Catalytic Converter Issues

I own a 2001 Passat GLX 4motion. The other day the check engine light came on so I took it into the VW dealer. They informed me that the catalytic converters need to be replaced. I was very frustrated as the car just turned 85k miles and now the converters are bad. You would think the converters would last longer than 85k miles. Of course the dealer also informed me the warranty for the converters is 8 years or 80k miles, just my luck. The replacement cost including labor is a little over $1,500.00, ouch.

Has anyone come across the same issues? Should I complain to VW or is this just wasting my time? Is there anywhere to get the direct fit converters cheaper?

Very frustrated with VW right now.

Hi there. So once the cadalytic converter was replaced, did you have issues again with the check engine light? I keep getting the check engine light and the car which i just bought used (sounds like its the same model as yours and 85K on it) sounds like a hot rod. We had part of the muffler replaced the other day which needed to be done but hasn't fixed the problem. Was this all that you needed to fix on yours?

Thanx

Replacing the catalytic converter will restore proper emissions performance. But a new converter will suffer the same fate as the old one if the underlying condition that caused the converter to fail has not been diagnosed and repaired.
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so, I am looking to replace the same catalytic coverter for the 3rd time. a non-volkswagen part ($800 instead of $1500), but is supposed to be compatible. It's only been a few months, so has manuf. warrante.
Is that my problem, or? What about "underlying issues". What could those be? Arghhh...
I have a 2003 Passat. First one went at 85K, right after certification expired.