Skip advert
Advertisement

Watchdog: Audi pays up following warranty row over rust

Firm initially claims rust is caused by ‘paint defect’ before u-turn and free repair

Rust is never a welcome sight on a car, which is why manufacturers go to great lengths to provide warranties against corrosion. However, making a claim on that warranty is sometimes easier said than done, as one reader found out.

Geoff Berrett from Sprotbrough, Doncaster, got in touch with Carbuyer's sister site Auto Express after he noticed bubbles building up on the front wheelarches of his 2005 Audi A6.

Advertisement - Article continues below

“The car has done over 114,000 miles, but I keep it in perfect condition. It was bought in 2007 with the intention to keep it, being only my second Audi in 18 years,” Geoff told us. “Five weeks ago, I noticed rust bubbles on the wheelarches.”

Aware that the terms of Audi’s 12- year anti-corrosion warranty stipulate the owner needs to inform his dealer immediately of any rust, Geoff quickly contacted Doncaster Audi, and had the car examined a week later.

Despite being quick to alert Audi, Geoff’s request for repairs to be carried out under warranty was shot down. He said Audi had told him the rust came from a ‘paint defect’, and as such would not be covered by the perforation warranty.

Yet, Geoff’s dealer was able to confirm the paint was entirely original. Geoff said: “The rust is clearly caused by internal corrosion, not paint defects or stone chips.” Geoff was considering shelling out for an independent inspection and small claims court before contacting us for help.

Auto Express agreed that if the paint had been confirmed as original by an Audi dealer, then the manufacturer should pay out for repairs under the terms of the 12-year perforation warranty.

They contacted Audi and a spokesman said the company was going to investigate the matter thoroughly.

After a few weeks, Geoff got back in touch with good news: “Audi has come back to me and agreed to meet the full cost of the repairs as a gesture of goodwill, which is exceptional. Thank you for your help.”

A spokesman for Audi added: “I can confirm Doncaster Audi has booked in Mr Berrett’s car in to have the defects repaired. The repair will be done free of charge.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Audi Q6 e-tron SUV sneaks under £60k
Audi Q6 e-tron front quarter tracking
News
30 Apr 2024

New Audi Q6 e-tron SUV sneaks under £60k

What is Audi quattro all-wheel drive?
Audi quattro all-wheel drive
Tips and advice
30 Apr 2024

What is Audi quattro all-wheel drive?

Audi Virtual Cockpit: what is it, and should you have it?
Audi virtual cockpit
Tips and advice
13 Mar 2024

Audi Virtual Cockpit: what is it, and should you have it?

Most Popular

Engine management light: what to do if it comes on
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
30 Jan 2025

Engine management light: what to do if it comes on

Volkswagen Tiguan review – family SUV with a trusted formula
Volkswagen Tiguan front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
11 Feb 2025

Volkswagen Tiguan review – family SUV with a trusted formula

New Volkswagen ID.3 coming with "completely new design language”
Volkswagen ID3 render front quarter
News
31 Jan 2025

New Volkswagen ID.3 coming with "completely new design language”

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

The 10 best electric cars in 2025
Bets electric cars 2025
Best cars
31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025