Stuart's Volkswagen Golf Mk 5/V Forum

Hi there I just stumbled across you write ups about the mk5 golf and the main one that court my attention was the rust on the wings I have a 2006 mk5 diesel which the repair guide quotes that they changed production because of this problem from 2006 onwards and was wondering what year your golf was when it occurred.

Many thanks
Jed

Hi Jed,

My car is an 04 reg 2005 model year Mk 5, new in June 2004. I discovered the rust in October 2012.

I guess your car could or could not have the same problem. Certainly worth mentioning it to a local VW dealer.

Hope that helps,
Stuart

Stuart

Thanks very much for your insight into the VW wings and corrosion warranty. I have a 2004 mk5 Golf 1.4. I noted Bubbling on the wings and initially scoured the area for prices to replace and spray both front wings as well as touch up and hide rust on the bonnet and tailgate under badge. After reading your forums I decided to challenge VW. After having it inspected and beating off the apparently common brush offs with the 09 Service Bulletin and EU regs concerning servicing I've been successful in getting VW to cover the work. I am due next week to receive a new bonnet, tailgate, wings and have my sils repaired all for the contribution price of £150+ Vat. I was going to argue as to the contribution but I probably shouldn't be getting a boot or bonnet. Thanks again

Congratulations on getting VW to honour their warranty. It's a shame owners often have to go through these hoops.

I've not heard of rust problems on the bonnet but rust below the badge on the hatch appears to be common. I checked mine recently and I didn't spot anything obvious but I'll be sure to keep an eye on this.

Thanks for letting us know,
Stuart

The issue with the bonnet lays at the side. Apparently the place to check is to lift the bonnet and run your finger along the side edge and according to the inspector this can be quite common.

When I got the call to say that VW approved the work I queried the £150 cont and after a some stuttering and stammering the Bodyshop mgr admitted that it was being claimed under goodwill which bemused me as I bought the car 2nd and not from a VW dealership and in the 6 years I've had it I haven't had any service history with a VW dealership.

Anyway for £1500-£2000 worth of work I feel £150 is more than worth it

Hi Stuart I own a 53 Reg. VW TDI Golf which I bought from new. I sourced it via the internet, it was sold to me by Virgin Cars as an import and delivered to my door in Jan 2004 on a trailer with 0 miles on the clock. The paperwork shows the dealership stamp as 20/06/2003. about three weeks ago I noticed a bubbling on top of the wheel arch on the driver side. I used the local dealer for the first two services and since then a garage that I have dealt with for 25 years. reading your experience with the rust problem how do you think I should take this forward for a repair from the dealer?
Your help would be appreciated. Beryl.

Hi Beryl,

Is your Golf a Mk 5 like mine? (See http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5 ). I'm pretty sure Mk 5's didn't appear in the UK until Feb 2004 but as you say your car was imported it could be an early Mk 5 from Europe. I think this is only a known problem with the Mk 5's but I could be wrong.

I do recommend you approach your local VW dealer. This is a well known problem and is usually fixed under the 12 year bodywork warranty. The only cases where I think VW refuse to pay the full amount is if there has been previous bodywork repair work in the area of the rust.

You not having your car serviced by VW for nearly 9 years should not be an issue as this fault is totally unrelated to how the car has been serviced.

Let us know how you get on,
Stuart

Hi Stuart thanks for your prompt reply. My Golf is the old shape I think the new one came out the next year, probably why I was able to buy at such a good price. Do you think it is worth me speaking to the VW dealer about the rust? I must admit it is a great car. I have about 72,000 miles on the clock.The only money I have spent is having the Alloy Wheels refurbished this year as I have had a problem with the tyre pressure for about a couple of years and this was the only permanent solution.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Beryl

Hi Beryl,

Actually the VW Repair Guide PDF I link to on http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5/rust_wing does mention Mk 4 as well as Mk 5 and so you should not have a problem. I would definitely speak to your Volkswagen dealer. This is exactly the kind of problem the 12 Year Bodywork Warranty you paid for when you bought your car is intended to cover.

Stuart