Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has issued a recall for 26,053 vehicles due to the loss of power because of an engine issue.
This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and covers the following models:
- 2013 Audi A8
- 2014 Audi A8
- 2015 Audi A8
- 2016 Audi A8
- 2017 Audi A8
- 2013 Audi S6
- 2014 Audi S6
- 2015 Audi S6
- 2016 Audi S6
- 2017 Audi S6
- 2013 – 2017 Audi S6
- 2013 – 2017 Audi S7
- 2013 – 2017 Audi S8
- 2014 – 2017 Audi RS7
Recall summary
Turbocharger is a device that is fitted on the engine to improve its performance and fuel efficiency. There are bearings inside the turbocharger that are essential to its operation as they allow the charger to spin at high speeds, increasing the vehicle’s power output. The bearings must be sufficiently lubricated by an oil supply system so they can withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures produced as a result of the turbocharger operation.
The strainer used by the supply system to keep impurities can become clogged by “carbon deposits” and other contaminants present in the oil. When this happens, it can deprive bearings of lubrication, causing them to wear out faster than usual. It is not clear why this is occurring.
Recall risks
This defect can cause the turbocharger to break. This can cut off power to the engine and result in the vehicle stalling, which increases the risk of a crash.
Warning signs
Warning messages such as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), low oil warning light or electronic power control (EPC) may flash on the dashboard. Customers may also notice “extended cranking or rough idling.”
Background of the recall
This recall is a result of an investigation by the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), launched a year ago on the back of 58 complaints and a number of field reports alleging a sudden stall while driving. Some of the complaints allege that the car was not able to be restarted after losing power. Several drivers mentioned that repairs ran them in tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The repair
Volkswagen will reimburse owners who have already incurred repair expenses arising from the defect while dealers will replace the defective oil strainer for the turbocharger and perform an oil change. All repairs will be done free of charge.
Affected owners will be notified by May 20, 2022.
Other Audi recalls
There was an Audi RS6 recall earlier this month due to fuel gauges that could show an inaccurate fuel level, which could lead to the car running out of gas and a stall, as reported. The recall included more than 45,000 RS6 and other vehicles, such as RS7, also as reported.
A recall was issued for more than 280,000 Audi vehicles in December 2021 over due to the loss of control due to premature tire wear, as reported.
Volkswagen also recalled more than 40,000 Audi models in May 2021 over the suspension system which could potentially break, compromising the vehicle’s control.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
More than 26,000 vehicles are included in this Audi turbocharger recall. To see if your vehicle is part of this Audi recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
