Ask an expert

I have a 2007 VW Golf 2.0 FSI tiptronic. Whenever I lift my foot from the brake pedal and start to move off or if Im crawling in heavy traffic with the brake pedal being used on and off to maintain a crawling speed, there is a brief but loud groaning noise like an old wooden battleship in a storm.

I took the car back to the dealer shortly after purchase (bought new) and was told it would fade as the km's built up. After 11,000 km's there has been no difference, so at the last service I mentioned it again and was then told it was normal and peculiar to that particular model.

I've never heard of it before and a Google search didn't enlighten me either. I think I'm getting the run-around from the dealer.

Have you heard of this particular issue with the VW Golf model. The test car I took out before buying didn't have the noise.

Gavin

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

The dealer is struggling here in my opinion.

Firstly they say it will 'fade' away after some use and then they say it is normal. Not a great response and it certainly doesn't inspire one with a lot of confidence in both the dealer and the product.

I suggest you arrange a meeting with the dealer principal of the dealership and explain the situation to date. Ask (insist) for a representative from VW to visit the dealership and road test the vehicle with you.

If you have no luck write a letter to VW NZ expressing your disappointment.

My past dealings with VW New Zealand staff have always been very positive.