive spin and try to help out someone or play devils advocate. and i have alot of spare time? yeah it takes a whole day for me to post a 200 something word post, thats a silly statement. have i started an argument? no. have i started any flames since july? no. is this a free country? yes. volkswagen is a high quality product and i am proud to sell them.
297 Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- beck,
You really need to chill. I’m not trying to save anyone’s face, and frankly, you’re just too charged up about finding fault with anyone that won’t tow your line you can’t see the forest for the trees.
297 Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Of course, if you’d rather I be completely and totally serious about your “”tin can”" obsession, then hey, here’s why:
Japanese cars are lighter.
Many people perceive this lightness as a bad thing, as something unsafe that would crumple in an accident. Hence, tin can.
I was stating that the term and its implications are erroneous, as modern studies show a car designed to crumple will absorb most of the force of an impact and save the driver. Older cars were designed to resist damage, which may mean less damage to the car but loss of life to the driver.
So what I was implying was that all cars today, being designed to crumple, might as well all be called tin cans, even if Japanese cars are still lighter.
But this does not address the FACT that having side airbags optional inherently makes a car less safe than one where it comes standard. Nor does it address that I would rather VW make the more advanced ESP system standard instead of an older ASR system.
So chill, already.
YupOldBull Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- You are correct knowledge is key.
It is also heart warming to hear that a VW service manager would read a BB like this. But it is also true that numerous VW customers have been disappointed by the product, the #800 VW customer support line, the dealership service managers, and the VWOA reps.
My first experience with VW customer support started at 3k with oil burning in my 2.0 litre 2000 VW GLS Jetta. The service managers and the VWOA Rep. were less than honest to me and said it would disappear at 15k. The only thing that would have disappeared at 15k was my right to file under the lemon law! The engine went on to have a cylinder deglazing and ring job which didnt work. Eventually the entire engine was replaced. I have made over 20 trips to the dealership in 48 months. Terrible.
Forget the reference to TSBs. Every car company has TSBs. You are correct, 3.3 million Toyotas were recalled for sludge. (1997-2002) What you are missing is that they stood up to the plate and fessed up. VW has continually tried to duck and hide from known defects.
Several of the questions that I would like answered are:
Why did I get the warranty extension on window regulators years after the first occurrences? And why is there pending litigation?
http://www.bigclassaction.com/class_action/complaint_form_vw.html
Why did the dealership try to get me to pay for the scope work related to the mil light? ($100) Fraud?
Why did the dealership continue to put on defective coil packs? One at a time!
Why did my car fail the state inspection because of defective oxygen sensors?
Why did my rear brakes wear out twice in 93k and the fronts are good?
Why would a firm post a picture of a lemon yellow VW on the home page of their website?
http://www.lemonlaw.com
Why would a firm post a website dedicated to oil consumption problems for VW?
http://www.lemonlawclaims.com/Volkswagenoilconsumption.htm
Why are there over 80 posts on Blown Jetta Clutches?
http://www.myvwlemon.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000155.html
Why are there 50 posts on the same common problems?
http://www.myvwlemon.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000252.html
Look to see where VW is listed on the 2004 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey!
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7086&sid=175&n=156
Beck Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Paul,
I can’t chill out if you’re never gonna get the point I am trying to make. You always end it up with a technical spin that does not even relate to my post. Most of us know about designing cars with crumple zones and the safety related to that. Most of us do not need a lecture on this. The point I was making about how a lot of people use the term “”tin can”" in this site is, there is an underlying predjudice that some people display in their posts that anything German Engineered is automatically considered as always superior to what Japanese or American (or any other natiionality) Engineers can produce. To the point that it’s insulting to a lot of people. It’s to the point where logic is thrown out because of this ridiculous notion. The posts from these people sometimes sound juvenile, but you know what happens when you let thinking like that spreads.
Clint Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- well looking at the JD Power thing… it says that the IND. AVERAGE 119… and Volkswagen 164… doesnt that make VW ABOVE average? i dont know thats why i am repling to this comment… thanks!
YupOldBull Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- It is a list of problems per 100 vehicles. VW is second worst!
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7086&sid=175&n=156
2004 IQS Results:
Lexus 87
Cadillac 93
Jaguar 98
Honda 99
Buick 100
Mercury 100
Hyundai 102
Infiniti 104
Toyota 104
Mercedes-Benz 106
Audi 109
BMW 109
Oldsmobile 110
Volvo 113
Acura 117
Chevrolet 119
IND. AVERAGE 119
Chrysler 120
Dodge 121
Lincoln 121
Pontiac 122
Subaru 123
GMC 127
Ford 130
Mitsubishi 130
Saab 133
Jeep 136
MINI 142
Land Rover 148
Saturn 149
Suzuki 149
Kia 153
Nissan 154
Mazda 157
Scion 158
Porsche 159
Volkswagen 164
Hummer 173
297 Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- beck,
You get to pick being either the pot or the kettle, then. Or is Volksyugo not considered insulting to VW enthusiasts?
Beck Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Paul,
The term I use “”Volksyugo”" is not directed to Volks….ulp…wagen enthusiasts like you, You should know by now it’s directed towards Volkswagen the company. Haven’t you figure that out yet? And that’s who we have a beef with. Some of you enthusiasts just get in the way with this blind worship and ridiculing you do to us unfortunate owners. You just don’t and may never get it!
297 Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- You’re splitting hairs.
Beck Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- Paulswagen!
rick Said,
September 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
- yupoldbull, I’m just now noticing your really well thought-out posts. Thanks. I hope everyone reads them as it captures the spirit of the site quite nicely.
Chombi Said,
September 30, 2004 @ 1:33 am
- Hey Beck,
“”PAULSWAGEN”" That would make a cool vanity plate for Paul’s VW! Go for it Paul!
297 Said,
September 30, 2004 @ 12:44 pm
- You mean becksyugo.
jasenm Said,
October 5, 2004 @ 7:22 am
- ever hear of mash seam welding? it consists of 7 sections of reinforcemnet not availible with most asian cars. the basic concept is like the antenna on an old buick or a walkman. it is smaller at the front and fatter in the back by the drivers cabin. this is opposed to a “saftey bar” which is built to go over itself and in side impact can come right thru the cabin and stab you in the thigh. i prefer our mash seam system. it costs more, but is much safer. maybe thats why my co worker ivana, um sorry, ivan, (lol) refers to them as tin cans. shut the door in a passat then shut the door in an accord or a camry or an optima, you can feel the difference, the weight in the door how soundly it shuts. about the only problem vw has is that, well our horsepower is not that high, but our problem is that there is so much technical computerized automatic systems, like yaw sensors, esp, intelligent crash response, backup heater motors, etc. that somehings just outright fail. bottom line is they put alot into these cars at vw and they try to keep them at a competitive cost. the gap between toyota and lexus, caddy and chevy, etc is much wider than the vw/audi gap. why is a vw frame used in the construction of the new bentley gt? high quality is the answer. we are not perfect and some service depts are not willing to go the extra mile, but many dealers in this world dont. in chicago go to any rizza or mancari dealer and try to get anything resolved. hell, you might be victim of a mob hit! west suburban vw, larry roesch, autobarn, these are good dealers with good service depts. yeah matteson and jennings, schaumburg audi, they are bad. but i personally stand behind the product. i believe in it. i left a sales manager position with dodge to sell vws again. i just couldnt fully promote a product that was inferior and shabby with no resale or leasing ability. im not saying honda/toyota/mazda suck, they are good product, but i bet those folks with honda suvs with the engines blowing up at 3500 miles are starting a hondablows.com website right now. if you dont like vw, cool, post away. you are lucky vw supporters come here at all, otherwise this would be a site full of endless bickering and bitching and complaining with little or no resolve. vwoa dont give 2 shits about this site any more than mitsubishi cares about mitsusucks.com…. so be glad we are here. plus since 02.5 vw is 10x better and only going up….wait till the concept r blows your mind!!!!
jasenm Said,
October 21, 2004 @ 4:34 am
- http://www.fordreallysucks.com/
297 Said,
October 21, 2004 @ 11:18 am
- All right, already! Stop spamming the site, jasenm!
Beck Said,
October 22, 2004 @ 5:37 am
- Thanks Rick, for getting this site together.
Even though I sometimes go tilt on you guys when relaying my frustrations with ermm…volkswagen, and sometimes ending up acting like, as Jasenm says an “”A55clown”" like yesterday. I always feel good to at least let people know Volksyugo fans and haters all, how the company and its dealer and service networks have not been treating their customers right.
I’ve been trying to be leave some “”constructive”" fix it tips in most of my messages now as Paul Takeda has requested, and hope to help as many people out there try to keep their cars running safely. But I will not let up on catching any sort of spinning of false or misguided praises to the company that some posters squeeze into their comments. We know, we were all stung by Volksyugo. and they do not deserve any better if they continue to deny the faults in their products and the way they treat their customers!
rick Said,
October 22, 2004 @ 11:23 am
- Hey, thanks. I think the discussions here are different than I expected, but it’s all good. Some folks are here to rant, others seek advice, and others help with solutions. I’m pretty happy with that!
Martin Berndt Said,
October 22, 2004 @ 12:38 pm
- Hey everyone, back to the topic, Rick, I must thank you for the website and must say that I am feeling your pain right now that you had felt to start this in the first place. I do love my 1.8t. It is quick, drives great and has a great simplicity and cleaness to it’s body. I am however having difficulties with the dealership as my clutch has gone out at 26K and currently getting replaced to the tune of 2100 bucks out of my pocket. I will continue to love driving my VW but will just research a little better for a much more considerate dealership before I buy. At any rate, your site has helped me with good information of which I plan to use on my quest to receive some kind of compensation for my problem. Your site is great, and for those who work for VW here, I wish I had you as my dealers service managers.
gerald palmer Said,
November 11, 2004 @ 5:34 am
- best help ever said to a vw owner. take your car to an ase certified tech as much as possiblie. vw certified techs do not have the know how to fix there cars. and thak you rick this sight is great. there is finally a place where vw owners have to go. so far i have not seen to many non vw employees saying anything good.
gerald palmer Said,
November 11, 2004 @ 5:36 am
- if you ever need help with the site feel free to ask me i did programing and web design at Kennedy Space Center for 3 years
gerald palmer Said,
November 11, 2004 @ 5:50 am
- this is to ivan. yes i enjoyed all my 2001 wolfsburgs safty feature. i loved how my air bags did not go off and i loved how my seatbelt did not lock causeing my head to nearly go through the windshield and causeing me to bite my tounge off. great idiot engineering there buddy.
crazykidsrmine Said,
September 6, 2005 @ 9:16 am
Need Help w/ 2001 Beetle – Love your site and I know exactly why it exsists. You all sound like you have been around the block with VW so could you please help me. I am the PROUD owner of a 2001 beetle with 32,000 miles. Purchased used 1 year ago with 19,000. miles. This sweet little car started running in second gear this May or simply not starting. It was in and out of the shop 3 or 4 times. The first time the car broke down it just happend to be at a car dealership. The code was computer failure. When the car was taken to the dealership the next day the code was that it needed spark plugs, oil change and rear breaks. We repaired this ourselves. This did not fix the problem. DUH> Back in the car went. Long story short. This last jaunt in the dealership.. Flow Motors Greensboro NC..the car entered on 7/19/05 and was towed away on 8/30/05. During this time the car had 2 new computers under warranty, a 60.00 part and the rest was labor at the tune of 951.37. We were informed that the car needs an entire new engine and dash wiring harness. I forgot to mention when that the service rep had told me that while working on the car a great could of smoke came out from under the dash. I guess that could explain the dash wiring harness. We had to wait for 2-3 weeks for the special mechanic ordained by God..to return from maternity leave. He was the only one in the south east that could diagnose the problem so we were told. This is when we were informed that it would be 6000.00 to repair the car. I owe 11,000.00. That’s more than I paid for it. Come on. So, on 8/30 the car was towed away. After giving the dealership 24 hours notice the car remained in pieces where they had been “working” on it. So for 1000.00 bucks I have nothing but a broken car. I have filed a complaint with the NC State Atty General, BBB, Flow Motors…spoken with 2 attorneys..who else. I have a car with 32,000 miles that is not worth crap and for all I know the dealership caused more problems with their shade tree mechanics. I called VW Corp. and I can say that is a real joke. I will NEVER own another VW again nor will I purchase any make or model from Flow Motors. Any ideas?