Volkswagen Passat recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

Model years 2017–2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.

Consequence:

The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Model year 2003

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence:

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

Model year 2018

NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

Consequence:

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Unknown or Other

Model year 2012

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Consequence:

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Model years 2006–2007

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence:

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Model years 2007–2010, 2012–2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence:

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Model years 2006–2010

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence:

If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft; Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel

Model years 2012–2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.

Consequence:

If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid

Model year 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.

Consequence:

A low brake fluid level may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47N3.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail

Model year 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.

Consequence:

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Electrical System › Wiring

Model years 2012–2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.

Consequence:

An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Model year 2006

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence:

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Model years 2007–2010, 2012–2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence:

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

Model years 2015–2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

Consequence:

If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Air Bags › Frontal

Model years 2010, 2012–2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Consequence:

A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

Model year 2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Passat vehicles manufactured May 18, 2015, to May 21, 2015. The affected vehicles have a brake line at the left rear wheel area that may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence:

If the brake line was not properly tightened, it may leak brake fluid, causing a reduction in braking performance, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the brake line fitting, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47M3.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail

Model years 2014–2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

Consequence:

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Seats

Model year 2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.

Consequence:

Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F1.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines

Model year 2014

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.

Consequence:

The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights

Model years 2012–2013

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.

Consequence:

A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Diesel

Model year 2012

Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 Passat vehicles, manufactured from January 18, 2011, through June 1, 2011. During assembly, these vehicles were built with a diesel fuel filter element that may not seal correctly.

Consequence:

Over time, or after certain driving distances, these vehicles are susceptible to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the diesel fuel filter elements, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 27, 2012. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion)

Model year 2009

VW is recalling 130 MY 2009 passat, Passat wagon, and passat CC vehicles. Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor. If this malfunction occurs, the driver's steering input is not properly processed by the system and the vehicle may not respond as the driver intends. This defect can only occur immediately after vehicle start-up when the steering wheel is moved for the first time and at speeds less than 5 mph.

Consequence:

Driver attempts to overcome the system during malfunction will cause (1) vibrations in the steering wheel; (2) the steering system motor to turn off; (3) the red steering system malfunction indicator light to illuminate; and (4) audible warnings to chime. A malfunctioning steering system could lead to a crash without warning.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles. The recall began on December 5, 2008. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Engine and Engine Cooling

Model year 2008

Volkswagen is recalling 4,079 MY 2008 passat and 2,500 MY 2009 tiguan passenger vehicles equipped with 2.0T fsi ulev ii engines. These vehicles have an engine control module (ecm) containing software that may not properly control engine idle with the air conditioning turned on. In rare cases, the ecm may unexpectedly increase engine RPM.

Consequence:

An engine surge caused by an unexpected increase in engine RPM may surprise the vehicle operator and can result in a crash without warning.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect and update the ecm software free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2008. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery

Model years 1999–2005

Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 MY 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after June 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8T engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4MOTION/ALL wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture.

Consequence:

A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.

Remedy:

Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8T engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8T vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4MOTION/ALL wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2008. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Model year 2003

On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L V6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.

Consequence:

If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on September 28, 20007. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834. This recall is a supplement to a previous campaign (please see 06V017).

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

Model years 2003–2005

On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Consequence:

The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

Remedy:

Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through September 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06V-183, but not both. The remedy is the same for each recall. Volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the VIN number of the vehicle. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

Model years 2006–2007

Certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine with 147 KW may have a vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures.

Consequence:

If this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brakes possibly increasing vehicle stopping distance. This could lead to a crash without warning.

Remedy:

Dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line. The recall began on January 12, 2007. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

Model years 2006–2007

On certain '6' generation passenger vehicles, the wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. If this happens, the wipers can become inoperative.

Consequence:

This could lead to reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash without warning.

Remedy:

Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. The recall began on January 12, 2007. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Model year 2003

On certain vehicles produced from September 2002 - March 2003, equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L V6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.

Consequence:

If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2006. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

Model year 2006

On certain passenger vehicles, the left and right tie rod securing nut may be insufficiently torqued.

Consequence:

An insufficiently tightened tie rod nut may loosen, resulting in separation of a tie rod. This can cause a loss of steering control, which could cause a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect and install new left and right tie rod securing nuts at the proper torqued specification. The recall began on December 7, 2005. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Diesel

Model years 2004–2005

On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.

Consequence:

Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on February 8, 2005. Owners should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Tires

Model year 2002

Certain sedans and station wagons equipped with 4.0L W8 engines fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "tire selection and rims." The affected vehicles are equipped with tires of the maximum load rating index 93H; however, they should have been equipped with tires with the load rating index 97H.

Consequence:

These vehicles should have been equipped with tires having the load rating index 97H.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace all four tires with the proper size tires. Owner notification began September 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

Model year 1996

On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.

Consequence:

If such failures occur while the vehicle is in use at night or in rainy or snowy weather, a crash could occur.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the electrical part of the ignition switch assembly. Owner notification began November 20, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap

Model years 1998–2003

On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Consequence:

Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy:

Dealers will fit Passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began June 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

Model years 2000–2001

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. This could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty.

Consequence:

Running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems.

Remedy:

Dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not chemically react with sulfur. VW/Audi will also call back vehicles that were repaired under a previous recall last June in order to install the updated fuel sending units NHTSA 00V137/AUDI lb). Owner notification began May 1, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-866-892-2834.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting

Model year 1999

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

Consequence:

If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the tie rods.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting

Model years 1998–1999

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

Consequence:

If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the tie rods.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

Model years 1998–1999

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.

Consequence:

This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.

Remedy:

Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System

Model year 1998

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.

Consequence:

Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.

Remedy:

Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan

Model year 1995

Improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.

Consequence:

A worn and noisy fan motor shaft can seize renderingthe fan motor inoperative, eventually causing the engine to overheat and stall. A stalled vehicle in traffic can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. Dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.

Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.