Why I still would not buy a Volkswagen - especially an Amarok | Auto Expert John Cadogan

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[@1darryloflife]

I had limited experience in court but I filed an action in the Magistrates Court about 11 or 12 years ago against FORD motor company for a design fault in there 3 valve 5.4 liter V8. Warranty claim was knocked back but as soon as I filed a case in the court I got a call from the legal team at Ford and we settled out of court. Just the mere action of filing is enough to get the crims to act all brought about through the use of Australian Consumer law found in the Fair Trading Acts in each State.

[@Fanta....]

maggots. It would have been nice to drag them through court just on principle but im glad you got what you needed.

[@tigertiger1699]

Good on ya👍

[@chawenhalo0089]

100% correct. If they even try it on and won't budge, fire the big gun first by way of a lawyer asking what their final position is prior to you taking action. Always gets them scrambling for just 100-200 quid...

[@elthamtreehugger5320]

Good on ya. Willing oneself with needed resources and time to take such action is a big ask and often not taken by consumers. However, it is a necessary evil. Bad actors in the automotive manufacturing relies on small % of people willing to go this path. Hence they care not about doing the right thing. My Audi A6’s transmission (exact same tranny) in other Audis and even A6, just a different grade was recalled for attention. Service team says sorry, whilst it is the same transmission in the recall list but not part of it. $4k damage to pocket for repairs and together with my dad’s struggles to get support for his DSG transmission’s recall issues. We vowed never again to VAW products. Bad actors galore there

[@kenchorney2724]

The 3 valve 5.4L engine was a crime against engineering common sense.

[@paulmcintosh5589]

I love the difficulty John has to undertake to control his rage, rightly So. love ya work John.

[@contributor7219]

As I have mentioned previously, a substantial part of my role before retirement was putting engineering evidence before courts in a way that could be understood by non-experts. Courts and tribunals in Australia have legal standards for the term 'belief'. On the basis of the information you presented in your video, VW have not even met the lower legal standard required for 'suspicion' when it comes to their claim of fuel contamination. If they tested the fuel and found it was contaminated, they would also have to demonstrate that particular level of contamination would cause the failure mode in this customer's case before any legal tribunal would consider 'belief' appropriate. This, of course, entirely leaves aside the inevitable question you followed up with about the vehicle being fit-for-purpose. I hope this customer does seek legal advice not only because of the consumer rights issues involved, but also because companies like VW throwing terms around like 'belief', that have specific legal meaning, needs to be discouraged by way of significant (further, in this case) legal penalties.

[@18_rabbit]

indeedy-do, VW/vag needs plenty of further legal penalities. Their attitudes and corp style going back fifteen yrs is very treacherous, not just plain jane slimey/slippery. They're also not the only german co to do really dark things, the other two being the reknown highquality firearms maker H&K, and Sig Sauer, both of which illegally sold tens of k's of guns illicitly to both mexican and colombian parties, knowing they would end up in the hands of the most wretched psychopaths commiting heinous crimes and destabilizing the western hemisphere. This is not exaggerated, this is what happened w/ those two gun makers! And yes, charged with crimes, the american branches of those two.

[@paulharling7657]

I fully agree. My family had seggs with VW. I will never buy another one again. It was plagued with problems, ending in a seized and destroyed engine. The service at the dealership was worse than the mechanical issues. It was a big mistake financially and time wise.

[@YZJB]

I recently diagnosed and repaired a 2016 Focus RS which previously had the infamous head gasket recall performed by the dealer. The car had a new cylinder head, head gasket and associated other bits replaced during the recall. Ever since that work was done, the owner (my aunt-in-law) has complained of cold-start misfires, lack of power and general poor running. She’s taken it back to the dealer three times with these complaints, even leaving it there with them overnight, and they said nothing was wrong with it at all. It’s “normal”. So, I decided to check the cam timing (as my hypothesis was that at least the exhaust cam was incorrectly timed relative to the crank, as the high-pressure fuel pump is driven by the exhaust cam and its timing is fairly critical to maintain correct fuel rail pressure), and what do you know? Intake cam was timed correctly, exhaust cam was ~15 degrees retarded. Re-timed the engine (which is a fuckaround because the EcoBoosts don’t use keyed cam or crank sprockets, so the torque to yield bolts and diamond friction washers have to be replaced). Once it was all back together it fired straight up and ran “better than when it was brand new” according to the owner (and I agree). Zero cold-start misfires, more power, less clatter and smooth idle. She’s rapt, but Ford Shitsville refuses to cover this work because it does “not believe there has been any breach of a consumer guarantee which entitles you to the compensation you have claimed under the ACL”. What gives?

[@nordic5490]

I was a surveyor all over the NT for several years, inc all over Arnhem, and all the NT islands, mostly pulling a light box trailer. None of the siht boxes in this dicussion thread would last long in the top end were we worked. I had 2x 80 series Landcruisers and 2x GU patrols. None of the siht boxes mentioned in this dicussion thread come close in releiabily compared to a 80 series 90kkm pa, often on the sihtest roads and tracks, especially in the wet. Fuel? You take what is on offer out on remote stations, drums that have been sitting aound for ever, duboius jerry cans on the back of storage shed that make the 80 run like crap on the amin, simply switch back to the reserve tank and creep in to the next fuel stop. Yes, I have hitch hiked for fuel. 800-900km days, only to find the track impassible due to a 200m mudhole can throw your fuel calcs out. Water in diesel ? Meh. The fuel system should be built to cope with that. I one picked up a 75series cab chassis from Alice that had been completely submered and left over night under water only the week prior. Yes, on the road we had to stop several times to drain the water from the diesel filter, but after the first day it was fine. This is how vehicles sbould be built. Accidently pour petrol in to an 80series diesel ? No Matter, dilute it with diesel, switch back and forth between tanks to keep it running until it is all cleared - no problem If you are going to buy a pimadonna fragile as glass sihtbox, then the joke is on you. Ifyou are going to spend $50K on something, do some research first. Google is your friend.

[@DanWallis86]

“Righty O” Alby Mangels. New cars have finer tolerances in their fuel system. I’m sure life is great through rose coloured glasses but welcome to the present time.

[@nordic5490]

@@DanWallis86 ohh really. 20years of tech should have made these systems more reliable, not less. Decent fuel filtration is well proven. I repeat, if you buy an unreliable vehicle, the jokes on you. Google exists, do you research. No point crying later. Google didnt exist 20yrs ago. Fyi, 80series have recently skyrocketed in value. How many current fourbys will in future ? Only the good ones, not the siht boxes dicussed here. Btw, in the NT, if any entity wants to negotiate in 2022 with local land owners / coucils, then one accepted currency is 'Toyotas'. This is still the case - in 2022. No one in a remote area in 2022 wants an unreliable and expensive to maintain pos.

[@sbGOM]

Priceless! I could hear John doing his best bogan when I read this!

[@DanWallis86]

@@nordic5490 Have a fantastic day.

[@jamest4424]

I have 2015 amarok, 265000km. Never had a problem with it. Every manufacturer has a lemon or 2.

[@jamesturner4859]

265000 ks nearly dead

[@jamest4424]

@jamesturner4859 maybe if you drive it. Any vehicle that can't get over 300k should not be allowed on the Market. Look after it properly and should get 1million km.

[@RichardOzanne]

Dear Henry the ****ing VIII. Excellent info as always. This is exactly why I bought a Kia after years of VW group car ownership. Too many dubious replacement parts that seemed fine (mainly water pumps), failed cambelts just after servicing at a VW dealer, body rusting through from inside which they claimed must have been due to damage, etc. Never again!

[@rayfordham9230]

Ten years ago I had a Seat Leon 2ltr TDI which got so bad my wife didn't want to get in it so we bought a KIA Rio which has been totally reliable since then so agreed VW group car NEVER AGAIN.

[@byronnightingale5550]

I'd buy a Hyundai or a Kia any day over a VW.

[@lengerer]

Heaps of problems with the kia auto. No manufacturer is immune

[@vudu5vudu]

@@lengerer Had that. Fixed under warranty =)

[@thegeekhood]

John, have you considered being the frontman for a few lawsuits against car manufacturers for consumer law breaches? Team up with a lawyer willing to take the work on and you crowd fund the costs. I think getting a few wins under your belt and publicity might help change some brands minds if they start suffering. Make some dealers squeal for the greater good

[@martyndavies1482]

He'd never do anything else!

[@CM303898]

Another sensational video, John! From the moment you said “VW ‘believe’….”, I was thinking “How do they believe? Believe isn’t a consideration here. Either they know because they’ve tested the fuel - in which case why is Julie-Ian being told to go get the fuel tested at their expense, and why would VW ‘suggest’ this is the cause if they know? Or they haven’t had it tested, and their belief they are in the right is about as useful as me telling Powerball that I in fact, was the sole winner of last weeks $120Mn draw”. Immediately I called BS, and if I was sitting there in the service department, I know my pants would have filled with the proverbial at facing that bombshell, but sitting here, I can say I would have demanded that “belief” be put in writing and signed by either the Service Manager, or the Dealership Manager, so I could nail their cocks to the floor when their “belief” is shown to be about as real as their commitment to their bullshit corporate values statement. What a bunch of proper c**ts. I’d find it properly interesting, John, if you could find the time to run up how many emails, calls, carrier pigeons, etc, you’ve taken over the years, regarding major brands regarding their shoddy customer service. Even just a quick graph to show if a particular brand is seeing a decline in customer complaints (ergo, they were cocks, but are starting to give a toss), or if they are just getting worse; the kind of graph that looks like a hockey stick. That would give your 330,000-odd plus viewers some real insight into exactly how the major brands are kicking their customers to the curb. Keep the reporting up. I wish Julie-Ian good luck in getting a favourable result, and I’d be selling up that VW ASAP after this shit-show to get as far away from them as possible!

[@tomnewham1269]

Even worse is the dealership pressuring the customer to authorise the repair with the BS that it cannot be left on the hoist.

[@stevealston7915]

I'm the third owner of a 2016 Hyundai Sonata with 108,000 km on the clock which has been serviced to the manufacturers specification. In town it uses about 1/2 litre of oil every 6-800 km. On a run it hardly uses any. The local dealer did an oil consumption test, then borescoped it and put in a claim to Hyundai. Approved within 4 days. Top service from Lennock Motors in Canberrrra! And top support from Hyundai.

[@turbostyler]

wow, that's an amazing outcome!

[@richardagent1924]

@Phillip Banes The car was serviced to the schedule. It’s only had one service since I bought it at 100k. Most of the servicing was carried out by a different dealer.

[@josepeixoto3384]

Not a bad idea, but that is a HUGE burden, new synth at 3000 miles?! expensive, and what a waste of money and resources; not too far from changing the oil every time you fill up... @@phillipbanes5484

[@lifetimevic]

What's to stop the dealer contaminating the fuel in your tank. Once the car is on their possession you have no idea what they do to it!

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Bit like saying "My lights were on at the time of the crash" Scientific tests can be done on the headlight bulb residue which will tell that that filament was burning at the time the globe got smashed in the crash....or turned on to cover ass after the crash. Dairy farms have a test sample taken of whatever is taken from the milk silo on the farm and pumped into the tanker. 50 litres of additional water is not hard to spot...... Throwing water into the tank post crash will show up too.

[@bencahill3547]

I worked for a company with a fleet of VWs. Every second one had significant problems around the time warranty expired. From gearbox failure to air con compressor failure. I would be scared to own a second hand VW as the parts are not cheap.

[@PhilRable]

I’ve been following you for a while now, this was your best video yet! We’ll thought through, clearly explained. Boils down to the question of was this product fit for purpose. Totally agree with your comparison between warranty and consumer. It’ll be a very, very long time before I buy a VW product again.

[@ElectraRC]

Yes I had this problem the other day with dirty electrons from coal for my EV.

[@gawdsuniverse3282]

My EV only runs on the rarest most ancient hardwood trees from the poorest countries, making it carbon neutral, doing my bit to save the planet, "I think you'll agree". Now I'm off to donate to a Unicorn sanctuary, it's a great tax break for green-washing my dollars.

[@nordic5490]

@@gawdsuniverse3282 you must be a trump supporter

[@bobsflying9317]

Well put John. If Julie/ Ian have to have the fuel analysed, then there should be an A and a B sample so that each party would be able to analyse the fuel. Another option might be to check with their Insurance company, a few insure against contaminated fuel.

[@darylcheshire1618]

They’re not going to pay for fuel analysis. They just want the affected customer to go away.

[@hogey74]

John, you see all this stuff. And it's been seriously a relief to hear you talk honestly. (I bought an 07 Fiesta new based on the motor noters reviews only to discover it had issues they should have warned me about.) But can you please get to the next page on this? Being honest about the fuckery is good, but I do wonder how much that will help if it continues to be a drop in an ocean. Those corporations are disrespecting the economic zone that we own, that we and our ancestors made suitable for them to invest in. Can you please make it clear?

[@kingjulian1549]

I've had two warranty claims on 5 VW's i've owned. 3 of those cars had no faults whatsoever. The claims were handled without fuss. i got a loan car. The cars were fixed and no further issues. The second claim was on my current car a Golf GTI. it was a leak from the haldex differential. The car has been modified and had an APR open air intake on it. And they didn't say anything about that. All good.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

The diff is a fair way from the air intake.... quite a stretch to blame a diff leak on a modified air intake.....

[@davidwild66]

It sounds like you have rolled the dice and (luckily) come out alright. Not everyone has that good fortune when dealing with VW.

[@kingjulian1549]

@@davidwild66 - we've doubled down now and ordered a Cupra Formentor. Hopefully this choice won't blow up in our face so to speak.

[@davidwild66]

@@jonasstahl9826 Dieselgate happened in Europe too. I would say that makes VW a bit more than a "local problem".

[@davidwild66]

@@kingjulian1549 If you've made the choice to continue buying VWs after dieselgate and all the warnings from this channel, you can't expect any sympathy if it goes wrong and VW do throw you under the bus.

[@Scuppun]

I bought a second hand 2012 6 speed manual Scirocco, with stage 2 upgrade. Meticulously maintained by the boys at Faststuff in Mordialloc 👍. I would never let VW mechanics lay their hands on it, EVER.

[@lvhdmya4807]

There was a spate of vw/skoda fuel pump failures in India earlier this year too.

[@mhelmreich1]

A local here had the same problem with a Mitsubishi. It ended up being paid for by insurance.

[@mylesgriffo]

Great disection of the facts John. Yep, I know a few people who have had late model (just out of warranty) VW's, and it's always the same story. When everything's working, they're in LOVE with them! 'Oh it's so nice to drive, so comfy bla bla'. But the regularity of their 'Sh@#tbixes' needing to be towed because they, 'Just shut down', or, 'It lost all power', you name it, $1500 later, is astonishing! Then, once fixed, they get defensive again of their pride and joy. 'It's running all good now, should be smooth motoring now that little chip was replaced'. A few months on, rinse and repeat 🥱 Keep up the good work mate 👏

[@sheldonlea]

So very true. My son had a defective dual-clutch auto gearbox in his as new VW Polo. The deal wanted $6000 to rectify (under warranty by the way) The gaul! He was so frustrated with their "dragging their heels" that he settled up paying $2000 and they stumped up the rest. Then there was "dieselgate"... again the Sunshine Coast dealership wanted a "gag order" if he did not continue to rally support online or "we will walk" and deny the claim. He sold the car as soon as it was repaired. Unacceptable at every level - from the CEO to the local dealer.

[@derekgore1268]

John, excellent breakdown of the facts. Don't forget Julie (or is it Ian?), that the customer can have their State (or Territory) Department of Consumer Affairs write to VW to advise them of their obligations under Federal Consumer Law. They can also advise VW that, based on the evidence provided, they are of the opinion that VW have not complied with section XYZ of that Consumer Law.

[@paulmantegna76]

Some State Consumer Affairs Departments are better than others, I wouldn't expect the one in my state to do any more than give me the same advise John has, i.e. Lawyer up. If all I was going to get was sympathy I would buy my mates a beer rather than waste my time with the department.

[@itsus3172]

I did this recently when I rejected my vehicle that had an intermittent brake failure issue with 1000kms on the clock. I have to give it to the manufacturer though, they have accepted my claim and are providing a replacement vehicle. It is not like changing a t shirt at Kmart, it took a month but a good outcome. The decision came two days into lodging with Consumer Affairs (I did notify the dealer) and this may or may not have been a factor, but I cancelled my complaint with Consumer Affairs once notification of a satisfactory outcome came through. I also have to give it John Cadogan, his advice through his videos over the last few months relating to ACL has been fantastic and so beneficial. Keep it up John, love the channel.

[@damienfrizzell9394]

probbably julian

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

Well I bought my very first German VW after so many Japanese cars. It has 180k B8 Passat 2.0tdi 150hp manual without Ad Blue for familly vaccations and long trips. It reaches full packed with 2 kids and a dog 1200km with filled tank. We still have our Auris 1.4Vvti after 12 years running strong with 200k. If i get this German product to 300k without bigger investment it will be worth every penny especially due to high petrol/diesel prices here in Europe, which I assume is going to get even worst in 2023.

[@sheva10978]

Great video John. I was in the market a few years ago and despite my friend talking up VW all the time. I listened to you and went with a list in which Mazda 6 was the winner. I wrote off VW & Audi thanks to your advice. Aside from that and fast forward to now. My Sister, has changed since meeting her fiance and now likes camping as her go-to holiday. They have made it known that the new VW T-Rock is the one they want. 🤦‍♂️ I live in Tasmania and she lives in Melbourne, but I will try and get my message across to look elsewhere for the vehicle to take his (fiance's) Dogs on a trip to.

[@johnwade1095]

There might not have been a warning light on the dash, but there's a warning badge on the hood. It's poor fuel lubricity which will kill a diesel, and as long as your fuel corresponds to the relevant API (or local equivalent) spec it's on VW.

[@mathewshortland6184]

My question is if VW believe it's a "fuel issue" then how many if any other vehicles that have bought fuel(Diesel) at the same service station on the same day have had any issues?? If not then then my guess would be it's not a so called "contaminated fuel" issue, but I'm not an expert on something like the pointing out the obvious... O' By the way enjoy your channel and keep up the good work👍👍

[@krissteel4074]

I've honestly never had a 'bad batch' of fuel or contamination in decades of driving. I'm absolutely sure it could happen, but I think its remote enough to not be a real concern. Unless of course you're buying it by the 1.25L coke bottle by the side of the road in some dusty foreign country, in which case yeah, better than average!

[@Quadrajettison]

@@krissteel4074 I reckon I had bad batches from a new servo on a couple of occasions. New tanks and rushed construction one of those new branded convenience servos. The water separator chocked up on fuel pretty quickly

[@TC-yx2ss]

@@Quadrajettison About ten years ago my wife's car had an issue after filling up at the newly opened local servo .It was taken to our mechanic who diagnosed dodgy fuel and took samples to show us which we then took back to the servo as proof with a letter from him.They denied the claim.A day or so later driving past there we saw the pump maintenance ute there working on it.A few weeks later she got a phone call to say they didn't accept responsibility but as she was a regular customer they would pay for the repairs as a goodwill gesture.

[@erkful]

Same thing happened to my Tuareg v6 and dealer said exactly the same thing about fuel contamination…..but after some serious discussion I found out if they say it’s fuel contamination the insurance will pay for it!! (And let vw off the hook). As an adjunct, the high pressure fuel pump is after the fuel filter so why didn’t the filter stop the contamination?

[@philipshaw9485]

If it was fuel contamination in a high pressure fuel pump issue then we are talking about a diesel Amorok. That being said then any EFI diesel vehicles regardless of make or model should be susceptible to "detonating fuel pumps" what ever the f#

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Someone in the comments called it, buying a Volkswagen was his/hers first problem.

[@captkev55]

Thanks John, I found this video and the discussion in the comments very informative.

[@sergemangen5876]

Hi John, the contamination VW is looking for is possibly a mixture of Diesel and Petrol, because that mixture, when it is just right can kill a fuel system before the sensors on the motor recognize missfiring and Petrol easiely can pass a Dieselfilter. The mixture can come from starting filling up with petrol, noticing it and continuing than to fill up with Diesel or filling up completely with Petrol which causes a chutdown of the motor. But if the draining and cleaning action after such a mistake is not made proply it still can kill the fuel system.(I had the case in my workshop

[@AutoExpertJC]

Nah - if they had found petrol in it, they would have declared that, then and there. I bet they have not even looked into it, they're just trying to brush hime. (I am aware that petrol kills diesels by not lubricating the hardened faces of the high-pressure pump.)

[@ozpete5217]

@@AutoExpertJC I know of 2 cases where AdBlue was accidentally introduced into the fuel tank and not the AdBlue tank. Only a small amount as the nozzle has an interlock fitted. However... Instant death sentence to a common rail system!

[@stevec1835]

That's useful information John. Was going to look at an Amarok when the new ones arrive next year, won't happen now. Thanks...

[@Itsmellsfishy]

Do yourself a strong favour and dont even walk past a VW dealership.

[@tomnewham1269]

The new Amarok is going to be a rebadged Ford Ranger.

[@TechnikMeister2]

Can I make a recommendation. As past head of the Lexus Customer Assistance Centre, or as is known as the Warranty Department, I can advise you that when they pulled their finger out, complaints went down from 70 a month to less than 10. Lexus budgeted $600k pa to paying for warranty claims in dispute. Money well spent. So was was the cattle prod that got their attention. Two incidents: The first was a customer of an IS 250, notorious for oil leaks and broken VVTI mechanisms. New Cylinder head required.. The cutsomer parked his Lexus outside the dealership festooned with balloons and signage saying "Lemon" Do not buy a Lexus." etc etc. Dealership sales went off a cliff and as the customer was legally parked, there was nothing the police could do. The other was a customer from Port Macquarie whose $170,000 LX570 turned into an electrical bomb. He drove down to Taren Point, drove though the barrier at the gate, down the driveway and through the plate glass windows of HQ reception. I was there. It was spectacular. In both cases, the customers were looked after and repairs made. It should have not come to that. But Lexus (and Toyota) learned. Perhaps VW need a similar incident to get some action.

[@markaustralia6794]

Maybe fuel contamination could also mean petrol mistakenly put in a Diesel car. I have been called a few times by friends to say they started putting petrol into their diesel car due to absent mindedness and I have gone to drain out the diesel/petrol mixture out of the fuel tank to save damage.

[@peterbelson2142]

Thanks for the great video John, I've recently starting tuning in so appreciate the informative run-downs you present. I've never owned a VW & was considering an Amarok (new work vehicle). I still have a 2002 Camry sedan with less than 300,00 km's which doesn't miss a beat. I enjoyed another one of your videos regards the new Triton 4x4 so this may be the ticket.

[@atticstattic]

I think you're too tall to be Tom Cruise, dude.....

[@rafflesnh]

And too small to be Clint Eastwood. Bummer! 😉

[@davidnobular9220]

If I hear dude ONE more time......

[@MattBrownbill]

You are correct on producing a paper trail being a powerful weapon against big corps. Worked for me, as the warranty company could not deny the facts in front of them. VW don't want customers, that's become plainly obvious.

[@Rapscallion2009]

A few years ago I wanted a thermostat changed on a VW. The service manager flat out refused to do it unless I paid them to "analyse" the car. Cost of thermostat was around £80, all in. 2 hours labour and fees for analysis - £180 (EST). And they flat out refused to replace it without their stupid computer analysing it. The cars are nice enough, but the dealers......they're horrible

[@daviecrockett2272]

I can't say Subaru are much better.. 2 "expert" mechanics, $2500 later and I fixed the problem replacing the coil.. effen joke.

[@martyk7914]

Sounds familiar. An acquaintance had a similar experience and outcome with his diesel Mazda 3 some years ago. He received the same "contaminated fuel, not our problem!" from Mazda. Got severely bent-over and $8000 later was back on the road and sold the car soon after for another brand.

[@user-vo4sk9vg8h]

Exploration company I worked for opted for 2 Amarok due to 5 star ancap. Working in NT on dirt tracks. Lasted 18months.. bent chassis and a fully detonated engine. All services and daily documented pre start books completed. VW didn’t want to honour the warranty, legal got on to it with the documentation we had they relented. If you intend to use it remote or off road, good luck.

[@cphillips3513]

Yep, couldn't agree more. I've got an amarok - fuel gauge stopped working 3 months before warrantee expired. They "fixed" it, stopped working again shortly after warrantee expired. Basically told me to whistle dixy. It's done 70,000 and has broken a serpentine belt and tensioner twice now and engine light keeps coming on. Never again!

[@RobertETH]

Response here in June, 2024. Bought a 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. Carburetor in those days. Carburetor Iced up the first winter due to production of moisture in the intake feeding into the carburetor. Answer from German Innovation was a 90 degree copper plumbing fitting to dump the moisture directly into the engine bypassing icing up in the carburetor. They still dump shit into the engine 49 years later.

[@FourLowAdventures]

Hi John, I've just been hit with a very similar issue. Just thought I'd share my story. I have a 2017 TDV6 550 Amarok that I bought used in 2021. It currently has 102,000kms and while I've been in possession it has always been serviced prematurely. We took a trip to South Australia last month just after Christmas and along the way my power steering pump failed and also the cat converter light came on around the same time. So we took it into Volkswagen near Adelaide and they said it will need a new steering pump and DPF sensor, around $5k damage. We didn't do the work but we had it serviced here and during the service they upgraded the software. Then within a couple of hours of leaving the dealer my Amarok displayed an "adblue" warning saying that I have 1000kms left before I can't drive it anymore. Scared, we decided to leg it back home to Victoria. I've since taken it in to the local dealer here and they said that there is diesel in my adblue tank and that the whole adblue system would need to be replaced. I know that I didn't do this, and I don't see how this is possible considering the diesel nozzle will not fit in an adblue tank anyway. I've never filled up with a jerry or anything like that. But they have shown me photos which shows the adblue is contaminated with something. I suspect it may have been contaminated from the petrol station or otherwise since prior to the vehicle purchase. Maybe because the software didn't care about it it was never a problem until I had the service done. But regardless I've been hit with a $10,500k bill on a vehicle that has done only 102,000kms. And now I'm scared to be the owner of this vehicle. My other car (Ford Mondeo 2011) has done 280,000kms and never skipped a beat. I have accepted the bill and they will start fixing it today. But after the work is done I will sell this and never own another Volkswagen or probably another diesel vehicle again. The DPF and adblue systems seem to add a lot of risk to the vehicle, i.e. how can I possibly know if the adblue is contaminated?. You said it's like inviting inlaws into your life but I think a more accurate analogy is getting married in Las Vegas to someone you have just met. Because it probably won't work out and there is too much financial risk involved.

[@dayrianmagerman3858]

Agree with the statement, "where is the ACCC?". These companies behave badly because there's no recourse for their actions! I know we're only talking about the automotive industry here, but it's become and Australian culture to treat customers like garbage. Anyways, that's my decompression session done for the day. Thanks JC

[@grahamebailey341]

I would be looking at the dealership myself as I use to get my car serviced at Rex gorell in Geelong once I marked all my filters that's oil filter air filter after this service they said it was all changed but when I looked at my filters they were not changed all they did was wiped and clean but you can still see the black permanent marker that I left on the filter they tried to deny it in the end as I argued with them I ended up getting it re serviced again this time they did change my filters as they knew that they were caught out so I have never ever brought another car from Rex gorell Geelong ever again this company is too big in Geelong they think they can do what they want

[@mortofromoz1]

A friend of mine purchases small screwtop glass jars from his local $2 shop. Each and every time he refuels his diesel vehicle he dates the jar and fills it with some of the fuel, mid stream. He also keeps the receipt from the purchase. It does seem a little over the top, however, should he be in this situation, it would certainly go a long way towards resolving any contaminated fuel claims.

[@terryjohnsen1689]

Probably a bit too close to obsessive compulsive disorder, but having said that I always get a receipt for a tank of diesel and store it in the car. Do not do this for petrol.

[@guyclk]

Yep I agree - Never heard of a filter ? - in a fuel injected engine multiple in line filters. I'd like to think through the description of a fault "Fuel pump detonation" . Sounds like the beginnings of a thermobaric explosive device right ?

[@craigtrigg834]

Consideration should be taken in regards to where the sample was taken. I would suggest one targets downstream of the filter. The cleanliness of the fuel in the tank often exceeds the cleanliness target set by a manufacturer, the methods for testing cleanliness typically provide fluctuating results and there is no industry standard for measuring it, so there’s that. As John points out, the filter should take care of excessive particulate contamination. Water and petrol contamination should also be considered.

[@MultiHolden11]

I can't speak for every VW owner, but my experience so far with my MK7 GTI Performance pack has been really good. I bought the car new in 2015 and it's been one of the most reliable cars I've owned. I kept the car stock until warranty ran out, in that time I only had to replace the water pump at 45,000km and that was done under warranty with out any fuss. As soon as the warranty ran out I put the car on stage 2 and it hasn't missed a beat. The car now has 120,000km on it and the only other thing I had to replace was the PCV valve at 110,000km. The car is making 225fwkw and it's an absolute beast, I love the car and will definitely buy another VW Golf. In say that I've heard a lot of horror stories about VW, but personally my experience has been very good. All I can say is to keep these cars reliable you have to half all service intervals, so I do my engine oil every 5000km and my DSG oil every 30,000 (recommend is 60,000km) I believe that if you look after a car the car will look after you.

[@Engineersoldinterstingstuff]

Good informative video. One question is there an overflow mechanism for fuel filters? Oil filters I know about but I thought fuel filters just clogged and the car stopped/run poorly...

[@zaphodbeeblebrox7616]

The fuel filter is before the fuel pump!

[@simonsventroschke8187]

I know that many failed VW high pressure diesel pumps had a construction failure: The pump plunger has a bearing that rides on the cam lobe, and on the bad pumps there was no aligntment pin preventing the plunger (and bearing) from rotating around its axis, which could lead to the bearing not beeing aligned to the cam anymore. This leads to a lot of metallic wear which occures AFTER the filter (that sits before the pump) which recirculates through the system and contaminates evenrything. The replacement pumps were constructed in a way that prevents rotation of the plunger.

[@tomgeorge3726]

If the fuel pump detonated, how on a diesel did bits get in the manifold, did the injectors explode as well????

[@javic1979]

Bosch makes the fuel pump and the rest of the system for VW

[@davidberry2542]

I was wondering the same thing... did the detonated bits of fuel pump allegedly travel down the fuel lines, out through the injectors, the cylinders, and then park themselves in one of the manifolds. And then manage to be large enough to be seen? 🤪 What a load of shit! I’d love to see the report from the stealership along with photos of detonated fuel pump stuff in manifold. Maybe the fuel was contaminated with TNT, so the pump really did detonate. 💣🤷

[@tonybennett638]

Good point 👍

[@nix123ism]

Yeah, most vehicles have a filter on the pickup in the tank, and at least a secondary filter on the injector rails that should stop metallic debris entering the injector supply rail at least....can't quite understand what's gone on in this case.....

[@javic1979]

the manifold is the fuel rail

[@Revoku]

how did a dead fuel pump get thru all the filters? never seen that ever on any vehicle equiped with even a $2 filter

[@terryjohnsen1689]

Yes, first mistake buying it and the second mistake was using it. VW's are bright, shiny things that drive well, get good economy and have nice interiors (not so much the Amarok). But as they have below average reliability, high parts costs and require bespoke Euro mechanics they are best parked in the driveway and used only occasionally. 72'000km in about 12months? That's heavy use and requires a car with sensible service costs. If he had done 10,000 a year he could trade it in at the end of warranty and everything would be sweet. My sincere condolences to Ian and partner for this terrible news and congratulations John on another hard hitting, insightful review. I hope VW comes to the party for the repair.

[@kerrynball2734]

Overflow the filter ?? It's not an oil filter with a safety bypass. Fuel filter will just clog up and restrict the flow and limit your power, at least that's what I would expect, and has been my experience. It would be really easy to contaminate the sample even if you weren't trying to. Where would you actually take it from, the tank, or somewhere closer to the failure point ?.

[@johnwade1095]

Contamination would have to be something which would stop the fuel lubricating the pump. Easy enough to detect.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

@@johnwade1095 Christian Schüler 6 hours ago (edited) It's be definitely a manufacturer issue, because the fuel pump has a small cylinder which can rotate, shouldn't, but does it. This failure is fixed in newer models for the last, let's say 2 years. This cylinder wears off when it's rotated. You can't do anything about it except change the fuel pump to an newer model.

[@johnwade1095]

@@JohnSmith-yv6eq is that bosch? Color me unsurprized

[@kerrynball2734]

@@johnwade1095 when they switched to low sulfur Diesel in AU both our Toyotas got leaks within 6 months.

[@johnwade1095]

@@kerrynball2734 wierd that. Sulfur used to mean you couldn't have copper in fuel systems, I think it's allowed now. Must be a dispersant or something attacking your seals.

[@dougstubbs9637]

Hitler made three bombs… V1 V2 Vee dub.

[@Ken-ru8et]

Boom John, wonderful stuff

[@peterkukolik8402]

Thank you.

[@javic1979]

Fuel MANIFOLD / fuel rail would be what the guy is referring to in the letter not a intake manifold. lol the fuel rails technical reference is a manifold that feeds the injectors and has the pressure regulator and sensors. This makes sense now, fuel pump starts to self destruct, sends metal fragments into the manifold, get logged in the regulator stopping it from getting the required pressure to work the injectors, ECU sees low pressure and light pops up on dash or option 2 is the pump fails and is no longer able to build up the required pressure light turns on.

[@lewisstredwick7616]

Great clip , just looking to get a new van in England , was thinking another Transporter , what do you think ?

[@glitched4070]

Great advice JC 👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺 what a pity this kind of bullying actually happens 😩

[@user-un1zj6wo2y]

Hi John which bakkie/ Van should we rather buy ?

[@benjamintresham9649]

I remember the day in my trade when diesel fuel tanks were steel. They all had a stamped in sump section at the bottom of the tank with one of the most awesome things, a drain plug. ,

[@MrSchattka]

Keep fighting the good fight, John!

[@stgfiresafetytraining3405]

Thanks!

[@owenlambert6201]

Have you or could you do an episode on the VW Transporter Camper. It Would be good to hear you’re views on the good the bad and the uglies of these vehicles.

[@c924127]

I have a question. Should there actually be fuel contamination, would this then be an insurance claim? Can’t we look at this as if a third party (the fuel supplier) damaged the vehicle? This would also mean that the insurance company would step in to resolve the question on if the fuel was contaminated or not?

[@danielaebi5318]

And you forget to Mention, Mercedes, BMW, Chevy Ford.... and range of others also had Convictions due to Misleading Emissions Values. My believe would be this guy just ran low fuel and the pump disintegration due to excessive heat, as the fuel which acts as a coolent wasn't present. And VW doesn't make fuel Filters, they are Bosch units same as fuel pumps.

[@rayg1232]

Nice one John… had a paint issue (small) with my 2022 dmax extermin . Approached my local Isuzu dealer brisbane and a claim was lodged. To my surprise Isuzu fixed it…….! There a still some good dealerships around go blueribbon ipswich QLD…..

[@daveyoung7518]

John, looks like a g-shock. What model is it?

[@rumplespliffskin]

Hey, Cadoges. A colleague of mine ran into the back of a truck with his 2022 Ranger last night. It had a bullbar, a GVM upgrade, a rooftop tent, a canopy with fridge and batteries and snatch straps and all the other stuff that makes ya ROOLY ROOLY tough. The front right hand corner was all smashed in. I cant decide if the most interesting thing was the chassis folding and the canopy slapping the back of the cab or the airbag not going off despite the trailer of a truck making him go from 60 km/h to 0km/h quicker than you can say Tesla Semi. What do you reckon? Just letting you know I saw two of your biggest gripes go exactly as planned in one crash. Love the show and love the fucken swearen. P.S. The spare tyre was on the back of the canopy up nice and high, not where those softcocks at Ford originally put it.

[@JasonISF]

Fords and VW are equally unreliable shit boxes. It baffles me why people still buy them.

[@gordonclark7632]

Until you mentioned the possibility of underhand transfer of a sample of fuel, it didn't enter mind that a company would consider such an action. But then, I thought VW. With their history, it is a definite possibility. I would never consider buying a VW product due to their history and don't understand why people are still sucked into buying their product. I guess some don't watch your exposures of these companies blatant attempts to screw the consumer over. And of course, the motoring journos and their accolades of VW product.

[@dgs0011]

Outstanding John

[@atmm89]

John, one of your better videos, thank you

[@zabuk9]

I bought a VW Jetta new in 2016 and sold it very soon after. The second service at 20,000 km cost in excess of $700. I often had to stop and restart before cruise control would work. It had remote lowering windows which often lowered all by themselves. The Speedo read 125 at 110. The Cricks dealership were unable or unwilling to help with any issue. I'm afraid I just passed this car onto some other poor bastard. VW and their dealers are dead to me. I am still angry. I now have a KIA Sorento. It's build quality and reliability, and fixed cost service prices really highlight how awfull VW shit boxes are.

[@cs_devel]

It's be definitely a manufacturer issue, because the fuel pump has a small cylinder which can rotate, shouldn't, but does it. This failure is fixed in newer models for the last, let's say 2 years. This cylinder wears off when it's rotated. You can't do anything about it except change the fuel pump to an newer model.

[@TheKanetube]

interesting...... how many Km's before this happens

[@cs_devel]

@@TheKanetube It's a cylindrical bearing on which the piston for the pump (sometimes the water pump can have the same issue) runs. This bearing is hold by special grooves/rabbets and these wear out, so the cylinder can turn and then the waering off begins. This can happen even after a small amout of km. VW fixed this problems by redesign of these bearings.

[@klubstompers]

Wait, so how did metal get threw the fuel filter, fpr, and injectors, to reach the CB? Did the injectors atomize the metal?

[@jamespocock355]

all very well said john! 👏

[@iffracem]

I cannot understand how a lot of people are still so loyal to "brands", esp Automobile brands. None are worth any loyalty, all put profit first. Car manufacturers (brands) just happen to use cars as the vessel to make profit, they would act they same selling computers, TV's or any appliance. I would recommend anyone who has the sort of issues described in this video (and a lot of others) contact a member of the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) or IAME (Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers) and get a "second opinion". Such members can act as expert witnesses in court, and can investigate/inspect the issue and write an independent report on your behalf. When I were a mechanic, many years ago, I was an IAME member and did a few inspections for people having problems such as this. In every case once the poor victim presented the independent report, duly signed (with a fitting flourish!!) and stamped, the problem went away. (YMMV) Admittedly nowhere near the expense of the claims/repairs these days, but well worth it.

[@rossholmes178]

JULIE-IAN...had similar issues with my 2013 diesel BT-50 recently...way out of warranty BUT...initial enquiry of repairer was about comprehensive insurance, and yes, it was so insured. Long story short, insurance company (loving Budget Direct) came quickly to the party and paid for new engine and associated refurbs, etc. Lab analysis of fuel showed water and algae as contaminants. Maybe this is an escape route for others in this predicament...hope so!

[@stevemumbling7720]

Isn't the fuel filter between the fuel pump and the motor? If so how did the fuel pump debris get through the fuel filter to the inlet manifold?

[@murrayfranklyn84]

Thought the same thing.

[@javic1979]

most diesels have two pumps. the vw has a low pressure one in the tank, that goes to a large filter that holds about 700ml of fuel. the filter membrane is a 2 layer paper that once pulled apart is 130mm by over 2000mm long. (I own a amarok and decided to see what was in a $75.00 filter lol The fuel then goes to the high pressure pump then to the injectors. the pump in a modern diesel pumps fuel over 30,000psi and if the wrong fuel is used it will destroy the pump. there is no filter strong enough to Handel that extreme pressure

[@stevemumbling7720]

@@javic1979 Makes sense. Thanks.

[@johndoyle4723]

@@javic1979 So it got through 2 filters, past the first destroyed the pump and past the second into manifold?

[@javic1979]

@@johndoyle4723 all diesels only have filters before the high pressure pump. if the pump fails the fuel rail and the injectors could have metal particles in them so they must be replaced. without inspecting the engine I'm thinking vw call the fuel rail a manifold as its imposable for the pump itself to damage the inlet manifold. kinda makes sense as that's a more technical name for its application

[@richardkaz2336]

Can't wait to see how this pans out. It's probably already too late to secure the cars fuel the deed was probably done over night.

[@virgomonkey68]

John, who is the better alternative?

[@MrRez808]

You should have a complete list of shell fuel recipients via your shell account.

[@javic1979]

get the shell card to give a copy of this. hopefully the owner been adding the km or writing on the docket. but you never know shell could of sunk a few thousand litres of gasoline into the diesel tank or water

[@javic1979]

it happens more often than people realise, 1st point of call should of been shell to find out if they had other customers have the same issue or to get them to cheek for water to save others misfortune

[@axelknutt5065]

@@javic1979 except the servo’s answer will be “who, me? … nah, no one else has complained” They’re not going to admit to that. And then you’re left with just anecdotal evidence which has the same weight as VW’s ‘we believe’. Julie/Ian should claim the cost against their insurance co - who in turn, will go VW to recoup their costs.

[@javic1979]

@@axelknutt5065 big dollars and a kick in the arse if they don't cheek and more people turn up. I worked at a BP and we took them serious as the tanks were old but not leaking. the tanker dropping the wrong fuel in the wrong tank was the biggest issue.

[@standard8888]

I work through the Coal mining North West of NSW and following many an Amarok along the Hway I dont think I've ever seen one that tracks in a straight line... Maybe beneficial for checking the front tyres for wear from the rear?? ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FUEL RECEIPTS PEOPLE!!!

[@michaelvrigby]

It's NOT their fuel pump, it's the EGR system. There's a sacrificial anode that disintegrates as it ages and is designed to mitigate pollution, as pieces of it break off it goes through the induction system, cylinders and finally the dpf if it makes it that far and wrecks the lot as it goes. VW usually refuses to honour warranty stuff in Australia because Australian fuel standards are considered to be lower than those in Europe. I would take Julie/Ian's Amarok to Volkshome in Thomastown or another Volkswagen specialist before going to VW themselves. Cheaper/better service and more honest.

[@davidfield4432]

Your a bloody legend John. 👍👍👍

[@danielcohen6894]

ok so what dual cab ute should I buy? the new Ford ranger, the new ( yet to be released ) VW Amerok or something to be replaced in the next 2 years?

[@tomnewham1269]

Well not the Amarok which after watching this video was enough evidence not to buy a VW.

[@dank5432]

Contamination could be water or petrol which the filter will not stop. If he has a decent insurance company ask him to check the pds and lodge a claim (some exclude incorrect fueling but many do and cannot exclude contamination), if contamination is confirmed they will likely be able to recover the costs through the petrol station and hopefully reimburse his excess.

[@nonvalidOT]

Would it be fair to say that all fuel is contaminated? At least from a technical perspective?

[@barron204]

Worked on a fleet of VW Crafters, LT35-46, and T5s (around 300ish) for nearly 10 years. They were barely reliable enough to get the job done. Would never own a VW after this.

[@franciscogodoy9158]

Fuel contamination can only be detected if it happened in the most recent fill. If the pump got damaged from a previous fill, there is little chance it can be detected. But the dealership can claim it's not the manufacturer's fault. I don't think blaming it on the petrol station is a Wolfsburg policy, but rather a "great" idea from someone between VW Australia and the dealership to save a few dollars. Don't get me wrong, I hate VWs, but I don't think this particular problem can be traced straight to Germany. The failing gearbox bearing in my old VW, on the other hand...

[@SubigarageIstanbul]

nice shirt you have on... VW is still throwing people under the bus for their faulty DSG gear box problems here in Turkey.

[@Dotconvict12]

The dealership you quoted is the biggest dealership in Geelong has ford / Nissan / VW and I think Skoda franchises. This dealership has long history of not looking after there customers after they purchase a car from them . I know this I have lived in the area my whole life

[@MrMoparty]

I’ve driven them all, my mates have all the others. I’ve had mine since 2012. I pulled the pollution crap off when new and then was able to use Penrite HPR5. ALL companies have their hands tied with EPA rubbish. Amarok has the best drive lines , best build quality, most robust underpinnings and drive the best(minus rear airbags blah blah, blah) I’m a mechanic and from the day 1 mine has never been to a VW workshop again. I’m looking at getting one of the last in the current range before they get superseded with the new “Ford” one… Your closing comment, “There are better alternatives around”. HA!

[@soundman6645]

there are some interesting design problems with many recent fuel systems. In the past the fuel main filter was at the last possible point in the fuel system .....in the old days immediately before the carby or the injector pump ...... thus, any item in the chain that degrades and shed material will be caught by the fuel filter. For example, my trusty fuel injected 01 Hilux has a high quality metal cased fuel filter in the engine bay AFTER the fuel pump and many other pipes and tubes. Very recently I have discovered, that the fuel filter in My 2011 Yaris, is in fact a cheap plastic and cloth filter in the fuel tank BEFORE the fuel pump. To change the fuel filter, you have to yank out the back seat, pull a glued down hatch in the floor and extract the whole fuel pump, pick up, fuel sender and filter package from the fuel tank. Needless to say, these fuel filters often, don't get changed when they should. so changing the fuel filter in the hilux is about a 15 minute job, 10 of which is finding a 10mm socket, changing the fuel filter in the Yaris is easily a 1 hour job ...... more if you are old and fat. no doubt this is common in other brands and models. Raise a couple of other issues The husband of one of my wife's friends, had a Hilux spit the dummy, fuel injector wise, blamed on bad fuel , he used exclusively a fuel card and a single service station ........ he ended up with the $5G ish repair paid for by the fuel company. SO this raises the issue ... IF, this failure is due to fuel,contamination ....... it needs to be proven so and the dealer/manufacturer needs to be made aware that they will be required to provide legally adequate proof. BECAUSE NOW, it becomes a legal case between the dealer/manufacturer and the fuel company .... That sort of evens up the odds a bit ... though it does complicate the matter. NOW THEN, this raises the issue of having the fuel in the tank sampled, before anybody touches anything, preferably witnessed, by somebody of legal standing. ANOTHER issue, there is a known problem, recalls and no doubt legal matters concerning fuel pump failures in Toyotas Just rabbiting on a little further in the early days of common rail, I saw a thread on a forum, where a bloke bought a new common rail diesel ute, and at a similar time bought a new smallish excavator, that happened to have exactly the same common rail engine. He was please on one had and shocked on another hand to see that the ute had the typical rudimentary fuel filtration, where the excavator had a very worthy three stage fuel filtration system that included a separate water trap. HMMMMM

[@markscott3644]

The modern common fuel systems have a really tough job to do and do not tolerate contamination. I’m a diesel mechanic and have seen many failures of heavy duty diesel engine fuel systems. Fuel contamination is easily proven by fuel samples & regular fuel sample trends over time. Having the injectors inspected after a fuel system failure by an independent test centre can be worthwhile. The stand out line in this complaint is “fragments in the manifold”. I have never seen this happen, where did the fragments come from? I have seen plenty of metal fragments get into the big end and main bearings after the bottom end of the HP pressure fuel pump failed but, not the manifold. Having done plenty of warranty repairs, the best way to have the claim rejected by the warranty department is to use words like, believe, suspect/ed, maybe, possibly etc etc. You must be able to point your finger to the root cause and say with absolute certainty, this is what caused the failure, blah blah and here are the photos and test procedure results I used to arrive at my conclusion ie fact based conclusion.

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

I bought used Passat B8 2.0tdi 150hp manual with 170k and broght it same day to diagnostics. The mechanic told me that the car is in perfect condition. I changed timing belt and Water pump. Hope it is going to last for another 100k. It consumes only 5.5 liters. Full packed with kids and a dog it reaches 1200km filled up. With these petrol/diesel prices today which are going to get even worst in 2023 I hope decision was right to buy it. Had to give up LC120 Prado 4.0 V6 😫 on a long trips 1300km+ it was killing my bank account. This year I saved already 2000$ buying VW 2.0 tdi. Petrol here in Switzerland is almost 2$ per liter and diesel 2.30.

[@jasonlyster562]

Public service excellence from you John.