VW in litigations over keys....

[Jsplurge]

I got a letter in the mail yesterday about VW/Audi being in litigations over something aobout key programming and re-programming. Something about if your keys ever get lost or stolen that there are not enough source out there to have duplicated or something like that, I didn'tr read a whole lot into it but basically about them being a monopoly with the whole key ordeal. I'll read the letter in its entirety tonight and get back with ya. Just wanted to see if anyone else got a letter as well, it comes with your VIN# on the front printed above your address, with the VW/AUDI logo up in one of the corners.

[jazzcat]

Originally Posted by Jsplurge

I got a letter in the mail yesterday about VW/Audi being in litigations over something aobout key programming and re-programming. Something about if your keys ever get lost or stolen that there are not enough source out there to have duplicated or something like that, I didn'tr read a whole lot into it but basically about them being a monopoly with the whole key ordeal. I'll read the letter in its entirety tonigh and get back with ya. Just wanted to see if anyone else got a letter as well, it comes with your VIN# on the from printed above your address, with the VW/AUDI logo up in one of the corners.

there are 4 other posts about this...everyone with a newer vw got one of these letters

[noR]

Got the letter; I think it's bunk.

Dealerships have been using special keys for decades. Yes, some are more expensive than others, but that's their security & complexity coming into play.

It's a class action lawsuit, that I don't think has any merit. Just a lawyer tryin' to strike gold.

[scarabY2k]

Yep got the letter. I agree with noR. I don't think much of it.

[raff]

Got the letter last week and actually read it. The gist of it-- someone was upset with VW/Audi monopoly on key making.
But the real absurd part was, VW agreed way back in 2004 to make their technology available to any locksmith who wanted it. Exactly like the rest of the manufacturers.

[Jsplurge]

Yeah, I agree, read it thoroughly last night no biggie, if they make the technology available then there should be no problem, they're probably just too cheap to buy it I'm guessing. Sorry if this was a re-post. Just wanted others insight.

[Jaison]

I think my "jack knife" key is one of the best things about my car! I dont care how much it costs to replace, I tossed the letter away, didnt even open it.

[tamdawn]

Everybody thinks the key is cool! They get jealous.

My only gripe is that I have two NB's and if the keys are near each other too long they pick up the programming of the other key. So then I go to open one car the other one also opens. Kind of a pain because I have to wait to make sure the other NB locks itself. VW had no clue why it was happening.

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by tamdawn

Everybody thinks the key is cool! They get jealous.

My only gripe is that I have two NB's and if the keys are near each other too long they pick up the programming of the other key. So then I go to open one car the other one also opens. Kind of a pain because I have to wait to make sure the other NB locks itself. VW had no clue why it was happening.

That's the remote, not the key.

If you disagree with the litigation, you need to WRITE AN EFFING LETTER to exclude yourself. I will.

[D2Beetle]

I received a letter last weekend as well, I too read it and have chose to do nothing. From what ORG Posts I have read about the price of replacement keys, they are a little pricey; however, IMO the problem is that when you by a used vehicle, the odds are you only get one key, not two. So when that new owner wants a second key they are getting an after purchase "sticker shock" to get that second key.

You cannot compel previous owners to bring both keys in when they trade in their existing car for a replacement. The dealer wants you to buy their car now and could care less about any key(s).

So the only other alternative is to go after the manufacture to make it more affordable. I'm sure VW applies a hefty price to everyone who chooses to get a license to make replacement keys.