Automobiles, Volkswagon Beetle TDI model 2000 TDI caught fire, no help from VW

Complaints.com received the following e-message on February 2, 2001:

From: Email User [Email User]

Re: Volkswagen Beetle TDI Fire

Dear Sirs,

On the friday before Christmas 2001, I was on my way home to Perrysburg,

Ohio from Detroit, Mi. in a 2000 model year Volkswagen Beetle TDI. While

driving over the Rouge River Bridge the vehicle lost power and bagan to

sputter.

The car was able to be driven about 8 more miles when the the

car could not accelerate over 30 mph on the expressway. I took the next

available exit off the freeway. I pulled into an Amocco Service Station.

The car stalled as I approached the diesel fuel pump. I then noticed

smoke billowing out from under the hood. I realized that the car was on

fire. Luckily a passer by had an extiguisher in his truck and we were

able to put the fire out. I called Volkswagen of America and told them of my plight. The vehicle

was towed to a dealer in Southgate, Mi.. I also called customer service

(Volkswagen of America-VOA) and relayed the entire story. The facts were

given. Year of vehicle, mileage VIN number. Two weeks later the service manager of the dealership quit. I wanted to

know what Volkswagen had found out about my vehicle. There was nothing

determined. VOA stated that they would send out a field tech. representative to

review the vehicle. Nothing was formally communicated back to me

regarding the source of ignition of the fire. Volkswagen customer

service acted indifferent and indignant and attempted to portray that

this fire was somehow my fault. They then said that there was no fire. I

begged to differ in that the flames were extinguished with a fire

extinguisher.

After numeous contacts with their customer service the case was turned

over to mediation and arbitration dept.. After several weeks of review

an offer was forwarded to me. This offer was to replace my existing unit

with a new 2001 model so long as I write a check for $3700. Mind you

this is above abnd beyond my lease payments that I have made for 8

months and initial downpayment of $1200. My lease with VOA is 24 month

term with 50,000 miles. Payments are $349.67/month. Mileage at time of

fire:23K. The arbitrator stated on a follow up phone call from me to him that this

is VW's final offer. A call to the zone representative Sally Euberly was

pure frustration. She acted arrogant and if I did not like the offer

then go seek an attorney. This was Feb. 2, 2001. a full 42 DAYS AFTER

THE INITIAL FIRE! Volkswagen has attempted to distance themselves from this incident,

treated me and my wife with a cavalier attitude, a so what demeanor and

you do not matter arrogance. They have sought to not notify NHSTA (I

have) about the fire and more or less have attempted to squelch and bury

this incident. Volkswagen's customer service places a barrier between customer

satisfaction and timely resolution of issues. Were you to miss a payment

they would respond with all their might. When you have a complaint it's

"sorry, you do not matter". All I want out of this is a replacement

vehicle for the balance of my lease. I am 39 years old and a responsible citizen and consumer. All I want is

to be able to have the respect and treatment accorded a consumer of a

premium product. All I have had is the runaround.