Ask an expert

Bought a new VW Gold MK 7 last week.
Driving out the showroom, warning that coolant level low. Topped up at home.
Same thing happened next day. Checked level; definitely low. topped up took back to dealer.
Appears water pump has failed................Is this a common VW fault?

The replacement spare has to come from Germany! They don't carry any spares in NZ??

Why would a water pump fail even as you drive out the showroom?

This is most unusual and not a common fault at all. Obviously, there's a manufacturing fault with the water pump and I've never heard of one failing as you drive out of the showroom.
As this is a brand new model, that's most likely the reason there is no stock in New Zealand.
At a guess, I'd say the importer has ordered stock that will be coming sea freight, as they would not expect to have to replace one so soon. Obviously, yours will be air-freighted in.

Thx yr prompt reply.
Having driven approx 100 kms over 2 days with 2 coolant topups, if the water pump has failed , causing leakage, am I likely to have any concerns on engine damage?
The temp guage always seemed to sit at the normal temp, so maybe any potential damage is non existent?

There is only a risk of damage if the car overheats, but if it's just a case ofthe engine remaining at normal running temperature but requiring a top up, you will not have damaged the engine.