Check engine light during work out of state. Diagnosis at a service station indicated both electrical cooling fans had failed. I replaced them with aftermarket fans in order to drive the car home and immediately took to the dealer. Dealer replaced both fans and found the cooling temp sensor had been shorting out. I was charged over $900 for the fans and told they were not covered since I had put aftermarket fans on the car. I offered to give the dealer the stock fans so they could verify they were not working but they refused. Given I did not cause the oem parts to fail and made no modifications to the car or it's wiring with the temporary fans I feel this should be covered. Also, a search of online VW user groups indicates the problem is very common, (hundreds of identical reports on one site). I was also charged for the oem cooling parts which had failed such as temp sensor, temp switch and fan control module. For the record, I called VW and requested a tow to service and was told I would have to drive the car in.

- The Woodlands, TX, USA

A/C fan siezed, causing enough heat to start a fire. The shroud, upper radiator modlings, A/C hose, hood insulation and paint were damaged.

- Carson City, NV, USA