VW Polo timing chain nightmare!

Black_Eyeliner

Hi everyone

My 2011 VW Polo (47k miles on the clock) needs a new timing chain, the cost of which is £1200!

I have done a bit of research, and it seems that a timing chain (as opposed to a timing belt) should last the lifetime of a vehicle. It certainly shouldn't have packed in within five years and less than 50k miles! As far as I'm concerned, there must be some sort of fault.

I have asked VW to fit the new timing chain for free, as a gesture of goodwill, but they are refusing because I haven't had my car serviced with them.

Can anyone offer me any advice on how to persuade VW? I honestly can't afford £1200, and this is really stressing me out!

Black_Eyeliner

Nothing happened. The engine just started being a bit juddery, then warning lights came on. It's running at the moment, but I've been warned the engine could seize at any point. I've left it at the garage until I decide what to do.

fiish

I assume you've talked to one dealer so far - have you tried asking a different VW dealer?

Based on what I read at HonestJohn about the Polo, it seems that timing chain issues are common on early 2010s Polos and Ibizas. However, I am not sure there is much you can do as the car is 2 years out of warranty.

If you have had the car serviced according to the specified schedule (every year/10k miles, I'm guessing) and you have proof that original oils/parts were used, you might be able to use that to persuade them. Unfortunately I think it is a long shot.

daveyjp

Unfortunately you are another victim of VWs large scale testing regime of new technology. They design something, put it to market, hope it lasts three years then they can wash their hands of any problems.

They used a chain for a few years, the chains failed at an alarming rate at less than three years due to manufacturing fault and it was costing them a fortune in warranty claims.

They don't use chains anymore.

If only everything in life was reliable as a VW!

Black_Eyeliner

I've been speaking to VW customer care, as that's what the dealership asked me to do. They've escalated it to the complaints department, and I'm waiting to hear back from them.

I've not had the car serviced since my free service plan ran out at the same time as the warranty.

I have no idea what I'm going to do. I absolutely cannot afford £1200 to fix it. And I can't scrap it either as I still owe £2600 on the finance. This is really stressing me out!

force_ten

Black_Eyeliner wrote: »

I've been speaking to VW customer care, as that's what the dealership asked me to do. They've escalated it to the complaints department, and I'm waiting to hear back from them.

I've not had the car serviced since my free service plan ran out at the same time as the warranty.

I have no idea what I'm going to do. I absolutely cannot afford £1200 to fix it. And I can't scrap it either as I still owe £2600 on the finance. This is really stressing me out!

there is your problem the car has not been serviced in line with manufacturers guide lines so they will not offer any good will

tykesi

So you've not serviced it in two years?

Marktheshark

You did not get this from me !

Quote to them : Service Bulletin 343306.
That is the end of the "it never happened before line."

Known issue and they should have a record for the service recall for your car.

fiish

I hope that VW will be gracious and offer some goodwill. It would be a great deal of grace and goodwill.

Unfortunately, any car that has not been serviced for 2 years, even a Honda or Toyota, much less a VW, is going to have a high chance of suffering some engine damage. You have made an expensive mistake in not servicing the car at least once per year.

loskie

sludge build up in oil or low oil will worsen timing change issues so the fact you have not had it serviced is an issue and there is no reason why any goodwill gesture should be offered.
Cars need to be serviced for a reason.

daveyjp

VW have the option of a two year long life servicing regime so from the info given its not cut and dried that a service has been missed.