Dear Volkswagen Customer Service,

As acknowledged in your recent response to my complaint online, I am writing to formally outline my concerns regarding the app functionality associated with my vehicle. Despite my previous attempts to seek assistance, I have received unhelpful and inadequate responses from multiple departments, all included in this email. Nevertheless, I have decided to accept the invitation extended by your representative in the Apple review response.

I wish to highlight three key issues:

1. Lack of Clear Communication at Point of Sale

When I purchased my vehicle from West London VW in February 2022, the sales assistant failed to inform me that the app’s functionality would be subject to a subscription model and that access would be terminated after three years.

2. App Functionality and Ethical Concerns

The app provides basic functionality that is essential for day-to-day vehicle use. Many of its features—such as integration with home energy providers like Octopus to schedule off-peak charging should not be locked behind a paywall. This is particularly concerning as it directly impacts energy efficiency and cost savings for users.

3. Safety Concerns

The inability to manually adjust the vehicle’s charging current presents a serious safety risk. Previously, users could modify this setting, but now, without that option, the car may draw excessive power from a household electrical system, potentially leading to electrical faults. Restricting such a critical safety feature is unacceptable.

Additional Concerns

No other car manufacturer imposes a subscription fee for access to an app that controls basic vehicle functions. It is unclear why Volkswagen considers a charge of £90 per year reasonable for such fundamental features.

Furthermore, I am deeply dissatisfied with the handling of my complaint. My concerns were passed between departments, with customer services merely redirecting me to the app team, who then failed to respond appropriately. This lack of accountability has only exacerbated my frustration.

I feel completely let down by Volkswagen since purchasing my vehicle, and I intend to escalate this matter to the Motor Ombudsman. However, I am giving Volkswagen one final opportunity to address my concerns—without resorting to generic, templated responses.

I look forward to your prompt and meaningful resolution to this issue.