scotty what year did volkswagen quality went downhill
1979
Anything moved to water cooled engines and computer controlled as they become money pits as they age especially here in the U.S. but of course it has to do with where you live. VW cars sold in Europe are maybe much better made and will be cheaper to maintain than the ones sold in the U.S.
Actually no, even here in Europe they produce some of the most unreliable cars on the market. Expecialy after early 2000s, as an example there was a Passat B6 (2005-2010), it had a serious problem with 2.0 TDI diesel engines. The problem was conected to unreliable and overly complicated Siemens fuel injectors. Each injector goes for around 650$, plus work which goes from 200$ to higher. Also there was a 2.5 V6 TDI which is equal to Ford Lyon 2.7 TDV6 or maybe even worse ,if something is worse than 2.7 TDV6 then you know how bad it is. Electronics in those cars are awfull, many people have problem with e-brakes, door switches, and so on. VW was really great here in Europe before 2004. when they introduced new models cramped with electrical junk. Many old Volkswagens with just a regular maintenance could reach milion miles with no worry but today you are happy if they reach 300k without replacing two engines and numerous turbines and injectors. But people brainwashed with "legendary German reliability" are still buying them like crazy, until their cars break down, then they blame the whole world for it. Back then there was a saying; if VW reached 400k miles it means it is just warmed up to do the next 400k. Today they say if you drive a VW in a videogame, your computer will show check engine light.
I would say it started after 1982, when they decided to partner and/or takeover non-German brands.
And then en masse after 1998 when the supercar and ultra premium brands were acquired. Funny though, supposedly the supercar brands, like Lamborghini got better in quality. But those are Italian cars, so we know where the quality standpoint they are starting from.
