Blowing a fuse, shuts the volkswagen Jetta off.
Volkswagen is recalling more than 71,000 Jetta sedans in the U.S. because of a defective electrical system design that can lead to sudden engine shutdowns.
The Jetta recall represents an entire year of production. And is likely part of a larger global recall that VW is not required to disclose to U.S. regulators.
All Jetta models made in Mexico from March of 2010 until March 2011 have a fuse box design that runs the engine management system, horn, wiper blades and theft alarm through one fuse. If the fuse blows for any reason, the engine quits without warning.
In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the wring safety defect, Volkswagen said no accidents or injuries have been reported. The Jetta models will be rewired at Volkswagen dealerships when repair parts are available, currently estimated to be this May.
Volkswagen Jetta owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO http://www.safercar.gov about NHTSA campaign number 11V196.
In a separate action Volkswagen is also recalling 256 Toureg crossover models because the tire pressure label is incorrect, a violation of FMVSS 110.
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.
