Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles, to return to their dealership to have their rear shock absorbers inspected.

According to the defect report, a mechanical misalignment of the arc welder torch used to fasten the loop to the base assembly, could result in a weak weld between the two parts. If these welds break and the parts separate while the vehicle is operated, drivers could unexpectedly lose control.

Owners experiencing unfamiliar noises coming from the rear suspension of their 2018 VW Tiguan vehicles are asked to return to their dealerships immediately to have the rear shock absorbers inspected and replaced as necessary.

For more information contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 42i7 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-262.

Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain later model VW cars, regarding airbags affected by phase three of the Takata airbag recall. The vehicles involved include:

  • 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC
  • 2010-2011 Volkswagen EOS
  • 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
  • 2007-2010 Volkswagen Passat
  • 2007-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

As reported by Takata, due to high temperatures and humidity, airbag propellant could degrade over time and cause the airbags to deploy with too much force. In the event of an airbag rupture, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, seriously injuring or killing occupants.

Those receiving notices will be instructed to return to their dealers to have the driver’s frontal air bag inflator replaced. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 69Q9 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-148. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2016 Audi A4, A5 & Q5 vehicles regarding a problem affecting the electrical connector to the auxiliary heater. According to the defect report, the connector is susceptible to contact corrosion which may cause the auxiliary heater to fail and/or cause the wires to overheat and melt. The problem could result in an electrical fire.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the auxiliary heater replaced, as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-622.

Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 vehicles to return to their dealerships to correct a problem affecting the engine control unit (ECU). According to the defect report, the engine air/fuel mixture software is not robust enough. During engine start up or idling, the system may misinterpret the rotation of the dual mass flywheel as a knocking condition. The defect will result in loss of lose motive power when beginning to move from a stop or during a slow acceleration. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an “Engine Stop While Driving” warning light.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the ECU software. For more information about the recall, owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 24DF the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-508.

Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat cars regarding a problem that could result in loss of braking power. Improperly manufactured end flares on the brake lines could cause improper sealing that may allow brake fluid to leak and a low fluid waning light to illuminate. If the driver does not notice the warning, braking will worsen over time, increasing the chance of a collision.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the affected brake lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 47N3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-075.

The owners of certain Audi vehicles equipped with 2.0L TFSI engines, will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the engine and its cooling system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the coolant pump could become blocked by debris from the cooling system. If this happens the pump could overheat and cause a fire.

The vehicles affected by this defect include:

Audi has developed software which will deactivate the power supply to the coolant pump, if the pump becomes blocked. The driver will be notified of the blockage through an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 19M1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-002.

A settlement between US regulators and Volkswagen will have the automobile manufacturer buying back approximately 20,000 VW, Audi and Porsche 3.0-liter diesel vehicles. The scandal began last year when Volkswagen was caught fitting their vehicles with software used to fool emissions tests. The U.S. Department of Justice reached an agreement with VW for 475,000 2.0-liter diesel cars, giving owners the option to choose a buyback for the full trade in price and reimbursing owners $5,100 to $10,000 each, depending on the age of the car and if they owned it prior to Sept. 18 of last year.

This recent settlement concerns the remaining 80,000, 2009-2016 VW, Audi and Porsche 3.0-liter diesel vehicles. According to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, the settlement will include a buyback option for approximately 20,000 owners and a substantial compensation on top of any repairs or a buyback. Volkswagen said they believe they can modify the other 60,000 vehicles into compliance with pollution regulations and will not offer a buyback if they can.

In total, Volkswagen will spend up to $10 billion compensating consumers. This includes $2.7 billion for environmental mitigation and $2 billion to promote zero-emissions vehicles. In a separate court filing, Volkswagen has agreed to add at least three additional electric vehicles in California by 2020 and must sell an average of 5,000 electric vehicles annually through 2025. Volkswagen also agreed to pay California’s state air board compensation for $25 million.

Volkswagen will be asking a small number of 2017 Audi Q7 owners to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the power steering. According to the defect report, the silicone gel used to protect the ECU’s circuit board may not have hardened sufficiently and could allow particles to enter the area. The board could short circuit and result in loss of power steering assist. Drivers may experience an illuminated power steering warning light and a loss of power steering assist.

Dealers will correct the defect by replacing the steering rack. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 48M5 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-648.