Timing belt break 2017 Caddy

gthms

Hi,

I have a 2017 VW caddy on which the timing belt has broken, and caused more than €3k of damage. Is this a common occurence? Van has approx 150k km on the clock and is serviced regularly. I'm told the recommended timing belt interval is 200K km.

Engine is 2.0 TDI 75bhp

VW view is tough luck.

Toyotafanboi

Very very uncommon, it'd be the first case I've heard of, if there's no mitigating factors we aren't aware of. Was it still on it's original belt? Has it a main dealer history? Are you the first owner?

mickdw

Is the mileage genuine?

gthms

Original Belt, owner from new, simi dealer service history (VW dealer not closeby) . Van is busy but not abused.

I'm very unhappy that VW recommended 200k for replacement, which will almost always be outside warranty. When it breaks 50k km early, they get a free pass.

gthms

mickdw wrote: »

Is the mileage genuine?

Yes. Mileage genuine.

Toyotafanboi

gthms wrote: »

Original Belt, owner from new, simi dealer service history (VW dealer not closeby) . Van is busy but not abused.

I'm very unhappy that VW recommended 200k for replacement, which will almost always be outside warranty. When it breaks 50k km early, they get a free pass.

The non VW history scuppers your goodwill chances I'd say, that said the warranty on a Caddy is low. Is it with a VW dealer now?

I've honestly never ever seen that before with that engine, 210k kms is the interval, that's only 120 ish miles which isn't really unthinkable mileage for a belt interval.

TrailerBob

How would a main dealer service history affect the timing belt? Do VW inspect the belt in their 612 point check during a service? (The one where they tell you it needs a belt, but you'll get free wiper blades!!)

Sounds awful early for a belt to let go.

Toyotafanboi

TrailerBob wrote: »

How would a main dealer service history affect the timing belt? Do VW inspect the belt in their 612 point check during a service? (The one where they tell you it needs a belt, but you'll get free wiper blades!!)

Sounds awful early for a belt to let go.

It wouldn't help prevent the belt from breaking at all.

Where it would help immeasurably is when you are going to the dealer now, cap in hand looking for goodwill when you've never spent a cent with their workshop previously.

Who is the dealer more likely to work hard to help? The person they've never seen before or the person who's been spending a few bob with them? A Caddy with 150k kms should have had 9 services by now. He should ask the fella servicing the van for a better rate on the repair job as he's such a good customer there.

Unfortunately, dealers could hand out freebie jobs like this all day long but they have to make a judgement call on what they want to do and VW push all the goodwill decisions back through the dealer network.

I agree though, it's early on for a belt to let go. Is the diagnosis 100% confirmed OP? What happened you? What checks have they done? Last time I seen a belt break on one of these it was when a cat got tangled in the crank pulley on start up.

TrailerBob

Oh I completely get the dealers angle on it.. it was more of a musing that no actual effect would be had on the belt.. carry on

gthms

I would have thought the premium VW charge when you buy new, would be enough to cover the goodwill.
If their product is not meeting their own guidelines, then what is the premium for?

I dont think they check the timing belt on a service, unless it is close to being due??? Wouldn't be sure.

pippip

Being 2017 and from new you might stand a chance on consumer law rights. Might be enough to push them into a good will gesture.

gthms

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

It wouldn't help prevent the belt from breaking at all.

Where it would help immeasurably is when you are going to the dealer now, cap in hand looking for goodwill when you've never spent a cent with their workshop previously.

Who is the dealer more likely to work hard to help? The person they've never seen before or the person who's been spending a few bob with them? A Caddy with 150k kms should have had 9 services by now. He should ask the fella servicing the van for a better rate on the repair job as he's such a good customer there.

Unfortunately, dealers could hand out freebie jobs like this all day long but they have to make a judgement call on what they want to do and VW push all the goodwill decisions back through the dealer network.

I agree though, it's early on for a belt to let go. Is the diagnosis 100% confirmed OP? What happened you? What checks have they done? Last time I seen a belt break on one of these it was when a cat got tangled in the crank pulley on start up.

Dealer can't explain the break. Said there was no reason they could see.

You obviously understand the trade. I don't. Im just the poor sod who paid 18k for a van and 2 and 1/2 years later is being asked to shell out 000's of € for something that everyone seems to think shouldn't have broken.

Not sure that it is realistic to expect anyone to drive 45 minutes to get a van serviced when there is a reputable garage across the road.

I would hope the dealer would work hard for the guy who bought a new vehicle from them. And when it broke in a major way due to what is obviously a manufacturer defect, that they would make good on a vehicle that is still on finance with them. Otherwise why buy a new van?

No matter where is was serviced, if a belt should last till 200k, then VW should take responsibility when it fails at 150, or revise the replacement mileage. Dealer is quick to point out the long interval for a timing belt when they sell it.

It will almost never fail in warranty.

I wonder if there are any others out there with a similar issue.

Toyotafanboi

The Caddys price vs it's rivals is a lot more down to earth than VW's passenger cars. What's a new one? €17k? A fiat Doblo for example is around 16 iirc.

Belt definitely isn't checked at a service, that's why the replacement interval is there, on any vehicle.

What happened OP? What were your symptoms? Is it with a dealer or have you just contacted one?

gthms

What do you mean by OP?

pippip

Have you been in contact with vw ireland directly? I'd be going over the dealer at this point.

OP is original poster..... You

gthms

New Caddy my model is €18,945

Belt broke while driving about 80kph.

Dealer has it. In a borrowed van.

gthms

pippip wrote: »

Have you been in contact with vw ireland directly? I'd be going over the dealer at this point.

OP is original poster..... You

Duh. my bad.

VW Ireland directly is a call centre I think.

They give you a case number. The case number is more for your call than your complaint.

They seem to work on a script, and they are only interested in referring you to a dealer if you are not in warranty. They seem to have a menu of answers, and if you ask to speak to someone more senior, it's back to the dealership with you.

I got the distinct feeling that they didnt know (or care) what a timing belt was.

mickdw

You have had it since new with verifiable mileage (service records from legit garage) and it's within the recommended timing belt mileage interval, I'd expect vw to look after this completely.
Not so much goodwill moreso not being capable of mileage as specified.

mickdw

gthms wrote: »

pippip wrote: »

Have you been in contact with vw ireland directly? I'd be going over the dealer at this point.

OP is original poster..... You

Duh. my bad.

VW Ireland directly is a call centre I think.

They give you a case number. The case number is more for your call than your complaint.

They seem to work on a script, and they are only interested in referring you to a dealer if you are not in warranty. They seem to have a menu of answers, and if you ask to speak to someone more senior, it's back to the dealership with you.

I got the distinct feeling that they didnt know (or care) what a timing belt was.

I've had my dealings with vw /audi myself.
I got the rep on the phone batting me away like you describe.
Do everything in writing to the dealer. Use a solicitor and don't give up.

enumbers

We had a passat recently very similar engine setup 2015 reading 120km waterpump failed badly would have taken belt out if driven much further though we had no history if millage was genuine though.

Large bottle small glass

Old thread but I just changed the belt on my 2017 2.0 Diesel Skoda superb.

Interval in 140k miles or 5 years.

I was at 145k, and a year late but pump was very close to going. Bearings were rough as fcuk.

Mechanic says he has seen a lot of that 2.0 D VW engine with timing belt issue.

I had a warning in that I was losing a little coolant and guessed the pump, I was just tardy replacing it, and lucky.

Juwwi

I've a 172 D that was registered late December 2017 ,, so in reality it has been driven since January 2018 .

Same engine 2.0 diesel

It only has 45,000km but this is the 6th year it has been driven .

Mechanic l usually go to doesn't think it it needs a timing belt change because the millage is so low .

I've no intention of changing it maybe I'll just book it in for timing belt and pump .

In reality if I don't do it this year I'd surely need it done next year anyway .