Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
What Happened
The transmission control module in your vehicle is the computer that helps your automatic transmission shift gears smoothly. In some 2009-2010 models, the wiring harness connecting this module to the temperature sensor may not be properly secured.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wiring harness fails, the transmission could shift to neutral without warning, and you might not be able to control your vehicle. This could lead to a crash without any warning lights or sounds.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen dealer will update the transmission control module with new software to prevent this issue, and it's completely free. You should schedule the update as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Original — Remedy
VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →