20 after I purchased my car at carmax in laurel, md in June 2009 I had to take it back because my ac was blowing hot air, after a diagnosis carmax sent my car to a fitzgerald Volkswagen dealership in annapolis, md where they diagnosed it for the same problem and in turn had to replace my ac compressor, condensor and clutch. I ran the ac for approximately 2 months (July & Aug 2009) that year, since we were already half way through the summer. In May 2010 when I turned my ac on again it blew hot air, I sent it back to carmax who diagnosed it again and said the ac compressor and pressure switch should be replace, less than a year since the initial ac was replaced the first time. At this point, I called fitzgerald and was told I was past my 12,000 miles per the replacement warranty and that I would have to pay for the work which was quoted at $2300 and $1700. After I complained to the attorney general office, the dealer offered a good will one time offer decreasing the estimated cost to $900. I declined the offer since I don't believe I should have to pay for something that clearly was not done correctly the first time. After purchasing an extended warranty for another issue, I took the car back to the dealer, they diagnosed with the same problem I agreed to have them fix it based on my warranty coverage however, I was denied coverage by the warranty company because Volkswagen previously issued a tsb regarding ac issues in 2006 VW Passat. This tsb was issued in 2007, my car was purchased in 2009. So as of today 7/20/2011 I am still without a working ac system and I am currently driving around in heat advisory weather with no ac. I am forced to make alternate arrangements for transportation as a result, since the excessive heat exposure causes me headaches & dizziness.

- Laurel, MD, USA

Air conditioning stopped working after 5 years. Condenser cracked/broken according to dealer, requires replacement of all air conditioning components. Total cost $1,700 incl. Labor.

- Encino, CA, USA