Monsoon Radios - backorder??? quailty control issues???

Question

Anyone having problems with Monsoon Audio Systems, or any opinions on the quality of this product?

Recently a CD was jammed inside (2004 Passat) but a week later ejected on its own. Being that it is still under warranty, the dealer ordered a new unit.

But I was surprised over two things: First, the dealers are not permitted to open the stereos, VW only permits them to put the unit in or take them out. As for the CD stuck inside, that dealer will send the unit to VW corporate, who in turn, would send me the CD. Secondly, I was surprised to learn the units are extremely backordered, and some customers have been waiting since September. I called several dealers and they told me the same story.

The backorder made me concerned over the quality of the stereo, so I called VW corporate to inquire.

The next day VW called and informed me the local dealer has a unit waiting for me, which was great, but thought very unusual.

Bill Kearney · Accepted Answer

Not a big surprise. When dealing with warranty repairs it's probably better to have it repaired in a shop that specializes in electronic devices. The unit can be repaired, refurbished and rotated back out as replacements for other units. No need to repair "that unit" when a refurbed unit can be sent out in an immediate exchange. Having a dealer do it would be much less likely to be as effective.

Glen McLean · Answer

If you go to their web site  it has been "ComingSoon" for severalmonths now.Anybody know if they actually still exist?

Matt B. · Answer

Don't be surprised if you get a refurbished unit.  Weeks after buying my '91 GTI new I had radio problems.  The dealer replaced the radio under warranty but later I found out it was a refurbished one.

Lost In Space/Woodchuck · Answer

refurb/exchange is common among many auto/truck dealers.

Timothy J. Lee · Answer

If you get a replacement radio, be sure to get the radio code thatgoes with it.

Andrew Schumer · Answer

It probably was refurbished, in fact, it's seems like they take them out of one car and use as a replacement for the next person (maybe or maybe not fixing the radios problem).

While I was at the dealer, another customer came in for the same exact issue - CD won't eject. Seems like this is a pretty common issue.

Unfortunately, my 04 Passat has OnStar, and the new system, was not OnStar compatible. The dealer said they tried 3 different systems before they got one to work.

Which makes me wonder, how could they have 3 systems available, when some customers have been waitlisted since September for replacement units.

Monsoon Radios - backorder??? quailty control issues???

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