Hi all, thought I would add my own experience in relation to the cracked sunroof panel.
I have a 2019 Golf GTi and the panel cracked on the drivers side in the corner after 11 months. I had no issues with the dealer but my problems started with the BMW dealer who were the approved body shop to fit the panel. Initially they broke the windscreen and after three panels were fitted, each one just not lining up correctly it was decided the entire carrier frame would be fitted which has the panel already bonded in place by the factory. Naturally this involved a major strip down of the vehicle and I was really concerned the car would never be the same. I eventually got the car back after four months, granted COVID had a lot to do with that and all has been well until last week when it has cracked again in exactly the same place.
The car is now only 23 months old and the dealer are more than happy to start the warranty process again. They are this time involving VW Tech although I can’t see what magical solution they will come up with, but I suppose you have to go through the process.
I have a friend at work who also has a GTi and his has cracked twice, the first time after three months and the second after only a month or so of having the new panel fitted. He has now got rid of the car for a Mk8. I really don’t want to get rid of the car but I can’t help but think this will only crack for a third time and once the car is out of warranty at three years old, I will have a fight on my hands with VW!
My experience up to now, for those who have had the panel replaced once probably doesn’t inspire confidence in relation to the issue being resolved. It would be good to hear from those who have maybe had a similar experience and the panel cracking more than once and what if anything VW did about it.
Mine goes in tomorrow to the local dealer to have the trim panel replaced. I've had to wait a while as others have said the panel has been on back order; obviously a lot of these things breaking.
The warranty manager confirmed that the TSB states that there is a revised way of installing the panel, all to do with how it is bonded. Playing around with mine in the corner where it has cracked, it has displaced quite a bit now and moves a lot when pressed upon, definitely looks like no sealant under those corners.
I know the first time it cracked they struggled with getting the panel lined up and levelled correctly; the installer this time round seems confident in doing the job or so I'm told, hence ended up with a full frame and panel installation.
I'll let you know how it goes. I'm going to ask for a copy of the technical bulletin, which I'll post if I get hold of it.