What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Braking news
We have a 2.0 TDi SEAT Altea Sport on a 54 plate. We bought this four years ago at 10 months old, registered by SEAT but with only delivery mileage on it. The car has 60k on the clock and a full service history (dealer serviced for the most part.) Recently, the ESP warning light has been permanently lit which, on interrogation by a local garage, was found to be a Brake Pressure Sensor fault requiring a whole new ABS module at a cost of £1,410.29 at the local garage. The local SEAT dealer has confirmed this but has managed to get SEAT UK to agree to a 40% contribution, taking their cost to do the work to £782. The car also requires a cambelt replacement (manufacturer recommendation) a service and MOT is due in September. The main dealer says he will do this additional work for £450. Does the fact that SEAT UK offered a 40% contribution indicate that this might be a known problem and should we pursue them for a greater contribution/full cost of replacement?
Asked on 31 October 2009 by
Answered by
Honest John
The ABS/ESP fault is a standard problem affecting 3 - 5 year old VAG cars, BMW 1-Series and Volvo S40s/V50s. Yes, the 40% offer does indicate it's a known problem. VW is paying 100% if the car has been exclusively serviced by VW dealers and will also consider claims were cars have been serviced independently as long as the service schedule, including brake fluid changes, has been strictly adhered to. Make sure the dealer bolts the engine back in properly after the timing belt change.
Dear Honest John,
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Similar questions
Had a warning light come up on my BMW 1-Series, relating to Suspension Stability Control. The diagnostic states "brake hydraulic malfunction" DTC at a cost of £1,200 for the part + £500 labour. That means...
Faced with failure of the ABS unit of my three and a half year old Golf and a £1,500 bill, I followed your advice, reported the matter to VOSA and asked if it was going to issue a vehicle safety recall....
The ABS on my Sept 05 Volvo S40 1.6D has just failed. My local dealer has contacted Volvo and they offered a 70% discount off the replacement unit but it still came in at £423. I pressured them further...
Related models
Classy-looking compact estate with very good ride comfort and tidy handling. A fine long-distance cruiser. The UK's most popular Volvo.