When it rains, it pours. Volkswagen, which is still reeling from a 2.6-million-unit global recall last month has just announced that another 65,992 US-spec models need to report in for repairs as part of two separate recalls.
The bigger recall, which covers 62,155 units, belongs to 2009 to 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossovers built between July 2007 and June 2011. This is in addition to the 61,000 Tiguans built between 2008 and 2011 that Volkswagen recalled last month.
Perhaps more infuriating for VW is that this latest Tiguan recall is similar to last month’s electrical issue that saw 800,000 Tiguans recalled globally. There’s a problem with the fuse tied to the exterior lights. The holder for said fuse may melt. No reason has been provided as to why it might melt, but there you go.
The other recall is significantly smaller – 3,837 Jetta Hybrids, built between October 2012 and October 2013 and covering model years 2013 and 2014. The dual-clutch gearboxes in these cars, internally known as DQ-200 units, may be subject to failure due to corrosive transmission oil additives. Corrosion could lead to an electrical short that causes a “stall-like condition” that could result in an accident.
Volkswagen will begin notifying the owners of affected Tiguans soon, while the rollout of Jetta Hybrid recall notices was started on December 6. Owners of affected vehicles will need to report to their local VW dealer for free repairs. In the Tiguan’s case, that means another fuse replacement while Jetta Hybrid owners will get their transmission oil swapped out.
SUMMARY:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle’s exterior lights circuit may melt.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s recall number is 97Z9/2V.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Manufacturer: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
SUMMARY:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 2012 through October 2013 and equipped with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox. Due to gearbox fluid additives, internal components of the gearbox may corrode. The deposits from this corrosion may cause an electrical short and result in a stall-like condition.
CONSEQUENCE:
This sudden loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s recall number is 34F6/4V.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
