01C5 Recall and how it affects your eGolf

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Joined
Apr 5, 2017
Messages
12
Here is the email that I received in regards to 01C5-0 recall. Figured I would share with the E-Golf forum, and would appreciate anyone's comments or suggestions:

I certainly understand wanting more detail on the 01C5-0-Series Compliance Recall, and I appreciate the opportunity to help you in any way I can.

I would need the VIN of your VW to confirm if this recall affects it, but I want to provide the available information in the meantime. The recall has been released for a small number of zero-series vehicles, or very early production vehicles, that were sold as used after they were no longer needed for internal use. In our ongoing research to help ensure we are providing the best vehicle experience for our customers, we have discovered there may be incomplete documentation about possible modifications made on the vehicles during the internal use period. With this, we cannot verify if these vehicles comply with all regulatory requirements. A vehicle that does not meet all regulatory requirements could have an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury. This is the most detailed information we have currently, but I apologize if this doesn’t provide much more insight for you than the recall notification letter.

Vehicles affected by this recall cannot be repaired, and as the safety of our customers is one of our top priorities, we are moving forward with a repurchase program for this recall. We will work with affected owners to complete the vehicle repurchase process as quickly as possible, and this is free of charge.

Please reply to this email with your VW’s VIN, as if it is affected we want to start the repurchase process for you. Time is a factor, as before March 31st vehicle values will be calculated and paid based upon the NADA Clean-Trade Value in the USA / Canadian Black Book Value in Canada. After March 31, 2019, vehicle values will be calculated and paid based upon the vehicle’s current market value minus any daily depreciation due to vehicle mileage, age and condition.

I hope this information is helpful for you. I’m available Monday through Friday 7AM to 3:30PM, so I will keep a special eye out for your contact. Feel free to include any other questions you may have alongside your VW’s VIN.

Sincerely,

Sarah S.
Customer CARE Advocate
 
My response:
I am hesitant to turn over my vehicle at this time. I purchased my vehicle a less than 2 years ago and I do not think the repurchase price is anywhere near what I paid for the vehicle. I have put almost 25K miles on the vehicle with no real problems to date. Can you please explain why I should doubt the performance and safety of the vehicle?

VW:
I’m glad you have been enjoying your eGolf, with no real concerns to date. With this and your worry about the value amount you will receive, I recognize your hesitation to turn your vehicle in. However, the goal of the recall is to repurchase a vehicle that is non-compliant and is potentially unsafe. We cannot guarantee no concerns will arise in the future due the possible modifications that may have been performed. Your safety is one of our top priorities, and we want to ensure your well-being through the repurchase process.

Additionally, the best way to get the highest possible amount for the repurchase is to move forward before March 31st. After this date, the vehicle values will be calculated and paid based upon the vehicle’s current market value minus the $20 per day depreciation due to vehicle mileage, age and condition.

Please confirm if you want me to proceed with the repurchase process. Let me know if you have any other questions as well.

Sincerely,

Sarah S.
Customer CARE Advocate
 
VW:
I completely understand wanting more details on the 01C5 Recall and how it affects your eGolf; I truly wish I had any other specifics I could provide you. The information from the recall letter is all we have available at this time, that possible modifications that may have been performed on the vehicle could lead it to be potentially unsafe. I’m sorry I don’t have access to any more particulars.

I will proceed though with getting our CR&R team involved in a repurchase process for your VW. You should hear from one of their specialists in 7-10 days, or no later than the end of the day April 9th.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions in the meantime, and have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Sarah S.
Customer CARE Advocate
 
Really strange. Seems like the repurchase offer should be retail KBB or fair market value, not trade in value.

Also, that fair market value was quite a bit higher a month ago before the $35k Model 3 announcement.

How many early eGolfs are being called back?
 
I'm guessing since all the cars were sold as used, that those of us who bought/leased new aren't affected?

That said, if you're concerned and are a US owner, check your car's VIN against NHTSA's recalls website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls So far my car isn't on that list (the only recall it's ever had was already fixed).

BTW the eGolf isn't the only car affected per NHTSA: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCRIT-18V329-0469.pdf
 
It isn't clear how many egolfs' were affected. I purchased my 2015 in 2017 with less than 100 miles, it had never been registered before. I was still able to get the federal credit, so it was still "new".
 
newbiegolfer said:
It isn't clear how many egolfs' were affected. I purchased my 2015 in 2017 with less than 100 miles, it had never been registered before. I was still able to get the federal credit, so it was still "new".

Does entering your car's VIN in the linked I provided above show your car as being part of a recall?
 
newbiegolfer said:
It isn't clear how many egolfs' were affected.

The article I linked to above say 6700 cars with 2/3rds of those being sold in Germany. Seeing how the e-Golf is a very small percentage of total VW sales, I assume we're talking about well under 100 e-Golfs affected.

The think article is mistaken that the cars were sold as "used". A demo or showroom car can absolutely be sold as new and qualify for all tax benefits as long as it hasn't been registered.
 
1Recalls
associated with this VIN
Jul 02,2018
Manufacturer Recall Number01C5
NHTSA Recall Number18V329
Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
Summary
A small number of zero-series vehicles (very early production vehicles) were sold as used after they were no longer needed for internal use. Volkswagen has discovered that documentation about possible modification(s) made during the internal use period may be incomplete. Because of this, Volkswagen cannot verify that the vehicles comply with all applicable regulatory requirements. Out of an abundance of caution, Volkswagen has decided to recall these vehicles. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Safety Risk
Volkswagen cannot verify that the vehicles comply with all applicable regulatory requirements. Out of an abundance of caution, Volkswagen has decided to recall these vehicles. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy
Volkswagen will offer to repurchase or repair (if possible) the affected vehicles.
 
If it were me I would hold out and not comply without enough compensation to make me whole. Trade In value isn't enough. Fair Market Value is better (higher than trade in value) but then they want to ding you on days and miles. You are the victim of VW's mistake/wrong doing and may have some leverage since you own the car and (apparently) want to keep it (I would too). VW are flush with 2019 e-Golfs they are blowing out post Tesla Model 3 price reduction so I would see how best you could parlay your 2015 into a 2019 with that leverage you might have since VW obviously wants this car back and crushed to avoid consequences of their wrongdoing.

Best of luck. Curious how this all plays out.
 
msvphoto said:
If it were me I would hold out and not comply without enough compensation to make me whole. Trade In value isn't enough. Fair Market Value is better (higher than trade in value) but then they want to ding you on days and miles. You are the victim of VW's mistake/wrong doing and may have some leverage since you own the car and (apparently) want to keep it (I would too).

I agree. It's VW's mistake and you shouldn't bear any economic damages. Even Fair Market Value is arguably too low, because that dollar amount isn't enough to get you a used E-Golf (same condition, mileage, age) since you would still have to pay sales tax.
 
Just tell VW you are not interested in their offer, and that you plan to keep the car. If something fails on it, get a good attorney and sue them for selling you a car unfit for use, as it was a prototype, not fit for use by general public, and that they didn't make you a fair offer for turning it in, that was even near market value.

Your other option is to trade it in on a newer 2019, any brand you want, to any car maker you so chose, and let them deal with the value VW will give them for it.
 
newbiegolfer said:
VW:
I completely understand wanting more details on the 01C5 Recall and how it affects your eGolf; I truly wish I had any other specifics I could provide you. The information from the recall letter is all we have available at this time, that possible modifications that may have been performed on the vehicle could lead it to be potentially unsafe. I’m sorry I don’t have access to any more particulars.

I will proceed though with getting our CR&R team involved in a repurchase process for your VW. You should hear from one of their specialists in 7-10 days, or no later than the end of the day April 9th.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions in the meantime, and have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Sarah S.
Customer CARE Advocate

Forum for recall
https://forums.vwvortex.com/member.php?751905-bigblockhog#/topics/9275875?page=10

Lawsuit for recall
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/class-action-lawsuit-alleges-volkswagen-defrauded-and-endangered-consumers-by-selling-illegal-pre-production-cars-as-certified-pre-owned-vehicles-300831362.html
 
msvphoto said:
If it were me I would hold out and not comply without enough compensation to make me whole. Trade In value isn't enough. Fair Market Value is better (higher than trade in value) but then they want to ding you on days and miles. You are the victim of VW's mistake/wrong doing and may have some leverage since you own the car and (apparently) want to keep it (I would too). VW are flush with 2019 e-Golfs they are blowing out post Tesla Model 3 price reduction so I would see how best you could parlay your 2015 into a 2019 with that leverage you might have since VW obviously wants this car back and crushed to avoid consequences of their wrongdoing.

Best of luck. Curious how this all plays out.

That's what I was holding out for, and to my surprise, VW is going to give me a new 2019 SEL premium.

"Volkswagen of America, Inc. (“Volkswagen”), an organizational unit of Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc., would like to extend to you an offer to replace the above-mentioned vehicle with
a new 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium, Pure White exterior and Titan Black interior (VIN
WVWPR7AU6KW911805).
The above-stated offer is made in the interest of goodwill only and is an attempt at a fair
resolution of this matter. This offer is not an admission of liability or nonconformity by
Volkswagen under state law. The replacement offer will remain valid 7 days from the date of
this letter. In consideration of this agreement to replace the above-mentioned vehicle, you
agree to surrender the vehicle to us and to sign the necessary paperwork to provide a clear
certificate of title to Volkswagen Group of America, Inc."

There is a class action lawsuit against VW for selling pre-production vehicles, so I guess they want it off the road. Straight up trade, so no sales tax. It seems I really lucked out considering I paid $22,800 including delivery for the 2015 egolf before the federal rebate.
 
newbiegolfer said:
msvphoto said:
If it were me I would hold out and not comply without enough compensation to make me whole. Trade In value isn't enough. Fair Market Value is better (higher than trade in value) but then they want to ding you on days and miles. You are the victim of VW's mistake/wrong doing and may have some leverage since you own the car and (apparently) want to keep it (I would too). VW are flush with 2019 e-Golfs they are blowing out post Tesla Model 3 price reduction so I would see how best you could parlay your 2015 into a 2019 with that leverage you might have since VW obviously wants this car back and crushed to avoid consequences of their wrongdoing.

Best of luck. Curious how this all plays out.

That's what I was holding out for, and to my surprise, VW is going to give me a new 2019 SEL premium.

"Volkswagen of America, Inc. (“Volkswagen”), an organizational unit of Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc., would like to extend to you an offer to replace the above-mentioned vehicle with
a new 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium, Pure White exterior and Titan Black interior (VIN
WVWPR7AU6KW911805).
The above-stated offer is made in the interest of goodwill only and is an attempt at a fair
resolution of this matter. This offer is not an admission of liability or nonconformity by
Volkswagen under state law. The replacement offer will remain valid 7 days from the date of
this letter. In consideration of this agreement to replace the above-mentioned vehicle, you
agree to surrender the vehicle to us and to sign the necessary paperwork to provide a clear
certificate of title to Volkswagen Group of America, Inc."

There is a class action lawsuit against VW for selling pre-production vehicles, so I guess they want it off the road. Straight up trade, so no sales tax. It seems I really lucked out considering I paid $22,800 including delivery for the 2015 egolf before the federal rebate.

You would be wise to jump on that trade, straight away. Do NOT look the gift horse in the mouth, though.
 
newbiegolfer said:
msvphoto said:
If it were me I would hold out and not comply without enough compensation to make me whole. Trade In value isn't enough. Fair Market Value is better (higher than trade in value) but then they want to ding you on days and miles. You are the victim of VW's mistake/wrong doing and may have some leverage since you own the car and (apparently) want to keep it (I would too). VW are flush with 2019 e-Golfs they are blowing out post Tesla Model 3 price reduction so I would see how best you could parlay your 2015 into a 2019 with that leverage you might have since VW obviously wants this car back and crushed to avoid consequences of their wrongdoing.

Best of luck. Curious how this all plays out.

That's what I was holding out for, and to my surprise, VW is going to give me a new 2019 SEL premium.

"Volkswagen of America, Inc. (“Volkswagen”), an organizational unit of Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc., would like to extend to you an offer to replace the above-mentioned vehicle with
a new 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium, Pure White exterior and Titan Black interior (VIN
WVWPR7AU6KW911805).
The above-stated offer is made in the interest of goodwill only and is an attempt at a fair
resolution of this matter. This offer is not an admission of liability or nonconformity by
Volkswagen under state law. The replacement offer will remain valid 7 days from the date of
this letter. In consideration of this agreement to replace the above-mentioned vehicle, you
agree to surrender the vehicle to us and to sign the necessary paperwork to provide a clear
certificate of title to Volkswagen Group of America, Inc."

There is a class action lawsuit against VW for selling pre-production vehicles, so I guess they want it off the road. Straight up trade, so no sales tax. It seems I really lucked out considering I paid $22,800 including delivery for the 2015 egolf before the federal rebate.

Wow, congratulations! Jump on that before they change their mind. 7 days, clock is ticking, jump on this one. You scored!
 
Congrats! Thats absolutely what they owed you in this case. Selling pre-production prototypes is absolutely unacceptable for a vehicle on a public roadway!
 
I agree, had it signed and notarized before the end of the day. They are shipping the car to Ohio from the West coast. Should have it swapped out soon. Only downside is I had tinting, was contemplating requesting them to pay for that, but thought that was a bit greedy.
 
newbiegolfer said:
I agree, had it signed and notarized before the end of the day. They are shipping the car to Ohio from the West coast. Should have it swapped out soon. Only downside is I had tinting, was contemplating requesting them to pay for that, but thought that was a bit greedy.

In my opinion, not greedy. with that said, paying for tinting to be done again is a pretty good compromise for the upgrade!

i moved to California from Ohio! the e-Golf hasn't been too restrictive for you there? When I last was in Columbus I did notice an abundance of free DCFC at places like Easton, so maybe its not so bad?
 
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