The owners of certain 2020-2021 General Motors, Nissan and Volkswagen vehicles will be contacted by the automobile manufacturer regarding a problem that could exist with their tires. Continental Tires of America (CTA) have initiated a recall for tires that may have been installed as original equipment on some models.

General Motors Vehicles Affected
2020 Buick Enclave
2020 Cadillac XT5
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 GMC Acadia
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Nissan Vehicles Affected
2020 Nissan Altima
Volkswagen Vehicles Affected
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
2020-2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

According to CTA, over-cured tires could experience a break in the sidewall with sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation that could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. These conditions could increase the risk of an accident.

An illuminated airbag warning light in certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles could mean an airbag crash sensor needs replacement.

ZF North America, the manufacturer of Remote Accelerometer Sensors (RAS) installed in these vehicles, are recalling certain RAS built from a specific production period. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, soldering connections inside the sensors may have been damaged due to exposure to higher than expected temperatures during manufacturing. As reported by FCA and VW, if present in a vehicle, an affected airbag crash sensor may not communicate correctly with the airbag control module. If this occurs, the airbag warning light will illuminate.

Warning: There is a risk of delayed airbag deployment during a frontal crash or a risk of a non-deployment in low speed collisions.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the air bag crash sensor replaced. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V63. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 69AL. The NHTSA campaign number is 20E-052.

Brake Parts Inc. is recalling certain brake master cylinders sold under the Raybestos, NAPA and AC Delco brands as aftermarket replacement parts for 2012-2017 Volkswagen Beetle, 2005-2018 Volkswagen Jetta and 2007-2010 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vehicles. (Part numbers MC391232, M4840, and 18M2578)

Sample testing and warranty data show that the crimping of the aluminum housing on the master cylinder may be insufficient. The piston could pop out of the master cylinder housing and drivers could experience a complete loss of braking or unintended braking.

Because the defect would exhibit itself shortly after installation, Brake Parts have instructed their distributors to cover products that have been in service less than one year. The manufacturer is still developing a fix for this recall which is expected to begin August 10, 2020. The NHTSA campaign number is 20E-042.

Volkswagen will be contacting owners of certain 2020 Audi Q8 SUVs, regarding a potential problem affecting the transmission in their vehicle.

Due to a manufacturing error, the flanges of certain gearbox oil pipes were made from an uncertified material. Because of this difference in material, a permanent connection could not be created during the welding process and a transmission fluid leak could develop between the transmission oil pipe and the flange. A loss of transmission fluid will result in oil marks on the ground beneath the vehicle and a warning lamp indicator, once the fluid goes beneath a certain level.

Dealers will correct the problem by inspecting the transmission oil pipe welds and replacing it as necessary. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 38C7 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-272.

Volkswagen will be contacting a small number of 2019 Volkswagen Arteon sedan owners, because of a manufacturing error affecting the braking system.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the electronic brake booster pressure input rod may have been incorrectly attached to the brake pedal. This incorrect installation may require the driver to use extra braking force and could lead to a disconnection of the pressure input rod. Additionally, in the event of a 12V power failure, the brake performance could be further impaired.

Volkswagen dealers will inspect the mounting of the pressure rod and replace the electronic brake booster and mounting of the pressure rod, depending on the inspection results. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 47P8 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-135.

Click Here to view the complete 2019 Volkswagen Arteon recall notice.

Although the Volkswagen Atlas has only been in production for three years, it has already gained a reputation for being a problematic vehicle. The 2018 model Atlas, for example, has ten recalls and hundreds of manufacturer communications. (Automobile manufacturers are required to submit copies of their communications to dealers and owners about defects, to the NHTSA.) These documents can be useful to owners because they identify known problems.

Manufacturer communications for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas show that the electrical, engine and braking have issues.

The top complaint of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is braking. The vehicles’ automatic emergency braking (AEB) is designed to reduce crashes, but poorly deigned or calibrated systems have become a safety issue. Drivers say while crossing lanes of traffic or after leveling out from a down slope, the AEB will automatically activate leaving them with no control over the movement of the vehicle. In order to move again, they have to shift the transmission into neutral and restart the engine.

The second biggest complaint about the 2018 Atlas is the engine start-stop technology. Start-stop technology advertises cost savings and environmental benefits, however, repeated engine starts while supplying power to systems when the engine is off, requires powerful batteries and complex systems to run smoothly. These systems are vulnerable to problems, the biggest being batteries that prematurely die and leave drivers stranded.

Air conditioning defects are the third top complaints of the 2018 VW Atlas. If your a/c is blowing warm air, it is most likely low refrigerant pressure. Leaks and blocked condensers can result in worn compressors, failing blower motors and expensive repair cost. In a recall affecting the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, an improperly installed HVAC drain tube allowed moisture to enter the airbag control unit, causing the airbag to unexpectedly deploy. This dangerous driving condition had thousands of owners returning to their dealers for repairs.

If you purchased or leased a defective Volkswagen Atlas in California that turned out to be a lemon, and need help to get rid of it, just fill out the above form or call us now for a free case evaluation.

Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2018 Atlas and 2017-2018 Passat vehicles, to notify them of a problem affecting the vehicles braking system. According to the defect report, the brake caliper carrier (bracket) bolts may have been torqued incorrectly, could loosen and cause the break caliper to move on the steering knuckle (Atlas front brake) or on the axle (Passat rear brake). If this happens, drivers may notice increased stopping distances and reduced vehicle control.

Dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt for tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection. 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 46H6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-536.

Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2015 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles because of a problem affecting the fuel system.

According to the NHTSA defect report, the high pressure fuel pump supply line could become porous and deteriorate from the inside. The resulting fuel leak may lead to a fuel smell withing the vehicle cabin and a potential fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Audi will be asking owners to return to their dealers to have the fuel line replaced. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 20AV and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-430.