Volkswagen owners in London are expressing frustration over the ease with which cruise control sensors can be stolen from their cars, costing them a hefty £1,600 each due to what they perceive as “poor design.”
Thieves have been targeting these sensors, priced at around £700 each, which are located behind the VW badge.
The thefts have surged recently, with a noticeable increase reported by a VW specialist in the Midlands, and numerous motorists across London sharing their experiences on social media.
Tara O’Driscoll, a resident of Clapham, South-West London, recounted her own experience and noted over 50 similar theft reports in her area alone. She highlighted the significant financial burden faced by affected owners, with repair costs soaring and potential insurance claims leading to increased premiums.
The cruise control sensor is integral to the car’s adaptive cruise control system, measuring the distance to the vehicle ahead and adjusting driving speed accordingly. Despite its importance, it is easily accessible and secured by just three screws.
Owners are calling out Volkswagen for failing to address this recurring issue, which dates back to 2016. They demand a cost-effective solution and a redesign to prevent future thefts, but Volkswagen has thus far declined to take action or offer financial assistance.
Rebecca Phillips, another Clapham resident whose VW Passat was targeted, expressed frustration at the lack of response from the manufacturer and the continued vulnerability of their vehicles.
Volkswagen responded by advising affected customers to contact local authorities and asserted that the issue is localized, not widespread.
The company denies any design flaw or defect and refuses to provide financial aid to affected owners, claiming that the missing radar sensor would not cause an MOT failure and could be rendered inoperable once reported to the police.
These thefts of VW sensors add to a concerning trend of expensive car parts being targeted by criminals, including Land Rover headlights and hybrid car catalytic converters.
