Leaking OS4 Pop Top on 2024 California.

[Top Diner]

I know this has or is being discussed so apologies if this is posted incorrectly. My 2024 T6.1 04S pop top is leaking even in light rain showers through the front lower seam of the semi circular front vent. I contacted my local Breeze Van centre to be told that VW have significantly tightened up the instructions to main dealers such that they should reject customers warranty claims for leaking bellows. I believe VW are in possibly/probably in breach of UK legislation in not at least attempting to fix this long standing issue for many customers. Any advice please on how I can resolve this. I am so disappointed that I may face a long and expensive battle to get a satisfactory resolution. Thanks.

 

[Top Diner]

I should add that my local van centre has said that VW are now refusing to replace bellows under warranty. Advice please!

 

[Califan61]

If it is definitely leaking they should replace. I’m on version 6. A cheap tent from the supermarket isn’t expected to leak at the joints and nor should this very expensive tent. No tent is truly waterproof but I would expect the material itself to be leaking, its poorly executed seam sealing can be a source of leaks. There should be no daylight visible where the thread passes through the seams.

Our dealer tried the VW line “It’s only water resistant” but was having none of it. To be fair the dealer understood and did help.

What grounds are they saying they can reject your claim? Raise it directly with VW as there is plenty of evidence on this forum to suggest there is a manufacturing fault and nothing to do with how you are using the bellows. A tent should provide resistance to water penetration, VW quote 300mm using the test defined in EN20811 on the California app but guess that is just the fabric not the seams.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

I should add that my local van centre has said that VW are now refusing to replace bellows under warranty. Advice please!

On a minor point you might update your avatar to a T6.1.

As a VIP member you have the ability to advance search and find out a lot about this issue, and, from that, be self-advised. I would suggest you post only once, you have made the same post as #1 above at:

Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

I have an 06s. It leaks! Leaking 06s bellows are rare. Got any pictures of it leaking?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

which is a better place, and I suggest any future responses might go there.

Unfortunately this has been a evolving (frankly deteriorating) situation with differing responses from VW dealers, and to solve your issue you you would best to do some homework on this forum first. I understand that VW Customer Care can be helpful.

 

[Top Diner]

If it is definitely leaking they should replace. I’m on version 6. A cheap tent from the supermarket isn’t expected to leak at the joints and nor should this very expensive tent. No tent is truly waterproof but I would expect the material itself to be leaking, its poorly executed seam sealing can be a source of leaks. There should be no daylight visible where the thread passes through the seams.

Our dealer tried the VW line “It’s only water resistant” but was having none of it. To be fair the dealer understood and did help.

What grounds are they saying they can reject your claim? Raise it directly with VW as there is plenty of evidence on this forum to suggest there is a manufacturing fault and nothing to do with how you are using the bellows. A tent should provide resistance to water penetration, VW quote 300mm using the test defined in EN20811 on the California app but guess that is just the fabric not the seams.

Thank you.