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Due to a problem with brake lights, VW will be recalling approximately 790,000 cars. Volkswagens have been prone to electrical faults for decades, and now its caught up to the brand in a big way, hasn't it?  

What was the problem an electrical short or an electrical sensor replacement, how is that a big deal.  

The problem was with the brake light switch on New Beetles, Golfs and Jettas. Mine was replaced for free at a routine maintenance visit. It hadn't failed. No biggy. Everything electrical, and in fact everything else, works just fine on my TDI Jetta.

-Kurt  

My Passat works just fine for 2 years. No problem what so ever...  

I own a '98 Turbo Beetle and a '02 Jetta.  Yes, I had a few problems--mainly with the brake system--with my Jetta, but luckily my local dealership took care of business.  The problem was having it fixed in Ontario, California while there one summer on a trip.  We had nothing but continued trouble after replacing a brake cylinder.  One year later I had to replace it again.  My local dealership did it at no cost.  That is why my wife and I remain VW fans.  Shall we talk electrical problems? Let's talk about my '96 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: nothing but problems from the "get go," and the local dealership did nothing but hand me bills for repair.  

How about just buy a Toyota or Honda and avoid electrical issues altogether. Just because they fixed the possibly dangerous issues with the electrical and brake system for no charge doesn't make it ok. That the issues exist in the first place is a bad sign for VW. Cars these days should not have issues period, especially in the safety systems. VW have always been questionable as far as their quality, thats why I would never buy one.  

How about the fact that Toyota recalled more vehicles than it sold last year?  And that Consumer Reports (I know, heresy) is no longer recommending the Camry V6 or the Tundra 4x4.  Every manufacturer has recalls.  Some more than others.  I have a 2003 Passat and there have been 2 recalls on it, neither was presenting any problems when taken in to have the work done.  The car has been pretty faultless since we bought it.
So, don't be so quick to shout how good Honda/Toyota are based totally on past glories.  Toyota is slipping pretty fast.  Honda is holding on for now, but if they try to become the #1 carmaker, you can rest assured the quality will go down as the sales go up.  

Who would have thought that Volkswagen builds crappy cars.  Owned a 67 bettle ragtop a 70s rs 911 and a le mans 914 all prone to falling apart.  Oh and theres that wonderful build quality on the fox, rabbit and any jetta ever built.  All junk.  I should know being a mechanic.....  If you want a well built german car stick to benz.  

I've wanted a clean diesel for SOOOO long. Have been eyeing the Tiguan ...waiting. Those who own VW seem seem patient with the various malfunctions and upkeep associated with VW but I have been spoiled by driving
either Toyota, Honda, and mostly Subaru Outback......and NOT having any recalls for over 15 years.
I'm a little nervous about committing to a purchase this upcoming Tiguan....would appreciate all feedback.

Honda'd upcoming diesel is "superior" in that it does Not use "Urea" for filtration. But sounds like they are putting it in an Accord which I don't want.
woe is me...even looking at a Mini Clubman while I wait till 2010 for more options.  

That's true toyota did have more recalls than ever.They loudly admit it and are telling the world they will be cautious about introducing new models till they correct these problems...and they are "embarressed" about it.

Just wish they would give us a Clean diesel