Multiple quality & technical issues in my new VW Vento TSI AT

The most shocking thing to me is the "QC PASS" sticker on the windshield even though the car has so many issues.

BHPian teja030 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello Everyone,

I purchased a Volkswagen Vento Highline Plus AT TSI, Carbon Steel Grey colour in March 2022 from PPS Motors, Hyderabad. My car is manufactured in February 2022. It is from the last lot of cars before the model was supposed to be phased out.

In the process of usage, I observed a few terrible quality & technical issues which had me wondering - reputed brands can go terribly wrong if they don’t put their expertise to the right use. It was clear that the last lot of cars didn’t have the required precision & care in the manufacturing process. The following points reassure me about the same.

Issues observed

• The car had come without proper Wheel Alignment & Balancing from the factory. The steering was off-centre and the car was pulling terribly. It was very difficult to drive the car in a straight line.
• The Steering Column outer cover is fixed tilted to the left. The Indicator & Wiper stalks are also fixed tilted to the left.

My thoughts

The lower steering column cover (picture attached for reference) is held in its place by a ‘Socket Head Collared Bolt’ screwed to the “Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder” and the upper column cover clicks onto the lower cover. The lock cylinder & the indicator stalk assembly slide onto the steering column. So, I suspect that the steering column itself is fixed tilted because all the parts which slide onto it are slightly tilted and not accurately fixed. This gives an illusion of driving with an incorrect steering position, misaligned with the column cover and is also an eyesore and a great distraction.

• Rattling noises have been observed while turning the steering wheel either ways, especially audible when the cabin is silent.

My thoughts

It could probably be noise from the Clock Spring.

• Seat covers have not been properly cut & stitched leaving behind ugly gaps exposing a serious quality issue.

• Chipped paint on the hood straight from the factory.
• Improper finishing with sharp edges in the cabin, near the front cupholders.

• Loud squeaking noise from the front left window when l raise or lower it, especially after a car wash or rain.

The most shocking thing is a "QC PASS" sticker on the windshield, with so many issues in the car. I really doubt if they had taken a test drive of the car before dispatching it from the factory. Totally unexpected this from Volkswagen India.

Here's what BHPian gururajrv had to say about the matter:

It is sad to see these inconsistencies in a new car. My question is, didn’t you conduct your independent PDI checks prior to the allotment? Perhaps, it’d have saved you some peace of mind. Nevertheless, I believe the ship has sailed from the VW side. Try to make some amendments with your dealer and see if they can offer some fixes to ease the rough inconsistencies seen.

Here's what BHPian coolmind had to say about the matter:

Sad to see so many issues in a new car.

• Did you not check these issues during PDI?
• Did you take up with VW? What is their say?

I guess almost all these issues can be fixed by their ASS team. Hope you get a fix soon and enjoy the car to the utmost.

Here's what BHPian steadfast had to say about the matter:

This cannot be a new car or this seems to be abused at the dealership. Such a car cannot pass VW factory QC SOPs.

VW cars from the factory are one of the finest lots among all car manufacturers.

Here's what BHPian rkv_2401 had to say about the matter:

This is simply awful! We've seen cars with problems before, but never one that can hurt a non-discerning customer!

At least the loud squeaking noise from the front left window is somewhat easily rectifiable. This is likely to be just the rubber beading in the window sill, again, surprising in a brand new car, but presumably easily rectifiable. My local VW dealership almost made me change the power window motor as well when I got this fixed with them, but I insisted that they just replace the beading and the noise went away afterwards.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.