In 2007 I heard a noise from under my vehicle. It felt like something was loose and at times dragging the ground. I was advised by a co-worker that it was probably the under cover and to get it taken care of as soon as possible. On October 27th 2007 I took my car to darcars Volkswagen. I was advised the undershield was damaged and I authorized the dealer to replace it. I contacted volkwagen of America by phone in November 2008 for reimbursement of repair costs for a defective underbody heat shields that I paid in October 2007 prior to the safety recall #26E5/R5 issued in June 2008. I was told the same day that my repairs were not related to the recall campaign. Recently, after I obtained lost receipts from Volkswagen and examined them against all recalls--in hindsight something didn't seem right to me. I just couldn't fathom that the repair and the recall were not the same issue. I called Volkswagen again about this recall and was told 1) there had been an extensive investigation on my initial claim 2) they had spoken with the mechanic that serviced my vehicle 3) that because I requested the heat shield to be replaced that I was responsible for the cost. I dispute that there was any investigation on my claim; that anyone spoke with the mechanic who serviced my vehicle; and most importantly that since I authorized replacement that I am liable for the associated cost of the damaged heat shield. It is my position that Volkswagen is avoiding responsibility for reimbursement through deception and that they attempted to take advantage of my lack of knowledge of automotive specifics. I bid your intervention in this matter.

- Beltsville, MD, USA