Volkswagen Recall Alert: Transmission Shift Lever Safety Issue Affects 679,000 Vehicles
Volkswagen has issued a critical safety recall affecting approximately 679,000 vehicles across multiple models from 2011-2019 due to a transmission shift lever defect that could lead to dangerous rollaway situations. This comprehensive guide provides affected owners with essential information about the recall, potential risks, and the free repair solution being offered.
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Affected Volkswagen Models and Model Years
The recall impacts the following vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, manual handbrakes, and keyless entry systems:
- Volkswagen GTI/Golf GTI: 2015-2019 model years
- Golf hatchback: 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 model years
- Beetle coupe/convertible: 2012-2019 model years
- Golf SportWagen: 2017-2019 model years
- Jetta sedan: 2011-2019 model years
Note: Only vehicles with the specified combination of features are included in this recall. Manual transmission vehicles are not affected.
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The Safety Concern Explained
The recall addresses a potentially dangerous situation where silicate buildup on the shift lever microswitch contacts may allow drivers to remove the ignition key without properly shifting into Park.
How the Defect Occurs
- Silicate deposits accumulate on microswitch contacts over time
- Contamination prevents proper electrical contact detection
- System fails to recognize when transmission isn't in Park
- Ignition key can be removed in incorrect gear positions
Potential Safety Consequences
This defect significantly increases the risk of:
- Unintended vehicle rollaway when parked on inclines
- Collisions with other vehicles or property
- Pedestrian injuries from moving unattended vehicles
- Crash-related injuries to vehicle occupants
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Volkswagen's Free Repair Solution
To address this safety concern, Volkswagen has developed a permanent fix that will be performed at no cost to vehicle owners.
The Repair Process
Authorized Volkswagen dealerships will:
- Inspect the existing shift lever mechanism
- Install an additional safety switch as a redundant system
- Replace or upgrade the circuit board controlling the mechanism
- Test the modified system to ensure proper operation
The repair typically takes less than two hours to complete, though wait times may vary by dealership. Volkswagen recommends scheduling an appointment in advance.
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What Affected Owners Should Do
If you own one of the affected vehicles, follow these important steps:
1. Verify Your Vehicle's Inclusion
Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through:
- Volkswagen Recall Website: Visit MotorVero's VIN lookup tool
- NHTSA Database: Search at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Phone Verification: Call Volkswagen at 800-893-5298
2. Schedule Your Free Repair
Contact your preferred Volkswagen dealership to schedule the recall service:
- Use MotorVero's dealer locator to find an authorized service center
- Mention recall campaign 69G5 when scheduling
- Confirm the repair will be performed at no charge
3. Temporary Safety Precautions
Until the repair is completed, drivers should:
- Always engage the parking brake firmly
- Visually confirm the shifter is in Park before exiting
- Avoid parking on steep inclines when possible
- Never leave the vehicle running unattended
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the repair take?
The actual repair typically takes 1.5-2 hours, though dealerships may require your vehicle for a longer period depending on their schedule.
Is my vehicle safe to drive before the repair?
While the risk exists, proper parking procedures (using parking brake and verifying gear position) can mitigate most dangers until the repair is completed.
What if I already experienced issues related to this defect?
Document any incidents and contact Volkswagen Customer Care immediately at 800-822-8987 to report safety-related concerns.
Will this repair affect my vehicle's warranty?
No, recall repairs are performed at no cost to the owner and don't affect existing warranty coverage.
