I have a 1999 VW Cabrio, which is the convertible model of the golf. There is a recall of vws because of faulty brake lights due to faulty ignition parts. I called VW to register my complaint. They say that my VIN is not under their recall list. However, in September 2006, I had the exact same brake light mal-function, including the total melt down of all the lights on December 14, 2006 while I was on a highway in my state. I had to have the vehicle repaired and the garage used authentic VW parts from a dealership down the road. My cabio has the golf chassis but called the Cabrio which is the convertible version. All my car care books address the golf version. I am at a loss as to why VW will not reimburse me for the parts and labor for this same repair. The recall notices are just going out even though they knew about this problem in 2006.

- Avon, CT, USA

My car's electrical system started to fail two weeks ago. The directionals, interior lights, all exterior lights and heater did not work. I was told by a VW dealership in MA that the car alarm system malfunctioned and has caused the switching gear and other various electrical components in my car to malfunction. After informing that the cost to repair this problem would be around $1,000 I decided to look into these issues only to be surprised to find that my VW 1999 Cabrio is notorious along with all of the other makes of the VW line to have faulty and problematic electrical systems. My car is under warranty, but was told, "sorry this is not a covered item" there are various resources out there to learn that over and over again, this happens to the consumer of their cars. When you pay $35000 for a car you expect it to not have any problems like this before 50K miles.

- Arlington, MA, USA