Laguna Hills, CA – December 27, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles due to a potential fuel leak. Recalled vehicles have been manufactured with fuel lines built in a specific time period with dimensional deviations that may affect the correct function of the guiding sleeve. The potential number of units affected is 516.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, due to dimensional deviations at the fuel line, the guiding sleeve that is used in production to support the assembly of the quick connector may be distorted. If this happens, the connection may appear securely locked due to friction (caused by the distorted guiding sleeve) instead of being positively locked. Because of this defect, the underhood fuel supply hose quick connector may not be securely attached to the fuel supply line.

There is a risk that the fuel line may open at the quick connector, causing it to detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay. This can result in a fuel leak which may cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the engine compartment (and thus in the presence of an ignition source) can increase the risk of a fire. The customer may recognize a fuel odor in the vehicle if a leak occurs.

Timeline of Events

On June 23, 2018, the first loose connection was found in the field and analysis process started immediately with the first checks in factory conducted. On August 08, 2018, the first claimed field parts were received and deeper part analysis started. Between August 08, 2018 and November 05, 2018, there was intensive testing and analysis process carried out to identify the root cause of the issue. Simultaneously, additional checks were implemented in vehicle factory and at supplier. On November 05, 2018, the topic was presented in Pre Product Safety Committee of Volkswagen AG and further details were requested.

On November 09, 2018, the topic was presented in Product Safety Committee of Volkswagen AG, subsequent to which a detailed analysis was carried out regarding the root cause and a clear identification of potentially affected vehicles. On November 28, 2018, the topic was presented in the Volkswagen AG Product Safety Committee where determination of defect was made, and a voluntary recall decided upon

The Solution

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected fuel line connection. The guiding sleeve will be removed, and a tension test will be performed to assure secure locking. This work will be performed free of charge to customers. Volkswagen will not offer a reimbursement program under this recall. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 20Bi. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-868.

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – According to Consumer Affairs, the Volkswagen Group of America Inc. is recalling certain 2017 and 2018 models for a potential brake issue. Consumers and dealerships will be notified of the problem, which could lead to injury or a crash if not properly addressed for repairs and replacement. More than 8,400 cars are involved in the recall.

The Defect

Mounting bolts found in the brake caliper bracket could have a deficiency due to a manufacturing issue. The fasteners directly affect how the brake system operates. If loose or not installed correctly, drivers could potentially lose the ability to brake or control the vehicles, causing a crash or injury to those inside the car.

According to How Stuff Works, the brake calipers are part of the mechanism that squeezes break pads against the brake rotor. Most modern vehicles have disc brake systems in the front, and often in the back, where these calipers would be found. Break fluid is released when the brake pedal is operated, which causes friction between pad and rotor. As the rotor slows down, so does the wheel, completing the braking system. If there’s a compromise in the power of the friction, it’s known as brake fade. So when the caliper potentially has loose bolts, this can put the metal caliper off-kilter to the rotor. The driver will be unable to use brakes correctly, resulting in loss of control or a crash.

When Volkswagen notifies the owners, they will offer replacement parts and complimentary repairs. This includes tightening the brake caliper bolts or re-torqueing them. Mechanics can also check bleeder valves, brake hose bolts and fasteners to ensure all parts are in correct working order. On certain Passat models, the braking cable will also be checked.

Timeline of Events

Earlier this month, Volkswagen made the announcement to recall the vehicles. Those included are some 2018 Volkswagen Atlas models and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. In total, 8,416 cars are involved in this particular recall.

The official recall is expected to begin by October 14, when owners will be notified, and repairs will start to be offered.

Earlier this year, there was an international recall of more than 700,000 Volkswagen vehicles, according to Industry Week. There was an issue with built-in lights that could potentially short circuit. This ran the risk of causing damage to parts of the roof and even fires to the interior of the cars. Models part of the recall were specific Tiguan and Touran vehicles manufactured before July 5 of this year. There is an ongoing investigation into the issue before the cars are officially asked to be brought in for repairs by Volkswagen spokespeople. Drivers in this instance were asked to watch for visible signs of singeing on the roof panels.

Volkswagen vehicles have undergone several recalls this summer, including another 124,000 electric cars. These Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche automobiles had potential carcinogenic cadmium in the batteries that need to be fixed or replaces due to poisoning risk over time.

The Solution

Volkswagen announced plans to directly notify owners of the potential airbag problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Volkswagen directly in the US can call their helpline at 1-800-893-5298. The recall number provided by Volkswagen is 46H6.

Washington, D.C. – July 10, 2018 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) has recalled almost 270,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation given to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign includes the following models:

• 2003-2008 Mazda Mazda6 sedans
• 2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 performance sedans
• 2004-2006 Mazda MPV station wagons

Recall summary

Affected vehicles contain air bag assemblies featuring Takata air bag inflators with ammonium nitrate-based propellant that is susceptible to degradation when exposed to high heat or humidity. In the event that propellant breakdown does occur, the inflator may explode upon air bag deployment, sending metal shards flying throughout the vehicle cabin. This defect therefore poses great danger to occupants.

The Takata air bag assemblies involved in this action are part of a larger recall campaign stretching back more than five years and involving 37 million vehicles across a dozen or so brands, according to the NHTSA. The agency has linked 23 deaths and more than 300 injuries to these components.

The NHTSA and Takata met May 4, 2016, to discuss the possibility of recalling vehicles with non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate front air bag inflators. These models had not been included previous recall campaigns. The two parties ultimately decided to recall these vehicles. Almost two weeks later, the air bag vendor submitted an official defect information report to the NHTSA.

On May 17, 2018, Takata informed Mazda of the forthcoming action. Members of the Mazda Quality Audit Committee convened a day after this communication and chose to conduct a recall campaign that included a number of models equipped with PSAN inflators. Dealers managed to install temporary replacements in all of these vehicles.

On June 15, 2018, permanent replacement air bag inflators became available, prompting the automaker to issue another recall.

The car company informed dealers of the recall July 3, 2018, according to a notification email submitted to the NHTSA.

The repair

Mazda has directed dealers to replace the air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The vehicle manufacturer plans to reach out to owners via first-class mail by July 6, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 270,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 43,238 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 10, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 800 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Volkswagen Atlas sport utility vehicles produced between April 18, 2018, and May 3, 2018, along with 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SUVs manufactured between March 10, 2018, and May 19, 2018.

The German automaker is unsure just how many of the vehicles actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected models feature frontal air bag assemblies that may unfold improperly or tear during deployment. This defect drastically increases the likelihood of injury in the event of an accident and therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic components to any collisions or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On April 17, 2018, Key Safety Systems of Mexico, an air bag supplier, informed Volkswagen of Mexico that some of its shipped assemblies failed to pass conformity of product tests. The vendor initiated root cause internal analysis following this communication.

On May 7, 2018, members of the Volkswagen of Mexico Preproduct Safety Committee convened to evaluate the issue. The group decided that further analysis was required and referred the matter to its global counterpart, the Volkswagen AG Preproduct Safety Committee.

Nine days later, the Volkswagen AG PPSC received a report that revealed vehicles assembled at the company’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee had been equipped with seemingly defective air bags. This prompted the Volkswagen of Mexico Product Safety Group to intervene on May 17, 2018. This group, in conjunction its global peer, decided on May 30, 2018, that the defect posed a serious hazard to occupants and therefore warranted a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen will direct dealers to replace the frontal air bags in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to inform dealers of the forthcoming action Aug. 2, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail Aug. 3, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can reach Volkswagen customer service by calling (800) 893-5298. Callers should use the internal recall reference codes 69W8 and 69W9. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 5, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 2,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

• 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan and EuroVan Camper minivans produced between July 15, 2002, and Aug. 21, 2002.
• 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan Chassis produced between July 22, 2002, and Aug. 13, 2002.
• 2003 Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks produced between Oct. 29, 20002, and Dec. 18, 2002.
• 2003 Volkswagen Jetta sedans produced between Aug. 14, 2002, and Sept. 28, 2002.
• 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wagons produced between July 25, 2002, and Aug. 10, 2002.
• 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedans produced between June 27, 2002, and Sept. 5, 2002.

The German automaker suspects all of the models named in the recall contain the defective safety features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain front air bag assemblies with inflators prone to humidity-driven propellant deterioration. In the event that this phenomenon occurs, the metal inflator my explode during air bag deployment, sending shrapnel flying throughout the vehicle cabin. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective air bag components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In November 2017, Volkswagen, in partnership with its air bag supplier, the ZF Group, launched an investigation following an apparent inflator rupture in the Chinese market. The inquiry revealed that such an event had not unfolded. However, the two companies decided to conduct further tests in house to assess the potential for inflator rupture. These analyses, which began in January 2018 and concluded in March 2018, revealed that humidity-related propellant deterioration was possible. This prompted the ZF Group to launch its own series of tests.

Soon after the vendor initiated its internal inquiry, it received word of another possible inflator rupture. The parts installed in the vehicles were from a suspect lot produced in 2002. This allowed Volkswagen and the ZF Group to narrow down the population of affected vehicles.

The Volkswagen Pre Product Safety Committee reviewed the matter May 14, 2018, and requested additional information. Following the delivery of this data, the issue was passed to the Product Safety Committee, whose members determined on June 6, 2018, that a voluntary recall campaign was necessary.

The Solution

Volkswagen will direct dealers to replace the frontal air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners of the forthcoming Aug. 12, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can reach out to Volkswagen customer service personnel by calling (800) 893-5298. They can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.