Volkswagen Reviews 

Gillingham & Maidstone do not answer the phone to parts sale. So if you need main dealer parts then be prepared for frustration.

I bought my new fully equipped Touareg in less than 20 minutes (15 minutes just to choose the colour) Why? Because I grew up trusting Volkswagen. I believed it was a company building solid, reliable cars, and I had already owned a Touareg for 14 years with zero issues.

So I didn't think twice about buying the new 2015 model.

What a big mistake.

After less than two years, I started seeing the difference: window switches, radio, electronic systems, fuel cap and many other things started failing. The quality simply did not feel like the Volkswagen I knew.

And now, years later, another bad experience: the car battery stops working, I cannot even enter the car, and even the mechanical key does not open the door. After checking, I discover that this is apparently a common issue with the Touareg. What the hell? A car can have a dead battery, but you cannot even open it with the emergency key?

How is it possible to build such a strong reputation over generations and then destroy it by reducing the quality of the cars?

To the Volkswagen employees who are worried about their jobs: perhaps you should ask which management decisions brought the company to this situation. These decisions didn't only affect customers, they damaged the work and reputation built by thousands of employees over generations.

Avoid VW as much as possible. The quality reputation is simply not there anymore. You pay a premium price and get problems in return.

I had an extremely disappointing experience with Volkswagen / SCAC Aït Melloul.

After an accident, my vehicle was taken in for major repairs. Despite several repair documents and an additional quotation, the work is still not fully completed.

I experienced numerous problems: very long delays for certain parts, no clear delivery dates, repeated answers such as “wait until we call you,” contradictory information, commitments that were not respected, and responsibility constantly being passed from one person to another.

More seriously, after work was carried out on the wheels and front running gear, my vehicle was returned to me with the steering wheel incorrectly aligned. I had to return and complain again before the issue was corrected. In my opinion, this raises a serious concern about the quality and safety checks performed before a vehicle is handed back to the customer.

I had also asked for several scratches to be properly repaired. I was assured that this would be done, but I later found that black paint had simply been applied over some of the scratched areas.

During another unexpected visit to the workshop, I even found an employee sleeping inside my vehicle.

On top of this, I experienced poor follow-up, communication that I found unprofessional, and interactions that were sometimes disrespectful.

I have documents, messages, photos and other evidence supporting several of the facts mentioned in this review.

I genuinely did not expect this level of service from a brand like Volkswagen. After being patient for so long, I am no longer looking for promises. I am waiting for a serious, complete and final solution.

If you think VW is bad you should spend a month or two in a Honda. At least VW engines are strong and satisfying and the air conditioning is nice and cold. The worst day in a Vee Dub is better than the best day in a Honda

My experience with Volkswagen as a whole has unfortunately been extremely disappointing. Based on what I have experienced so far, I would currently think twice before buying another VW that relies heavily on digital services and software.

I recently purchased a used VW California T6.1. Since taking ownership, I have been unable to register myself as the primary user and can only use the vehicle as a guest. The primary-user registration simply gets stuck on “Loading…”. At the same time, the installed software is outdated, the “Update software” function does not work, and the significantly outdated navigation maps cannot be updated either.

I have tried everything reasonably possible on my end: restarting the system, signing in again, performing a factory reset and setting everything up from scratch. Nothing has solved the problem.

I then contacted Volkswagen directly. Instead of providing a solution, I was referred to a Volkswagen dealership/workshop, with potential costs of up to approximately €300 for diagnostics and/or a software update.

What makes this particularly frustrating is that a Volkswagen dealership checked the vehicle identification number and confirmed that there is actually an outstanding OTA update for the vehicle, which is supposed to be installed by the customer through the infotainment system. However, this is precisely what does not work in my vehicle.

This creates an absurd situation: Volkswagen has an outstanding update for the vehicle that the customer is expected to install themselves. The vehicle will not install it, yet the customer may then be expected to pay a workshop to resolve the problem.

For a vehicle in this price range and from a manufacturer such as Volkswagen, I expected considerably better support. This is not about an optional extra that I would like to add after purchasing the vehicle. These are basic functions of the factory-installed system: primary-user registration, online services, software updates and navigation map updates.

What I find particularly disappointing is being passed back and forth between Volkswagen Customer Service and Volkswagen dealerships, without anyone appearing to take responsibility for actually resolving the issue.

Of course, a used vehicle can develop technical problems. However, when essential digital functions do not work because of outdated software that cannot even be updated as intended, and the customer may then be expected to pay additional money simply to make those functions work, I consider that extremely poor customer service.

My conclusion from this experience: Anyone considering buying a used Volkswagen with We Connect/VW Connect or MIB3 should, before purchasing, specifically check whether primary-user registration works, whether the latest software is installed, and whether OTA and navigation map updates can actually be performed.

Based on my experience so far, I would not buy a comparable Volkswagen again and would advise prospective buyers to check these issues very carefully before purchasing.

I need to express my deep disappointment with the rigid administrative practices of Volkswagen Leasing GmbH.

Following an unclear noise from the front axle of my new Audi Q5 and an explicit warning from the authorized workshop about a potential safety risk, I immediately stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed. As a responsible lessee, my sole intention was to prevent potential secondary damage to the vehicle.

The cause turned out to be a small pebble lodged behind the brake disc. I am now expected to pay €66.16 out of pocket for what was purely a safety diagnosis. The leasing company strictly refuses coverage under my comprehensive service agreement ("Audi Fleet Comfort / Maintenance & Wear"), citing a purely formal excuse of "external influence."

Actively taking precautions to protect the lessor's vehicle from major damage apparently counts for nothing. Instead of demonstrating solution-oriented goodwill for a trivial amount, the leasing company stubbornly hides behind red tape and formalities.

Prioritizing rigid bureaucracy over a good customer relationship for the sake of €66 clearly reveals how little customer satisfaction matters to the group. The consequence for future vehicle decisions in our household is clear: vehicles from the VW Group are no longer an option.

My VW Polo Vivo life's screen has broken twice in less than 2 years. I bought the car brand new, it has less than 8 000km's on the clock.This makes me question VW quality. VW has recalled alot of vehicles the past few years Volkswagen South Africa. They just want to continue trying to fix a screen that obviously needs replacement!!! VW SA is not interested to help me, they just don't care.

As a long-time Volkswagen customer, and currently the owner of two of the brand's vehicles, I feel compelled to share this experience because I believe it's relevant to anyone considering buying a Volkswagen ID.3 Pro.

The reason for the complaint is seemingly simple, yet very significant:
a vehicle costing over €30,000 that doesn't have rear-seat speakers.

Beyond the detail itself, what's truly concerning is that this lack of equipment is hardly expected in a modern car of this price and category, and it's never perceived as relevant or noteworthy during the buying process.

After discovering this issue, I contacted both the dealership and Volkswagen Customer Service. The final response was clear and reiterated:

"That's just how the car is."

No technical solution within the official network, no alternative offered, and no compensation whatsoever.

From my perspective, this is where the brand truly falls short. A manufacturer can make more or less sound product decisions, but what makes the difference is how they respond when a customer raises a clearly improvable issue.

In this case, the feeling is that something that isn't normal is being accepted as normal, and that the customer should simply accept it.

Furthermore, there's an important aspect: since this is an intervention that only the official service network could perform without voiding the warranty, the customer is completely powerless, with no real ability to rectify the situation on their own.

I must say that my disappointment isn't just with the product, but especially with the subsequent handling of the case.

At a time when the market is evolving rapidly and other manufacturers—including several Chinese competitors—are offering increasingly higher levels of equipment, perceived quality, and customer service, this type of response is particularly difficult to understand.

After this experience, my perception of the brand has changed significantly, and it will undoubtedly influence my future purchasing decisions, as well as the recommendations I make to others.

Volkswagen has sold its soul and Germanys reputation with it. A disaster.

An 8 month old Golf with WiFi drop-outs on almost every journey, has been ongoing from day 1. An issue widely reported over 18 months ago, yet still not fixed. Supposedly a s/w update is coming, but then so is Christmas, the difference being that we know when Christmas will arrive!
From dealers to manufacturer excuses are all that ever come. Disgraceful.
Update: Only now, after 9 months VW say my car is not fully online, but cannot say how to get it there! Finally going into dealer in another 2 months. After 11½ months they're going to look at the fault for the first time!
In over 55 yrs motoring Volkswagen are easily the worst manufacturer I've even met!

My experience with Volkswagen has been appalling from start to finish. I was pushed into taking PCP finance through VW, despite already having agreed HP through a third party. This alone should have been a red flag.

Within one month of purchase, the dashboard showed the car urgently needed a service. I was later told the car had supposedly been serviced and MOT’d in August 2025, but due to a VW error the system hadn’t been reset. Their solution? For me to simply wait until August 2026 for it to reset after the next service. Completely unacceptable.

I was also mis-sold a service plan. I was explicitly told it covered 4 years, yet it later transpired it was only 2 years. This is blatant misrepresentation.

While VW “investigated”, I was given a courtesy car. On my very first use, the dashboard clearly warned that the key battery needed replacing. VW failed to address this and, unsurprisingly, the key battery died — meaning I couldn’t get to work. This is basic negligence.

Communication throughout was dreadful. I experienced numerous broken promises of call-backs from multiple departments, including Customer Care, VW Grimsby, my case handler, and even the Customer Relations Manager, Malika. No ownership, no accountability.

The so-called “resolution” offered did not benefit me at all. When I reasonably requested an equivalent monetary resolution, VW refused, closed my complaint, and told me to take it to the ombudsman instead.

For a brand that claims to be premium and customer-focused, this level of service is shocking. Mis-selling, poor communication, and a complete lack of responsibility. I would strongly advise others to think twice before trusting Volkswagen.

Ordered a car october 2024 and it "might" be delivered Feb 2026 LOL 1½ year deliver that is sell all your holds in VW groupe

Absolutely disappointed with our experience with the VW ID. Buzz.
@Volkswagen – You’ve completely lost our trust.

We’ve had the ID. Buzz for just two years and driven only 10,000 km, yet it’s been plagued with constant errors. We've taken it twice to authorized VW dealerships in Tyrol and nothing was resolved. Instead, we were left without a car for over two weeks this year — and then got charged €500 for a standard vehicle check.

For a brand that claims innovation and reliability, this is unacceptable.
We can no longer recommend any of the VW ID electric cars to anyone.

Got my Golf 8 almost a year ago and so far so good. Love the car and overall appearance of it. Next stop is definitely Tiguan 2025

I don't appreciate the spam from your Portuguese branch, SIVA - SOCIEDADE DE IMPORTAÇÃO DE VEÍCULOS AUTOMÓVEIS, S.A.

Customer service: my car has been off road for nearly two weeks, I have been calling customer service daily, have been promised call backs, but no one has called, no ownership for their products, no respect for the Australian Consumer Laws. Last year my transmission died, now another issue with the gears. How are these companies allowed to produce such poor quality vehicles that cost owners thousands.
I have emailed several.emails to customer support, and unfortunately, no one call from the case manager. Volks Wagen, you need to take ownership and accept being accountable for the low standard manufacturing and low quality that VW has produced.

Totally disappointing.

Dear Volkswagen Customer Service,

As acknowledged in your recent response to my complaint online, I am writing to formally outline my concerns regarding the app functionality associated with my vehicle. Despite my previous attempts to seek assistance, I have received unhelpful and inadequate responses from multiple departments, all included in this email. Nevertheless, I have decided to accept the invitation extended by your representative in the Apple review response.

I wish to highlight three key issues:

1. Lack of Clear Communication at Point of Sale

When I purchased my vehicle from West London VW in February 2022, the sales assistant failed to inform me that the app’s functionality would be subject to a subscription model and that access would be terminated after three years.

2. App Functionality and Ethical Concerns

The app provides basic functionality that is essential for day-to-day vehicle use. Many of its features—such as integration with home energy providers like Octopus to schedule off-peak charging should not be locked behind a paywall. This is particularly concerning as it directly impacts energy efficiency and cost savings for users.

3. Safety Concerns

The inability to manually adjust the vehicle’s charging current presents a serious safety risk. Previously, users could modify this setting, but now, without that option, the car may draw excessive power from a household electrical system, potentially leading to electrical faults. Restricting such a critical safety feature is unacceptable.

Additional Concerns

No other car manufacturer imposes a subscription fee for access to an app that controls basic vehicle functions. It is unclear why Volkswagen considers a charge of £90 per year reasonable for such fundamental features.

Furthermore, I am deeply dissatisfied with the handling of my complaint. My concerns were passed between departments, with customer services merely redirecting me to the app team, who then failed to respond appropriately. This lack of accountability has only exacerbated my frustration.

I feel completely let down by Volkswagen since purchasing my vehicle, and I intend to escalate this matter to the Motor Ombudsman. However, I am giving Volkswagen one final opportunity to address my concerns—without resorting to generic, templated responses.

I look forward to your prompt and meaningful resolution to this issue.

Don't buy their new Passat (B9) until at least 5 years have passed. Why?
I got mine in July 2024 and since then I have experienced so many software errors that made the car barely drivable.
The car has been in the VW workshop (in Germany) since February 10th for inspection and oil change, they told me "We are going to fix the sensor issue!" result: after 5 days not only did they not solve the issue, it now got worse because the whole infotainment system failed miserably. Why can't they fix it? For the very simple reason, VW does not answer the workshop's questions.
I swear this is the last VW I will ever buy for me or my family (we had 8 so far, in different countries) and buy something Japanese instead, at least they answer when you (rarely) have an issue with their products.
If you guys of Volkswagen are reading this, my car is now by your dealer Osenstätter in Traunstein, BY.
I expect - AT LEAST - an excuse letter and some kind of compensation for the time I am losing. You need to be more serious about your products, at least for the business range ones.

Im so done with Volkswagen.
16 years with VAG, and no more.
Service are shit. The products worse than ever. 20 years ago it was among the better cars. Sadly, their arroganse have destroyed it.

Passat is the best estate car period. V dubz 4eva