With safety concerns over Volkswagen cars losing power at speed of late, the German automobile manufacturer has decided to recall over 25,000 cars in the country across pretty much all of its product lines. Oh dear.
Volkswagen — normally a byword for automotive safety — is recalling 25,928 vehicles across the Polo, Golf, Golf Wagon, Golf Cabriolet, Jetta, Passat, and Caddy ranges. Basically any vehicle that was manufactured between 2009 and 2012. It’s a voluntary recall rather than one that has been forced.
The issue Volkswagen is looking to correct relates to the Direct Shift Gearbox (a demo shown in the video above):
[The defects are] o vehicles within a certain production period with the 7 speed direct shift gearbox (DSG), electrolysis in the gearbox control unit can lead to a short circuit and blow the gearbox fuse. If the fuse blows, the clutch will open and there will be total loss of power to the wheels…which in some circumstances may pose a hazard to the vehicle occupants and other road users.
“May pose a hazard to vehicle occupants”? That’s putting it lightly: Fairfax recently reported that the issue may have been a contributing factor in the death of a woman on a highway back in 2008. No official word yet, however, as the coroner is still investigating.
Letters are now being sent to affected customers, but those with concerns can contact their authorised Volkswagen service center or phone Volkswagen customer care on 1800 607 822. [Recalls Australia]