Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
What Happened
The transmission control module in your car is like the brain of the transmission, making sure the gears shift smoothly. In your 2009 or 2010 VW, a faulty wiring harness could trick the transmission into thinking the oil is too hot.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your transmission could suddenly shift into neutral while you're driving, without warning. This could cause you to lose control of your car and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen dealer will update the transmission control module with new software, free of charge. You should schedule this 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 →