VW cancelling 5 year warranties?

[CraigG]

On the Facebook VW California Group I have seen a couple of posts like the below. Is this true? Thankfully we haven't received a letter like this. We bought our van from VW Breeze in Poole.

 

[WelshGas]

On the Facebook VW California Group I have seen a couple of posts like the below. Is this true? Thankfully we haven't received a letter like this. We bought our van from VW Breeze in Poole.

View attachment 149155

Do the people who have posted these letters actually own a Genuine VW California which had the 5 + Yr Service and Warranty package?

 

[acer]

Eh? What? Unbelievable!

 

[WelshGas]

Eh? What? Unbelievable!

Not if it was a Non- California variant and the Service Plan was added by the Salesman who wasn't aware.

 

[Chriskend]

Mrs grindrod……..

 

[acer]

Not if it was a Non- California variant and the Service Plan was added by the Salesman who wasn't aware.

That would make sense

 

[PQU]

I've just received one this morning. Mine is a 6.1 Ocean so a genuine California, not a conversion. It's an ex demonstrator from Lookers in Guildford that I bought when it was 5 months old. I have an email from the salesman categorically starting that it came with the 5 + promise. Lookers are supposed to be ringing me back....

 

[acer]

So, that doesn’t make sense

 

[Nick from Bath]

Very odd as it's still being offered on the VW vans website: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/finance-offers-and-fleet/5-plus-promise.html#five-plus-promise

 

[Perfectos]

"No cost " doesn't mean is wasn't a benefit and part of the sales deal!

Is this a money saving exercise?

 

[Sad]

We've had the letter also.
Bought as used approved from VW vans Birmingham at 9 months old.
Typically been sent just as it's due the first service...

 

[Sam-peter82]

Just received one of these letters also. Genuine California Beach April 2024. We have the original paperwork from the dealership all signed showing the 5+ promise. We have already had one included service.
Has anyone contacted VW about this? I’m calling them tomorrow to clarify.

As an aside I’ve also received identical letters to my address (different names) for 2x other owners of DG24 KWY and KM24 XMD. If either of these owners are on this forum, I also have letters addressed to you.

 

[Up10]

Financial ombudsman?

 

[Andy C Berks.]

That's an awfully worded letter, so terribly dismissive of what is such a material issue for owners. Sounds like something that been written by an office junior with no managerial oversight and certainly somebody that has absolutely no idea how incendiary this is going to be for VW and their reputation.

The fact that the 5 year plan is fully transferable with the vehicle upon change of owner also means that it shouldn't be anything to do with the fact that a few of you affected bought ex-demo vehicles. Plus you have it in writing anyway. Terribly poor optics for VW again. Hopefully they will put up no resistance when you query.

 

[Perfectos]

They have to pay for Diesel gate and miss selling finance some how, why not add mis selling other financial products and extras to the list !

Remember your contract is with the dealer. They are on the hook not VW !

 

[Kernowboy]

Anyone had one of these letters who bought a new vehicle rather than ex-demo (ie.not new) or used? The sales blurb stated the 5+ promise was for new vehicles as far as I’m aware, so if it wasn’t registered against the vehicle when new (and I can see why that may be the case for an ex-demo vehicle) then I reckon that’s what VWFS will try and argue. Which would leave recourse square against the dealer if they advertised and sold the vehicle as having the 5+ promise benefits included.

 

[Sad]

Ours was used, and sold with the 5+, not an ex-demo.

 

[Perfectos]

Ours was used, and sold with the 5+, not an ex-demo.

Book your van in for its service snd advise the dealer it is the service that was included with the sale of the vehicle for free, ask them to confirm there will be no cost to you (in writing) your contract is with the dealer , if your "deal included free services" you are entitled to such, regardless of what VW MK says, or the dealer is in Breach of the contract.
Presumably you have it in writing that the van comes with 5+ ? Or at least the sales particulars stating so ?

 

[Meoncoast]

Not had a letter yet. However can not see how either the dealer or VW can change the contract that we bought a van with THE 5 year promise

 

[Up10]

Ours was used, and sold with the 5+, not an ex-demo.

Could I ask who you bought your used vehicle from? The dealer or a private owner?
When you state it was used, who used it? The dealer or an individual?
Just trying to understand your vehicle history and if it was first registered by the dealer or a private individual who may not have obtained the 5 year warranty cover at extra cost or through a VW finance deal.
This is a worrying development.

 

[Sad]

Could I ask who you bought your used vehicle from? The dealer or a private owner?
When you state it was used, who used it? The dealer or an individual?
Just trying to understand your vehicle history and if it was first registered by the dealer or a private individual who may not have obtained the 5 year warranty cover at extra cost or through a VW finance deal.
This is a worrying development.

Bought from VW Vans in Birmingham, but it was used by an individual. Nothing to do with that dealer.
The worrying bit, for me, is that we were told at the time it had been a company car for an exec at Bentley. But indeed, was sold to us with the 5 year warranty.

We're in Dorset, and use Poole for servicing, and will be speaking to them tomorrow.

 

[Kernowboy]

The service plan is supplied and administered by VWFS Commercial - if you log in there you’ll see clearly if there is an active plan against the vehicle or if it’s been closed. I can still see the status of plans against all my previous 5 Cali's, some of which the current owners obviously aren’t aware of.
I absolutely agree that the dealer can’t change the deal agreed at point of purchase but the letter is from VWFS not the dealer. VWFS seem to be saying they have been incorrectly applied. The sales contract is with the dealer as has already been stated, not even with VW yet alone with VWFS - technically another company altogether. So VWFS are saying they are removing the 5+ promise benefits as it has been incorrectly applied by the dealer ie. the qualifying criteria weren’t met. Your sales contract is with the dealer so that’s who is in breach of contract if the vehicle was sold with the 5+ benefit. Your beef will most likely have to be directed at the dealer and It’s for the dealer to resolve with VWFS or by alternative means. But I expect that may be much more difficult to achieve than it should be;
That’s my understanding given the very limited info anyway, and it would be useful to know if any new vehicles are affected because that would very different to a used or ex demo which may or may not have it applied at first registration.
Good luck to anyone affected, and fingers crossed it is limited to small numbers.

 

[Up10]

Bought from VW Vans in Birmingham, but it was used by an individual. Nothing to do with that dealer.
The worrying bit, for me, is that we were told at the time it had been a company car for an exec at Bentley. But indeed, was sold to us with the 5 year warranty.

We're in Dorset, and use Poole for servicing, and will be speaking to them tomorrow.

Thanks @Sad I hope you get it resolved to your satisfaction.

 

[Corradobrit]

The VW Group are in horrible financial straits. So bad is the need for cash that they are being advised to sell a crown jewel....Ducati

https://www.motogpnews.com/2026/06/29/ducati-could-be-sold-as-owners-cut-100000-jobs-amid-financial-crisis/

 

[Perfectos]

The VW Group are in horrible financial straits. So bad is the need for cash that they are being advised to sell a crown jewel....Ducati

https://www.motogpnews.com/2026/06/29/ducati-could-be-sold-as-owners-cut-100000-jobs-amid-financial-crisis/

See post #10 ?