Altea less than reliable?

[googies]

I have had a few problems with mine too, off top of head:

1. wet windows - semi fixed
2. dmf failure @ 7.5k - fixed
3. hesitation/drop out in power for a second or so while driving - still occurs
4. incorrect wheel alignment from factory - customer service crap on this, my fault now for not having fixed
5. steeering arm failure @ 31k - warranty
6. speakers dying twice - warranty
7. possible steering arm/rack faulire at moment
8. oil in intercooler - fixed by homemade catch can
9. boost pipe @ intercooler blew off multiple times - attempted to fix by dealer, took myself to do it right

If customer services and satisfaction were better i would maybe buy one again though at moment NO!

 

[NorthernMonkey2]

DMF diagnosed here today. 2008 1.9 TDI 17k.
It's not the best news, but looking at it pragmatically these things happen.
To be fair, dealer has been great, no quibbles or anything and the issue is widespread across VAG group.

From what I have read, once replaced there [usually] isn't a problem with the new parts. I know these engines can go for several hundred thousand miles if looked after, so it's more of an inconvenience than a worry for the future.
The percentage of cars that go wrong is still relatively low.

It does raise a valid question for those buying cars out of warranty, but that applies to any purchase.

It would be wrong to say the Altea will never need attention but equally wrong to suggest it is bad or any worse than other mainstream cars.

I agree with Toxic - most people turn to these forums when they have a problem or think they do and want a second opinion, so it's easy to interpret the posts as a catalog of disasters that await ALL Altea owners, when that is not the case.

I think we have established that overall the Altea is a sensible place to put your cash, most are drawn to it's looks and style, it has proven mechanicals from a world leader in quality, but yes, it has it's flaws and from time to time there are problems to be resolved.

Frankly, I don't know where you would go to find a car that never broke. No car will go through it's life without issues, have a look at even a Toyota, Honda or Lexus forum and you see the same old stuff going on.

So, reliable? yes. Perfect? no. Happy I didn't but a Touran instead? oh yes!

 

[iwcham1979]

Nicely explained

 

[Rusty FR]

Ditto