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Volkswagen Eos Water Leaks

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    marintmarint Member Posts: 3
    With the exception of the paint issue, I have had ALL of the same issues PLUS the latch to my door breaking, and now the seals to the car need to be replaced and the air bag issue persists.
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    cadd2233cadd2233 Member Posts: 36
    Feel so sorry for you. Since VW took back my ''08 and gave me a new one, I have not have problems. Knock on wood! Unfortunately, even if YOU (or VW) pays for the carpet, mine (carpet & padding) was replaced, the mildew smell continued for months! It was so strong, Dealer could smell it before they were near my car!
    I wouldn't pay a dime for that repair, you have to be very preistant to get them to do the right thing. Best of luck to you.
    And Happy New Year (I''m currently in HKG, just celebrated 8 hrs ago).
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    marintmarint Member Posts: 3
    thank you, if you don't mind can you tell me if you got you car replaced before your warranty expired or after?
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    msbannettmsbannett Member Posts: 13
    Thought I would chime in again on this issue in the hopes of being helpful.

    When I took the car in to the dealer to address the smell what we discovered was that the foam in the rear seats and in the side wells between the rear seat and the tire well was water damaged from what must have been the car being left out in the rain with the top down. It was a certified pre-owned car I bought from a VW dealer. When the foam gets wet and stays wet, it will "off-gas". Basically that means it starts to stink and give off odor as it breaks down. The smell that comes from the foam is unbearable. Sort of a cross between mold and cat urine. What needs to be done is to have the rear seat bottom and seat back replaced as well as the sound dampening foam in the rear well. The carpets and the padding also need replacing. This should address the smell but it does not address the leaking seals. The seals should not leak if properly cared for by keeping them lubricated. In the event that there is a leak, get it fixed immediately! The longer water is allowed to seep in the greater the chance of the carpet's foam padding getting wet and starting to smell. It is not necessarily a mold issue. My car was independently tested by an environmental engineer and there was ZERO mold. There was however the off-gassing of the water damaged foam.

    In the end, my car was taken back by the dealer for a full refund and I bought a different Eos. The car, thank goodness, has been trouble free, smell free and all around awesome! If you are still under warranty everything should be covered.

    Good luck and Happy New Year!
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    paul34bpaul34b Member Posts: 33
    I agree..use your warrenty. I just turned in my leased 2008 EOS. thank goodness. That little beast is gone. For the past two summers the car was in the shop for initially a moldy smell. The first time all my carpets were replaced and was told the leak was fixed. Last summer I began smelling mold again and in the shop it went for 2-3 weeks more and this time seals in the roof required major surgery. I filed a complaint against VW. I love the car don't get me wrong. The convertible sunroof was awesome but there were problems. For having the car 3 years it was in the shop many times. I was very disappointed. I am glad the EOS was all under warrenty and I didn't owe much or anything for that matter.
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    sqdinksqdink Member Posts: 2
    I have 51,000 miles on my EOS, and have water on the floor in the rear passenger side. When I took my care in last week the dealer wanted over $100.00 just to look at it. Anyone else out of warranty with a similar problem and any suggestions that are not going to cost me an arm and a leg? I had water leaks in the roof fixed previously and have not had any other water problem in the last year.
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    msbannettmsbannett Member Posts: 13
    I do not know where you are located but I would call several different VW dealers to see what they would charge to look at the car and to do this. The cost is probably unavoidable. Being out of warranty on any car can end up being a costly issue.

    I would re-lubricate all the seals as a matter of routine maintenance. I would also check the seals specifically at the roof where the back of the sun roof portion meets the rear window section. Check to make sure the drains in the doors and pillars are clean and clear of debris and draining properly so that water is not building up and sloshing in. There is also a rubber flap that is located at the base of the rear window where it meets the opening at the back or of the trunk. Make sure it is not loose or able to be slid. It needs to be centered. It was loose in my last EOS. The other issue to check is to make sure the passenger side windows are not the source of the leak. Look inside your trunk. See if there is any sign of water, or dried spots where water had splashed in and dried. This would be at the sides, in and around where the hinges for the trunk lid sit. That could be a sign that water is entering via the trunk and running down into the rear. The rear seat back would be moist. The seat bottom would also have water below it, trapped on the metal frame directly underneath it.

    If this can't be resolved then you may be heading for a trade in! Ditch that thing before it becomes a stinky, unrepairable beast! Because if it starts smelling, there is no way in hell you will be able to fix the problem.

    Please let us know how this pans out.
    Best of luck!
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    dundupandudundupandu Member Posts: 1
    Hi All,

    I live in Indiana and bought my 2007 EOS in Dec'07. After 1 year, started having water leaks when it rains. My local VW dealer "fixed" it twice by changing the deals, but the problem still exists. It has become worse since the last repair- now there is a rattling noise coming from where the water leaks, probably due to a poor seal. I also have the pool of water falling out from the foot of the door when I open it after the rain has stopped. Other issues I'm having: 1) flat tire on the front driver side every 8 months, 2) squeaky noise all over, every time the car goes over a rough road, 3) foggy windshields and windows under conditions that other cars don't fog up, 4) gas mileage has gone down by a hefty 20-25%

    I'm taking it in for the third and last time tomorrow to fix the water leak. I've complained to VW over the phone and they gave me a case number. This forum has been really helpful in understanding what fellow EOS owners have gone through and achieved by fighting with VW. I have a general idea of what I need to do, but since I have only 7 months of warranty left on my car, I'd like to know how to be best prepared to win my battle with VW.

    1. If the dealer fails to really fix the water leak, what do I do next?
    2. how do I document all the complaints in writing?
    3. Does my case qualify under the lemon law? I don't want another EOS. I prefer my cash back, but I will settle for another VW.
    4. who do i approach to fight on my behalf under the lemon law?

    Thank you so much for any advice that you can offer!
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    david198david198 Member Posts: 5
    Try putting the VW recommended 2x a year seal treatment on your car. It's in your manual along with the part number. Your seals will soften and expand after use and most likely your leaks will end.

    I have no leaks use the product twice a year as recommended.

    http://static.flickr.com/88/261406302_4489c609a9_o.jpg

    http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2819603-Maintaing-Eos-top-seals-weathe- rstrip-with-DuPont-Krytox-Lubricant
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    sqdinksqdink Member Posts: 2
    Happy to report local dealer did the right thing. Water was coming in from pasenger door window not going up all the way. Dealer replaced window motor and all the carpeting in the car at no charge.
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    solalindesolalinde Member Posts: 5
    :lemon: Good afternoon. I owe a 2008 EOS and have had all kinds of problems, from transmission hasitation, roof leaking, window motors replaced, oil consuption, breaks squeeking and now headliner or something wrattling at the very back on the drivers side andnone of the Techs at Momentum VW in Jersey Villaje had figure out where the problem is. My car has been in the shop over 12 times in the past year and I am about to file a Lemon complaint with the BBB. Has anyone done this and be successfull? Can anyone give me tips to make VW of America to replace my car? I have a case open with tons of complains with them and they jost tell me how sorry they are and do absolutelly nothing, so the BBB is my next option.
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    solalindesolalinde Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2008 EOS thats has been at the shop at Momentum Jersey Village in Texas about 12-15 times in the last year and they have never been able to completelly and efectivly repair problems with my vehicle. I am about to start a case with the BBB and I will also send a letter to the CEO of VW of America Mr. Joshua Browning and would like to gather comments and other opinions that other consumers like me have gone throug dealing with Momentum and their Service Sales/Techs Reps and the frustration of not getting the car's issues resolved. If you have been in my position, I would appreciate the feedback. Also, my car has a rattling noise coming from the very back in the drivers side that no one has been able to figure out. Anyone with the same problem? Thanks
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    cadd2233cadd2233 Member Posts: 36
    Skip the Corp red tape. Go directly to BBB (success with VW & T-mobile disputes). Document every repair including how many days you are without your car. I live in NJ, read TX BBB rules on claim, may be different. Your time limit may be an issue. My 2008 Turbo Eos was purchased end of March 2008, by June, leak caused oder even after repair & carpet replacement. By filing my complaint, being presistent, I eventually got a new 2009 Comfort in Nov. 2008.
    I got a better car since they no longer make Turbo. I worked a deal where I even got upgraded wheels!
    Feel free to contact me again. Someone on this site was very supportive for me. I hope I can help another Eos lover. Btw, 2009 is fine so far.
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    repitwa21repitwa21 Member Posts: 2
    Just bought a 2008 preowned EOS with 4032 actual miles have not driven the car as yet but looked in the trunk and it was filled with water I believe the warranty is over. any suggestions
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    msbannettmsbannett Member Posts: 13
    Are you buying it from a VW dealer? If so, have the dealer pre-certify it and pay the difference for the extended warranty.

    If you are not getting it at a VW dealer, call your local VW dealer and ask them what options they can provide and check to make sure the car is absolutely out of warranty. Give them the VIN number and ask them to look it up. They should be able to do this.

    If it is still covered bring it in immediately and have them check, lubricate and replace any damaged seals. Have them replace all liner materials in the trunk. Also have them do what I describe numbered below.

    With the EOS the goal is not to make it water tight but rather to "manage" the water. (That is a direct quote from a VW regional service rep.) IF the above are not options then I would highly suggest you reneg on the purchase. If that is not an option and you have to go through with the purchase, take the car in to VW and have them go over it with a fine tooth comb. Make sure to check the following...

    1) Under mats and carpets for moisture.
    If it is dry, you're good. If it is damp then have them check and clean out the "A" pillars and their drains. These are the front columns between the doors and windshield. They have drains at the base that allow water to pass through. If they are clogged, which is very possible as dirt and debris can get in over time, have them cleared out.

    2) Rubber strip at base of rear window between glass and trunk lid. This is designed to move water away from the trunk. It can sometimes come loos and slide from side to side leaving one side or the other exposed.

    3) All windows as they are closed to make sure they are creating a water tight seal.

    4) Check behind the rear seat back and below the rear seat bottom for water, moisture or staining as proof of previous water intrusion.

    IF THERE IS A FOUL ODOR IN THE CAR DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!!! You will NEVER get rid of the odor. It comes from the the break down and off gassing of the foam used in the seats and sound dampening within the car's cavities. Once wet the foam begins to breakdown and the odor becomes more and more pronounced. Aside from ridding the car of all damaged foam and replacing it, which is next to impossible because VW does NOT offer the foam as replacement items, you will never be able to get the car to an acceptable state.

    5) Inside the door panels as the doors can also hold water and have drains in them at their bases.

    While all the above sounds dire, I can tell you from experience that it can all work out well in the end. I have had my pre-owned 08 EOS for about a year now. My first one was so water damaged that the dealer took it back after a few weeks and put me in a new one. The one I have now also had water leakage issues but the dealer took care of the seals and it has been trouble free since. I LOVE the car and would absolutely buy another one.

    Good luck and let me know if I can be of any further help!
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    cadd2233cadd2233 Member Posts: 36
    I agree with the other very detailed reply. Just want to add the possibility of water damage causing electrical malfunction or rust.
    I too had a 2008 Eos, the water damage was so bad with mildew problem, eventually VW also took it back and gave me a 2009 Eos as well. However, I was away for 72 hrs, and NJ had 7" rain, so I came home with my trunk wet, including the spare tire area. VW gave me a rental yesterday to trouble shoot this problem. I picked up my car this afternoon, they said it's now dry and said some plug was missing from factory which caused this leak.
    When I got home, I notice the spare tired is still damp, but the bigger problem is that mildew was already there under the back side of the carpet cover panel. I took the whole thing out and cleaned it with bathroom mildew stuff, bad memories are coming back! I think there are now 4 weep holes on my trunk seal which there were not there before. I think that is their way to "correct" the problem.
    Please verify this with me... Does anyone have holes on their seal around the rim above the bummer?
    Due to fear of leak, after I wash my car, I am constantly wiping down edge and seals to eliminate any possibility of debris or clogs. Yet, the Dealer said there was nothing I can do to prevent this!
    What ever you do, do not put up with any mildew smell and water problems.
    I think VW dealers know about all these problems, so try to bring it in to see if they will honor free repairs.
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    missmarvemissmarve Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I have a 2009 Eos that I have had for 22 months. The day I went to pick up the car, there was a recall issued on it and I waited 2 weeks for delivery because they couldn't get the part. I took possession on 10/3 and had the car in the shop on 10/22 bc the windows would go up and down all by themselves - they replaced the starter. A few months later I had no power on acceleration - they had to replace the part they initially put in for the recall. I have had window leaks on the rear driver side, front driver side window and front passenger window. Major "air" leaks that is extremely annoying. They fixed one air leak problem and created another. I have been told this is normal for convertibles which is ludicrous! I rode in my friends used BMW soft top convertible and no rushing air noise whatsoever. I was told by the VW dealership that they can do nothing more for me on the window issue. That was last year - they never called me to let me know that a "fix" had been provided but I learned about it and took it in to have it looked at again; they supplied the "fix" but it still leaks air. And, I just got the car back from service after having a new battery installed! After only 22 months! And I'm told this is normal! I have lived in Florida for 21 years and have NEVER replaced a battery in a vehicle. I have had this car in the shop 6 times in 22 months. I am disgusted and have researched the Florida Lemon Law and intend to follow up on it. I even mentioned this to the service rep when I picked the car up and I was encouraged to do so. First step is a registered letter to the manufacturer and another VW employee strongly urged me to contact the manufacturer saying, "They do not want you to be unhappy". Both VW personnel indicated that they know that VW has replaced cars for people who have been unhappy. I have had the "rolling" problem someone else described and also the transmission hesitation. I too love the car but it has become more trouble than it is worth. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty when I bought the car because I just new that last year of my lease I would have problems with the convertible top and from everything I have read on this forum I'm glad I did!
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    cadd2233cadd2233 Member Posts: 36
    FYI: VW replacing a car isn't due to a customer being "unhappy". In the view of Lemon Law, customer must allow the dealer to correct the problem(s), a few attempts if necessary, but there is a limit to this madness. So document all in details & dates, research how many days in total of out of use of cars, etc.
    My 2009 is not noisy, that is a lame excuse but harder to proof verse a new battery replaced already.
    Once you file complaint with BBB, company head quarters gets it, you then will get contacted from them directly, you may then communicate with a regional manager which will over see your next step at the dealer.
    You may want to ask them to reimburse your cost of extended warranty as well since they apparently know about some recall problems and not proactively solve these first!
    What about the rest of us who didn't get this coverage!?!
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    repitwa21repitwa21 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the reply, the car smells brand new the owners kept it in a garage with all of there other cars. We had massive rains this weekend and water came into the spare tire area and also dripped right above the drivers door/side panel were the roof meets.
    I purchased an extended warranty for the vehicle 5yr/60k miles.
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    msbannettmsbannett Member Posts: 13
    OK, sounds like this was the first time the car was exposed to the elements (rain) and water got in, so... keep it garaged or under a cover and get it to the VW dealer ASAP for a good going over of the seals. VW makes a special lubricant to keep the seals functioning properly and you MUST get it from the dealer and apply it to all seals at roof, trunk, sun roof, etc.
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    3riptide3riptide Member Posts: 3
    Whilst picking up my son from local VW service dept. I wandered into showroom and liked the EOS. Came home and proceeded to research a little. Whoa! what I have read so far is shocking. Though these appear to be older models, from what I gather 2009-2011 is same engine/transmission type with same ongoing problems. The leaks, the seals, the oil, the water, odor, rattles etc.
    I would very much like to hear from msbannett, should I continue looking or turn and run? I am a fanatic when it comes to care of auto, follow maintenance schedule, always extended warranty, always dealership service even after warranty out. I keep records of everything and make sure all items are documented, even if service manager huffs and puffs. After all it's my car, my time and after warranty my money.
    Appreciate all feedback.
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    cadd2233cadd2233 Member Posts: 36
    2 weeks ago, I took my car in for leak in the trunk. Today, I have the same leak. Read my past postings for the full stories: I had a 2008 Eos, then 2009 Eos... a squirrel also ate my 2009 Eos anti-freeze hose, was later told the material they use had starch, which attracted them. What? I had to pay for that repair out of my own pocket, the remaining leaks are still covered, so far. Your comment about "older models". First Eos came out 2007, how old can it be to have this much problems!? I never believe in Extended warranty, but if you decide to get this car, I highly sugguest it! I have a 1993 Honda Accord with over 240K miles, if the A/C worked, I probably would rather drive that car! Yes, I still love my Eos, living dangeously?
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    3riptide3riptide Member Posts: 3
    Thank you for taking the time to respond. Will read your previous posts. "Older Models" is purely personal, come by it honestly. I sell or trade every two years, we all have our vices. First EOS came out in 07, generally 1st year maybe two and kinks are resolved, food for thought on this model. Again hanks for your input. Loved my Honda LX 1978! not to mention my S2k. Always living dangerously! We only come this way once concously!
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    3riptide3riptide Member Posts: 3
    ok, hank= thanks and consously= conscientiously- please forgive.
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    minimono00minimono00 Member Posts: 1
    I bought the 2008 Lux Eos. I enjoyed driving my car for about three years until I started having rook leaking issues. At that time I started to deal with the dealer on a consistent basis and have never have such poor service with a car company before. I brought in my car a total of 4 times and i still had issues with leaking after that. I couldnt believe a 3 year old car would be so difficult for the dealer to fix. Additionally their corporate representatives were miserable to work with. They were not courteous or willing to help beyond telling me to continually bring my car back to the dealer. Its unfortunate that I spent so much on a vehicle and was treated so poorly. I had heard bad things about VWs in the past. I thought I would take c achance. I DO NOT RECOMMEND BUYING A VW.
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    solalindesolalinde Member Posts: 5
    I had the same problem with car leaking in both, the driver and passenger side, but after 16 visits to the dealer, a letter to the VP of VW of America and a complain with the bbb, they finally took my problem serious and fixed it in the 17th visit. VW Has a leakeage solution for all EOS now. 2007 & 2008 EOS are the ones with the most issues, not just leaking, I had to replace the window motors in my cat twice, the breaks squeek terribly, I had a problem with the functilnality of the roof, it squeeks and makes a lot of what the dealer calls "body flex noises" inside, my battery died after 3 years and so on. I think EOS is a great looking vehicle, and fun at a fair price, but it lacks manufacturing detail and comes with tons of issues. In my case, I was lucky to get all problems fixed before the warranty expired. 2010 to date do not have all those issues, that's why you don't see a lot of them for sale out there. VW has learn of past mistakes with the 2001 & 2008.
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    msbannettmsbannett Member Posts: 13
    DUDE, thats mean!
    Since VW replaced my car, this one has not leaked at all! It's a keeper!
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    alicebaliceb Member Posts: 7
    I've had my EOS for 4 years, and have not had one single leak. I love Candy (candy-apple-red)!

    Merry Christmas, Scrooge! :P
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    david198david198 Member Posts: 5
    I don't. Believe for one minute your VW tech. If you are the your poor attitude and lack of technical knowledge is what causes these cars to fail. Any time a person brings a vehicle back 2,3 and 4 times to get fixed for the same thing is clearly a issue that techs play a role in. Learn to do your job well instead of jabbing the products and customers that pay the bills where you work.
    Merry Christmas
    2008 lux that NEVER leaked once due to Kryox applied per owners manual.
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    solalindesolalinde Member Posts: 5
    That is very true, as I mentioned earlier, my EOS has been in the Jersey Village Momentum VW 17 time for different reasons in the past 1 1/2 years and I trully agreed that the problem, is not just the vehicle but the bad mechanics at that place. Car has been taken to the shop for the leak problem 4 times and they finally figured something out. I did noticed that when it rains, theres oil resudue all over the front windows. My warranty is about to expire and I am affraid to death, plus extended warranty is over $3K. I really hope that VW has fixed att the problems with the new VW EOS, becasue is trully a nice vehicle and fun to drive. Happy New Year!
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    david198david198 Member Posts: 5
    The oily residue is the Kryox seal conditioner that VW tells you to use per your owners manual two times a year. This conditioner will make your roof seals swell up and get somewhat grease looking. When it rains it will smear on glass and is a PIA to get off. But it is what keeps the water out. I read on this thread about so many people having leaks and no mention of using this product. Fact of the matter most VW dealers like mine don't have a clue about this stuff but it is right in the manual including the VW part number for this stuff. Replacing roof seals may not always be nessesary when seal conditioner has not been used first.
    Happy new year to all
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    claymore1claymore1 Member Posts: 21
    That explains the fact that I have never had a leaking problem with the convertible top on my 2009 EOS Komfort (so far). Whether it is from it's my car-pool mates or people checking out my beautiful car, it also explains some greasy hand and finger prints that I see on my window every week. Hope you are enjoying your cars, y' all!

    from (today) rainy Los Angeles
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    suest390suest390 Member Posts: 1
    My daughter loved the look of the Eos VW so we looked at 2, one yesterday and 1 today interestingly both times when we opened the doors water came pouring out. One car was 2007 and one was 2008. We asked at both dealerships if they were aware of any issue in terms of the hard top convertible and both seperate dealers denied knowing anything. We could clearly see from the condensation on the windows and the stream of water coming out of the open doors that there is an issue. She callled VW to report and they told her that there is no recall on these vehicles, seems ridiculous to me.
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    david198david198 Member Posts: 5
    Water draining from door sill problely means roof drains are working correctly. Did you search for water in floor pans area? Some water leaks are due to owners failure to lubricate roof seals as per owners manual. I also have a 11 jetta that windows fog up after a good rain.
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    tempdudetempdude Member Posts: 2
    there is a fix for water leak gurnee vw said they wereu aware But Anderson in Crystal Lake said there is and our2009 doesn leak any more it is related to installing somekind of tube
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    tempdudetempdude Member Posts: 2
    there is also leakage in trunk when you open it that was fixed also
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    mmlpmmlp Member Posts: 1
    Did you ever find a solution for the chipping paint on the rear view mirrors?
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    twippichtwippich Member Posts: 1

    You have to regularly maintain (twice a year) the top seals only with VWs seal lubricant to prevent leaks. There's Utube videos on the net to show how to do this. I've gotten the VW seal lube from Amazon cheaper than from VW

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    stagehand1stagehand1 Member Posts: 1
    Clearly the last post was left by someone unaware of the problem. Its an established fact that the 2008 hardtop models had systematic failures in the roof. I, myself, have had mine in several times and even allowed myself o be talked into replacing the entire head seal of the roof was was incredibly expensive. This did not stop the leak. I now travel with a towel in my lap and intend to dump this car asap.
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