Volkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

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.  

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

Volkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

Auburn Hills, FL – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 10,119 compact and subcompact SUVs, whose rear suspensions may break. This may reduce steering control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Recall summary  

This Volkswagen recall concerns the suspension knuckle at the rear underside of the car, which holds the rear wheels straight. As a result of a manufacturing error, this metal linkage may corrode and subsequently snap under load.  If that happens, it would significantly offset the wheel alignment, affecting the driver’s ability to steer. 

The faulty component is the rear suspension knuckle, with part numbers 5QN 505 435A/436A for Tiguan and 5QM 505 435C/436C for Taos. 

Recall risks

A broken rear suspension knuckle affects the car’s behavior on the road and may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of a crash and injury for its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Some of these vehicles may be affected by a Volkswagen Taos recall from September 2021 caused by the risk of stalling. The same month, over 16,000 of 2022 Taos vehicles were recalled due to the risk of fire.

The last major Volkswagen Tiguan recall took place in November 2020, when over 32,000 Tiguan, Jetta, Atlas and Arteon vehicles were recalled due to non-functional backup cameras.

The repair

Dealers will check both rear knuckles and replace them if needed. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 20, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen recall affects more than 10,000 SUVs. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

Volkswagen is recalling hatchbacks over fire risk

Auburn Hills, FL – March 31, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), has recalled 4,269 cars because the engine cover may become loose. This can cause a fire inside the engine bay, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Vehicles that are a part of this recall include:  

  • 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

Recall summary  

Both these vehicles have a plastic cover design cover over their engines, whose purpose is to improve the engine compartment appearance and reduce noise. During harsh accelerations and similar high-speed maneuvers, this cover might become loose and come in contact with hot engine components

The component that is causing the recall is the Engine design cover with part number 06Q-103-925-K. 

Recall risks

The engine cover can melt if it comes in contact with hot engine components. This can cause a fire inside the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a crash and injury

Warning signs

With the hood up, drivers could notice the engine cover is out of its position. Additionally, the smell of burning plastic may be present if the cover touches hot components. 

Other Volkswagen Golf recalls

This is the only recall that is affecting these particular vehicles. Still, owners should keep an eye on airbag issues as these already caused several recalls

The repair

Volkswagen is designing an upgraded engine cover. To prevent any hazardous situations in the meanwhile, dealers will remove the current covers from affected vehicles. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022.

Once the new engine cover is available, owners will be called back into the service to have them fitted to their vehicles.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen Golf engine cover recall affects more than 4,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen is recalling hatchbacks over fire risk

Volkswagen recalls Audis due to loss of control

Auburn Hills, MI – February 13, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 31,058 vehicles due to premature tire wear which could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. This is a redo of a last year’s Audi recall.

The recall includes some the following models:

  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A4
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A4 Allroad
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A5 Sportback
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A5 Coupe
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi Q5
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi RS5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S4
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi S5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S7 
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

Axles transmit power from the vehicle to the wheels in order to move the car forward. In this Volkswagen recall, the rear axles are misaligned. As a result, the wheels may have less grip on the surface of the road.

The full list of vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

The Audi rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear. When the tires are worn “to the carcass,” they may get punctured, which may lead to a loss of driver’s control of the vehicle.

Background of the recall

Some of the cars included in this recall were recalled in April of last year due to a broken nut in the rear axle, which could also cause a loss of control. Included in the recall were the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant and 2019 Audi S5 Sportback vehicles.  However, dealers did not check the wheel alignment when addressing the issue, leading to today’s recall.

Warning signs

The driver may not be able to keep the car straight, especially “when braking or accelerating.” The tires may also show signs of unexpected or premature wear and tear upon inspection.

Other Volkswagen recalls

In December 2021, the 2018-2022 Audi Q5 and 2018—´2022 Audi SQ5 models were recalled due to a defect that could cause reduced engine power.

Repair

The rear axles of the affected vehicles will be inspected and where necessary, be adjusted. Tires will also be checked for premature and uneven wear that may have resulted from the misalignment. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Audi regarding the repair program by March 25, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 Audis included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiVolkswagen recalls Audis due to loss of control

Volkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Miami, FL – December 19, 2021 – Volkswagen and Audi (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) have agreed to pay out $42 million dollars in a settlement with current and former car owners whose vehicles were built with potentially deadly Takata airbags. 

The settlement includes  some of the following vehicles:

  • 2009 – 2017 Volkswagen CC
  • 2012 – 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2006 – 2013 Audi A3
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Avant
  • 2007 – 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2010 – 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2006 – 2011 Audi A6 Avant
  • 2005 – 2011 Audi A6 Sedan
  • 2017 Audi R8 Coupe
  • 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
  • 2007 – 2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan

Settlement summary  

The $42-million dollar settlement was reached in November and is the result of a 2014 class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi for selling or leasing vehicles built with defective Takata airbags. The lawsuit sought to recover damages for the risks and costs owners and lessees incurred during Audi and Volkswagen airbag recalls. 

The settlement affects current or former owners or lessees of the vehicles that were all subject to the infamous  Takata airbag recall, which has affected about 100 million airbags worldwide.  The current owners must have bought the car by November 10, 2021 while the former owners must have sold or returned their vehicle after February 9, 2016.

All cars must have been bought or leased in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. For a full list of vehicles, please visit this page. To check if your car is subject to a recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The settlement

To receive settlement funds, you will need to fill out a claim form and send it to a settlement administrator. The form, and more instructions, can be found here.

The settlement is still subject to a final approval by the United States District Court in the Southern District of Florida. The hearing to approve it is expected to be held in early March.

The payment

Those who had to pay for transportation, towing, childcare or lost wages during the Volkswagen and Audi airbag recall may be eligible for reimbursement and potentially two payments of up to $250 later on. Those with no expenses are still eligible to receive up to $500.

Risks

Takata airbags contain an inflator that is at risk of exploding when the airbag is deployed. Exploding inflators pose a serious threat to the safety of car occupants, sending sharp shrapnel flying at drivers’ and passengers’ bodies. Reuters reported that as of September this year, Takata airbags had killed 28 people and injured over 400 worldwide. 

Other Takata airbag recall settlements

Audi and Volkswagen are not the first automakers to settle a suit over the defective airbags. The following car companies have settled class action lawsuits with current and former owners:

  • BMW, $131 million
  • Ford, $299.1 million
  • Honda, $605 million
  • Mazda, $75.8 million
  • Nissan, $97.7 million
  • Subaru, $68.2 million
  • Toyota, $278.5 million

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

According to court documents, 35% of recalled Takata inflators in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles still need repairs. To see if your car is one of them, run a VW recall check with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy

Auburn Hills, MI – December 12, 2021  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) is recalling 54,429 vehicles that may develop a water leak that could cause the airbag to accidentally deploy.  This increases the risk of an injury and may also lead to a crash. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2021 VW Atlas
  • 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport
  • 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Recall summary  

During its operation, the air-conditioning system of a car generates condensate, which is drained outside the vehicle through a flexible tube. In affected Volkswagen Atlas vehicles, this drain tube may be blocked due to a supplier error, causing the condensate to build up within the dashboard. There, it can find its way into the airbag control module, causing it to malfunction.  

The drain tube in question is part of the Evaporator Housing with part number 3QF.820.007.  

Recall risks

With a malfunctioning control module, airbags may not deploy in a collision or may inadvertently deploy, although there is no crash. Both situations increase the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs  

If the airbag control module malfunctions, it will trigger airbag warning lights on the dashboard. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

In addition to VW Atlas air conditioning issues, these vehicles had several recalls that affected them in the past. In February, they were recalled due to a possible loss of steering control, while in March, some 2018 and 2019 Atlas SUVs had to have their tires replaced as part of a larger tire recall due to possible breakage.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the drain tubes and replace them and the airbag control module if necessary. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This VW Atlas recall includes more than 50,000 SUVs. To do a VW Recall Check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy

Volkswagen recalls over 45,000 vehicles with risk of injury to children

Auburn Hills, MI – September 24, 2021 – Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) – which owns the Audi brand – has recalled 45,496 cars to rectify a problem with the child restraint system related to faulty seat belts. The issue can increase the risk of injury to a child in an accident.

The rather long list of affected models includes nearly every offering in the company’s 2021 Audi portfolio, and the VW ID.4. Here are some of the models affected:

  • 2021 Audi A4
  • 2021 Audi A5
  • 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2021 Audi A6
  • 2021 Audi A6 allroad
  • 2021 Audi SQ7
  • 2021 Audi SQ8
  • 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

You can see the full list here

Recall summary

There are two ways to secure a child seat:

The recalled vehicles have been fitted with faulty ALRs that may allow the seat belts to come loose after they are locked which would result in the child seat moving around.

Recall risks

If the child seat is not secured properly, the child can get injured if there is an accident or even a hard stop.

There is no risk if the LATCH system is used to secure the seat instead.

Warning signs

Parents may realize that the ALR is not working if the clicking noise made when it is activated stops before the seat belt is fully retracted.

Background of the recall

As reported, this is part of an ongoing series of recalls brought upon by faulty seat belts supplied by Swedish-American supplier Autoliv. The affected component is the “seat belt assembly” of the middle-rear seat with multiple part numbers, including 4M0857807AV04 and 4M8857807AV04. You can read more about a BMW recall caused by the same issue here.

Other Volkswagen and Audi recalls

There was an Audi Q5 recall in May of this year Volkswagen recalled 40,993 vehicles over a suspension issue. Some of the company’s high performance models like the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, and the RS Q8 were also recalled. 

A quick VW recall check on our site will also bring up results of one for the 2021 VW ID.4, where multiple units were recalled for misadjusted headlights.

The repair

Dealers will change the affected seat belt assembly and, if required, the seat belt, free of charge.

Owners will be notified on October 1, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 45,000 Audi cars are affected by this recall. To find out if your vehicle is a part of this Audi recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalVolkswagen recalls over 45,000 vehicles with risk of injury to children

Volkswagen recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

Auburn Hills, MI – September 19, 2021  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 16,737 vehicles that can stall or catch fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. This recall affects 2022 VW Taos

Recall summary  

The engine in these Volkswagen Taos cars receives fuel through a series of hoses that are joined together with quick connectors. Due to a manufacturing issue, the connection in the recalled vehicles may not be tight enough, allowing the connector to slip from the fuel line.  This may cause a fuel leak that may result in the vehicle stalling and also bring about a fire as fuel drips on the hot engine components.

The components in question here are the fuel line with part number 5Q0-200-059-KE and the quick connector with part number 05E-133-723-BE) that were manufactured by Volkswagen de Mexico.

Risks

A fire increases the risk of an accident, as flames and smoke may distract drivers and cause them to panic. Another associated risk is stalling while driving on a highway or the inability to stop and leave the vehicle in time, which may lead to an injury.   For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please see our recent coverage of a BMW recall.

Warning signs

A fuel leak could result in a strong gasoline, smoke and melting odor inside the car. In addition, the malfunction indicator light (MIL) may come on on the dashboard. 

Other VW recalls

Some of these 2022 Volkswagen Taos were recently recalled because of a software bug, which may cause the engine to stall. Meanwhile, defective fuel components manufactured in Volkswagen de Mexico continue to plague the manufacturer, such as last year’s 2020 Volkswagen Jetta recall for loose engine Fuel Rail bolts

The repair

VW authorized dealers will inspect how the fuel line is connected and replace the fuel line and quick connector if needed. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on October 19, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This VW recall includes more than 16,000 vehicles. To check for this and other VW recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

Volkswagen recalls Audi cars with faulty Takata inflators

Auburn Hills, MI – September 3, 2021 – The Volkswagen Group (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 62,812 vehicles over a concern that the airbags may not properly deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a serious injury or death. The affected vehicles include:

  • 2000 – 2001 Audi TT, including Roadster and Coupe cars
  • 2000 – 2002 Audi S4
  • 2000 – 2002 Audi A4

The affected part is a Takata Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflators (NADI) with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. This recall is different from the ongoing Takata airbag recall and serves as an expansion of a previous recall for some of the same models issued in February 2020.

Recall summary

The recall stems from a faulty airbag inflator that may slow down the deployment of the driver airbag in the event of a crash. Alternatively, the inflator may cause excessive pressure when inflating the airbag.

The exact cause of the defect is unclear but is thought to stem from a variety of factors, including “manufacturing variations [and] climatic conditions.” There have been no reported cases of delayed inflation of the airbag in the affected models. 

As reported, the NADI airbags have a defect that is similar to – but separate from – the larger Takata airbag recall, which involves a different type of inflator.  That larger recall has affected millions of vehicles across the country and stems from faulty airbags inflators that can rupture during deployment, hurling metal shrapnel at the car occupants. 

Risks

The driver’s airbag plays a vital role in mitigating a serious upper-body injury in the event of a crash. In the event that it does not deploy, there is a higher risk of an injury for the driver.

On the flip side – although Audi does not state this explicitly – if the airbag deploys too forcefully, the inflator may burst and maim or kill the car occupants with its fragments, as reported.

Similar Audi airbag recalls

Over the last couple of years, Volkswagen has issued multiple recalls to replace Takata airbag inflators, including one in January of this year for over 100,000 of Beetle compact and convertible cars.

Some of the Audi models in this recall, including the Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, and A4, were also recalled in February 2020, for the same issue.  

The repair

The driver’s side airbag will be replaced with an alternative, newly designed inflator that uses a different propellant, which is a substance that is used to inflate the airbag. Owners were set to be notified on August 20, 2021, and are slated to receive a second notification once the parts become available in mid-October.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

An airbag that fails to deploy correctly is a serious hazard. To find out if your car is affected by this Audi recall, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalVolkswagen recalls Audi cars with faulty Takata inflators

Volkswagen recalls Audis for broken suspensions

Auburn Hills, MI – May 5, 2021 – Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) – which owns the Audi brand – has recalled 40,993 Audis, including a number of 2021 Audi SUVs, because a part of the suspension may break. The recall includes:

  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A4
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi Q5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S4
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi S5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi SQ5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S5 Cabriolet
  • 2021 Audi Q7
  • 2021 Audi Q8
  • 2021 Audi RS Q8
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi RS5
  • 2021 Audi RS6 Avant
  • 2021 Audi RS7

The component name is ”Lock nut M14x1,5,” part number WHT 007 610.

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an issue with a single nut in the car’s trailing arm suspension. The trailing arms is a type of suspension that helps keep the rear wheels aligned properly. 

Due to a supplier error, the nuts used to connect the trailing arm to the rest of the car were not manufactured “according to specification.” As a result, certain batches of nuts may get corroded or damaged, causing them to break.

Risks

When the nut holding the trailing arm breaks, the rear wheels could become misaligned, changing the direction the car is moving in. “It cannot be completely ruled out that [the car] could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds,” Volkswagen says in recall documents. If this occurs, the driver can lose control and crash.

Warning signs

Drivers with a broken trailing arm nut may notice the steering wheel is not aligned when they are driving or that the vehicle lists to one side when they hit the gas or brake. Volkswagen knows of two incidents of this kind; both took place outside the US.

Other Audi recalls

Volkswagen recently recalled over 150,000 Audi A3-generation cars for faulty airbags. These passenger-side airbags are prone to deactivating while someone is sitting in the seat, upping that passenger’s risk of injury in a crash. 

The repair

Volkswagen and Audi dealers will replace the defective nut and will check for existing damage. If the part is already damaged, the whole screw connection will be replaced. Both services are provided for free. The repair is not yet available, but owners will receive more information about the recall by June 25.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 41,000 vehicles are included in this Audi recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen recalls Audis for broken suspensions