Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 679,027 vehicles with automatic transmissions and keyless entry because “a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in Park.” ZF supplied the potentially deadly shift lever.
Affected are 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. Volkswagen has been aware of the problem since July of 2018, but was silent about the number of complaints, accidents, injuries or fatalities.
Over time, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can result in an isolation-like layer that may be interpreted as an open micro switch. This open switch normally indicates that the shift lever is in “P” park position. If the build-up happens, it may be possible to remove the key from the ignition switch without the shift lever being in the “P” Park position because the system isn’t able to recognize that the vehicle is not in “P” Park. This makes the vehicle non-compliant with FMVSS 114 – theft protection and roll-away prevention.
To remedy this potentially deadly defect, a new switch (located outside of the gear shift lever from Recalled Component: housing) and an additional control unit will be installed. Additionally, the micro switch at the shift lever (already present in the vehicle) will be disabled. Part number of the remedy part is: 5Q0.713.128.A.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge as required by U.S. regulations. The recall is expected to begin 11 October 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 37M2.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Massive VW Keyless Recall on 36 Product lines, 679,027 Cars
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 679,027 vehicles with automatic transmissions and keyless entry because “a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in Park.” ZF supplied the potentially deadly shift lever.
Affected are 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. Volkswagen has been aware of the problem since July of 2018, but was silent about the number of complaints, accidents, injuries or fatalities.
Over time, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can result in an isolation-like layer that may be interpreted as an open micro switch. This open switch normally indicates that the shift lever is in “P” park position. If the build-up happens, it may be possible to remove the key from the ignition switch without the shift lever being in the “P” Park position because the system isn’t able to recognize that the vehicle is not in “P” Park. This makes the vehicle non-compliant with FMVSS 114 – theft protection and roll-away prevention.
To remedy this potentially deadly defect, a new switch (located outside of the gear shift lever from Recalled Component: housing) and an additional control unit will be installed. Additionally, the micro switch at the shift lever (already present in the vehicle) will be disabled. Part number of the remedy part is: 5Q0.713.128.A.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge as required by U.S. regulations. The recall is expected to begin 11 October 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 37M2.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.