Thieves Keep Stealing a $2,600 VW Part That’s Useless the Moment It’s Removed

Key Takeaways

• Thieves are targeting VW models with easy-to-access radar sensors, stealing the units behind the front badges.
• The stolen radar units are useless to thieves, as they can only be re-used if electronically coded to the vehicle by VW.
• VW offers a support package in the UK to reduce repair costs for affected owners.
• The cost of replacing a stolen radar unit can be upwards of $2,600.
• VW has not publicized the fact that the radar units are single-use devices, which may be contributing to the ongoing thefts.

What’s Behind the Thefts?

The radar units behind the front badges of certain VW models have become a popular target for thieves. These units are used for various driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane assistance.

However, the stolen radar units are essentially useless to thieves, as they can only be re-used if electronically coded to the vehicle by VW. This has led to speculation that the thieves may be stealing the units for resale or to sell for scrap metal.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Stolen Radar Unit?

The cost of replacing a stolen radar unit can be substantial, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $2,600. However, VW offers a support package in the UK to reduce repair costs for affected owners.

For example, VW Passat owner Claire Coleman was quoted almost $2,000 for a new badge and radar unit, but was able to get the repair cost reduced to $710 through VW’s support package.

Can VW Do More to Prevent Thefts?

Some owners, including Coleman, believe that VW should do more to publicize the fact that the radar units are single-use devices. This may help deter would-be thieves, as they would know that the stolen units are essentially worthless.

VW has stayed quiet about the radar units being unusable once removed, worried that saying so out loud would only invite more thieves. However, the company has acknowledged that the thefts are a problem and is working to address the issue.

Is This a Widespread Problem?

The thefts of radar units from VW models are not limited to the UK. There have been reports of similar thefts in other countries, including the US.

In fact, a growing number of cars from different brands are being hit by thieves as they also house radar units behind the front badges. This has led to a growing concern among car owners and manufacturers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are thieves targeting VW models with radar units?

A: Thieves are targeting VW models with radar units because they can be easily accessed and removed. However, the stolen units are essentially useless to thieves, as they can only be re-used if electronically coded to the vehicle by VW.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a stolen radar unit?

A: The cost of replacing a stolen radar unit can range from $2,000 to $2,600. However, VW offers a support package in the UK to reduce repair costs for affected owners.

Q: Can VW do more to prevent thefts?

A: Some owners believe that VW should do more to publicize the fact that the radar units are single-use devices. This may help deter would-be thieves, as they would know that the stolen units are essentially worthless.