On August 6th, I was traveling home from Wisconsin when my Volkswagen Passat, service engine light read "Stop Engine; Oil Pressure." I was able to make it into Dubuque, IA and receive a 14 count, code reading of "Camshaft Timing." I was then then towed to the Volkswagen dealership in Cedar Rapids, IA. , what I thought was the best idea as they have all the available resources for their make and models, Volkswagen. A phone call later, I was advised that the issue to be resolved was a "crank case breather, check valves and vacuum tube replacements, estimated to $1,570.00. Terrance Adams, at Volkswagen's Service Center, advised me that there were 30 parts included in this replacement, and with service charges of $490. As outrageous as this sounded, I knew I had no other option but to proceed assured this would resolve my problem. Two days later, I call to check on the status of my vehicle. No call was made that they had completed the replacements advised. I was then advised of more replacements and repairs, including; "pick up tube toking, cam chains and adjuster, valve gaskets, timing belt, water pump and coolant. amounting to another $3,801.00. My Passat was purchased in October of last year (2013) with less than 65,000 miles for $7,800. An estimated $5, 371 dollars in repair cost is outlandish when the solution should have been resolved with the first repair. This is a Volkswagen, and I took this to Volkswagen. They have every resource available to identify the issue accurately on the first trial without evolving issues and repairs. With the lack of attentive service, and this over exaggerated cost for repair, I can only assume that I am being screwed and mislead for profit. Researching costs of the items they did provide, I estimate a total cost of no more than $1000, before labor. $5,371 is what they are asking, for a 2005 Passat?! I could buy a new engine for this cost. When receiving an explanation of assumed causes, Volkswagen's service technician explained this; "The dipstick housing and the engine block are designed inches from each other. This engine block reaches temperatures of up to approximately 300-400 degrees. This is an ongoing issue with Volkswagen as the housing chamber often breaks." Volkswagen service technicians agree the design is accident-prone. "There are teeth within the dipstick housing, made of plastic. With these high temperatures, this causes the dipstick housing to deteriorates and become fragile, which causes the fragmented pieces of plastic to go into the engine."Why is this not a recall if it's an ongoing issue and liability risk? Why is it that I have this affordable vehicle which has a exceptional brand reputation, but I am getting hammered with this nonsense? I would like some answers, suggestions and reassurance. I am not qualified to afford this type of repair, but i am educated and social enough to voice my opinion. Please save my sincerity and ownership. With regards, Kimberly Jaeger
