Frequently Asked Questions
Top 10 FAQs
To locate limited warranty information for your vehicle, please refer to your Warranty and Maintenance booklet found in your Owner’s Manual.
If you do not have an Owner’s Manual for your vehicle, you can order one at www.literature.vw.com or by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-544-8021.
What you will also find on the website:
- Owner's Manuals Inserts and Supplements
- Warranty and Maintenance Manuals
- Sound System and Navigation Manuals
For information about loaner availability, please reach out to an authorized Volkswagen dealership. Click here to locate your nearest VW dealer.
You bet. Volkswagen limited warranties are automatically transferred without cost if the ownership of the vehicle changes while the limited warranties are valid.
If your car has been sitting for a while, if it is wet, or even cold outside, the brakes can oxidize and rust may form. So when the brakes are used for the first time, they may make a squealing noise. After a few stops, the rust will essentially wear off and the noise will disappear as well. If brake noise continues, please visit your local VW dealer.
Your tires were carefully selected to match your Volkswagen, so only a tire size that is shown on the “Tire and Loading Information” label on the door of your vehicle (or listed in your Owner’s Manual) is recommended for use.
We recommend changing the oil and filter in Volkswagen vehicles every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The exception is the Routan, which is recommended every 6,000 miles. Always reference your Owner’s Manual for service intervals and schedule maintenance information.
All limited warranty-related repairs must be completed at your local Volkswagen dealership. If you are having difficulty getting to your nearest dealership, please contact Volkswagen Customer CARE between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST M-F by clicking here.
Certain 2015-2018 model year Volkswagen Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles.
To see if your Volkswagen is part of a recall, please enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the VIN Lookup tool here or NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Your VIN is located on the lower left corner of your vehicle’s windshield and on your vehicle’s registration card. It may also be shown on your vehicle insurance certificate.
Certain 2011-2019 model year Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, and Beetle vehicles.
By following the "Forgot My Password" link on the VW Car-Net Sign In page, you can request an email with steps to reset your password. Or you can contact Volkswagen Customer CARE 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST M-F by clicking here.
Warranty
To locate limited warranty information for your vehicle, please refer to your Warranty and Maintenance booklet found in your Owner’s Manual.
If you do not have an Owner’s Manual for your vehicle, you can order one at www.literature.vw.com or by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-544-8021.
What you will also find on the website:
- Owner's Manuals Inserts and Supplements
- Warranty and Maintenance Manuals
- Sound System and Navigation Manuals
All limited warranties are voided if the vehicle is reported as:
- Dismantled
- Fire/flood damaged
- Junk
- Rebuilt
- Reconstructed -Salvaged -Severely damaged
- Declared a total loss by an insurer
- Substantially reassembled from or repaired with parts obtained from another used vehicle
Though we make many excellent vehicles, we do not make tires. Therefore, tires are not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. You’ll have to contact the respective tire manufacturer for further details about available warranties.
No, they do not. Repairs under your limited warranty may be completed at your local Volkswagen dealership. If you'd like to locate a dealer in your area, click here .
There are unauthorized spare parts and accessories in the market. Volkswagen does not warrant these products and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your vehicle.
For authorized spare parts and accessories, please visit parts.vw.com .
For information about loaner availability, please reach out to an authorized Volkswagen dealership. Click here to locate your nearest VW dealer.
Service contracts may be purchased at a Volkswagen dealer, but are not administered by Volkswagen of America, Inc. For further information on what third-party service contracts are available to you, please contact your local Volkswagen dealer. To locate one in your area, click here .
All limited warranty-related repairs must be completed at your local Volkswagen dealership. If you are having difficulty getting to your nearest dealership, please contact Volkswagen Customer CARE between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST M-F by clicking here.
You bet. Volkswagen limited warranties are automatically transferred without cost if the ownership of the vehicle changes while the limited warranties are valid.
For information regarding limited warranty coverage for your vehicle while you're stationed overseas, please contact Volkswagen Customer CARE at 1-800-822-8987, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.
Good news: Volkswagen limited warranties are automatically transferred without cost if the ownership of the vehicle changes while the limited warranty is valid. If you'd like to ensure we have your owner information on file, feel free to call us at 1-800-822-8987, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.
We are more than happy to review your specific situation and recommend you contact our Volkswagen Customer CARE Center at 1-800-822-8987, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.
All limited warranty-related repairs must be completed at your local Volkswagen dealership. If you are having difficulty getting to your nearest dealership, please contact Volkswagen Customer CARE between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST M-F by clicking here.
Yes. If the airbag light in your vehicle ever illuminates, please contact your local Volkswagen dealership to schedule an appointment. If you're not familiar with one, please locate one here . If you are also experiencing problems with the steering wheel controls, the dealer will diagnose whether the cause is a faulty clock spring free of charge under this warranty extension.
If you have previously paid for replacement of a faulty steering wheel clock spring as described in the letter you received, you may submit a request for reimbursement.
For all requests, please include the following:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the repaired vehicle
- Name and Address of the person who paid for the repair (receiving reimbursement)
- Legible repair orders and/or itemization of repair that was completed (keep originals- documents will not be returned)
- Legible copies of proof of payment (receipts, invoices, cancelled checks, bank/credit statement)
- The name, address and phone number of the repair facility that performed the work
To submit Online: Email us by Clicking here Reimbursement.Request@vw.com
To Submit by Mail:
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Attn: Campaign Reimbursement
3800 Hamlin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Please Note:
- Your claim will be acted upon within 60 days of receipt. If your claim is approved, you will receive a check from Volkswagen. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would cost if it had been completed by a Volkswagen dealer or authorized repair facility
- If your claim is incomplete, we will contact you and request any additional required information to support your claim
- If your claim is denied, we will contact you with the reason(s) for denial
No. Rental or loaner vehicles are not a provision of this warranty extension.
Yes. As long as your vehicle is within the time limit of this warranty extension, an authorized Volkswagen dealer will diagnose the following FREE of charge: Steering wheel controls not working properly and an airbag light that stays on. Both conditions must be present for diagnosis to be covered under this warranty extension.
- If diagnosis confirms that the issue is caused by a torn steering wheel clock spring, the repair will be performed at no cost to you.
- If diagnosis reveals that your vehicle has an unrelated issue(s), any necessary repairs will not be covered under this warranty extension. Your dealer will advise you on what the repair cost(s) will be.
If you have previously paid for the diagnosis or replacement of a faulty steering wheel clock spring as described in the letter you received or were previously denied reimbursement prior to the start of the Warranty Extension, please reference the enclosed form attached to the letter that explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review your reimbursement request.
If you have misplaced the form, please don’t hesitate to contact Customer CARE, Monday through Friday, using your preferred method of communication outlined on the “Contact Us” page.
If you have previously paid for the diagnosis or replacement of a faulty steering wheel clock spring as described in the letter you received, please reference the enclosed form attached to the letter that explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review your reimbursement request.
If you have misplaced the form, please don’t hesitate to contact Customer CARE, Monday through Friday, using your preferred method of communication outlined on the “Contact Us” page.
If you purchased your vehicle through the Overseas Military Sales Corporation and have coverage under the Clock Spring Warranty Extension, please contact custserv@militarycars.com for assistance.
If you have previously paid for the diagnosis or replacement of a faulty steering wheel clock spring as described in the letter you received or any consequential damage, please reference the enclosed form attached to the letter that explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review your reimbursement request.
If you have misplaced the form, please don’t hesitate to contact Customer CARE, Monday through Friday, using your preferred method of communication outlined on the “Contact Us” page.
If your vehicle is subject to 69L2-Steering Wheel Clock Spring Safety Recall, we urge you to have it completed without delay. Please contact your local Volkswagen dealership to schedule an appointment. If you're not familiar with one, please locate one here . If your vehicle has already been repaired or is not subject to 69L2-Steering Wheel Clock Spring Safety Recall and you are not experiencing problems with the steering wheel controls and the airbag light is not illuminated, you are not currently affected by the clock spring issue. Should you experience problems with the steering wheel controls and the airbag light illuminates in the future, please schedule an appointment with your dealer to have the issue diagnosed under this warranty extension.
The clock spring warranty extension is not related to the Takata Safety Recall.
Yes. However, the 69L2 Steering Wheel Air Bag Clock Spring Safety Recall must be performed before coverage goes into effect. Additionally, if there is an open recall on your vehicle, we urge you to have it completed without delay. Please contact your local Volkswagen dealership to schedule an appointment. If you're not familiar with one, please locate one here .
A vehicle is not eligible for the extended warranty coverage if it has a branded title (including, but not limited to: “Totaled,” “Assembled,” “Dismantled,” “Flood,” “Junk,” “Rebuilt,” “Reconstructed,” “Lemon Law Buyback,” “Fleet,” “Mileage Unknown,” “Stolen,” or “Salvaged,” or if it was acquired by any person or entity from a junkyard, salvage facility, or body shop).
A vehicle is not eligible for the extended warranty coverage if it has a branded title (including, but not limited to: “Totaled,” “Assembled,” “Dismantled,” “Flood,” “Junk,” “Rebuilt,” “Reconstructed,” “Lemon Law Buyback,” “Fleet,” “Mileage Unknown,” “Stolen,” or “Salvaged,” or if it was acquired by any person or entity from a junkyard, salvage facility, or body shop).
If you have previously paid for the diagnosis or replacement of a faulty steering wheel clock spring as described in the letter you received prior to the vehicle's status change, please reference the enclosed form attached to the letter that explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review your reimbursement request.
If you have misplaced the form, please don’t hesitate to contact Customer CARE, Monday through Friday, using your preferred method of communication outlined on the “Contact Us” page.
Technical
You should not tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. For our front-wheel-drive vehicles, it is recommended to use a 2-wheel dolly to tow the vehicle. If you have a 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive vehicle, your vehicle can only be towed on a trailer with all four wheels on the trailer. Please refer to your VW's owner's manual for more information.
If your car has been sitting for a while, if it is wet, or even cold outside, the brakes can oxidize and rust may form. So, when the brakes are used for the first time, they may make a squealing noise. After a few stops, the rust will essentially wear off and the noise will disappear as well. If brake noise continues, please visit your local VW dealer.
Tires are subject to wear that can vary based on driving habits and road conditions, so there isn't a set timeframe on how long the original tires should last. To help get the most out of your tires, please see the “Tires” section in your Owner’s Manual * for proper tire care guidelines.
For additional information on tires, click here .
*Online Owner's Manual available for 2012 model years and newer.
When it comes to filling up the tank, Volkswagen gasoline-fueled vehicles can use a blend of up to 10% ethanol (E10). We do not recommend using E85 in our gasoline-fueled vehicles.
Yes. If your engine doesn’t start because the vehicle battery is dead, you can connect your vehicle’s battery to the battery of another vehicle to jump-start it. For specific instructions, please reference the “Jump-starting” section in your Owner’s Manual *. For additional assistance, please contact your local dealership. To locate one near you, click here .
*Online Owner's Manual available for 2012 model years and newer.
Good question. Fuel requirements will vary based on the vehicle you have. To identify the minimum octane rating of the gasoline recommended for your vehicle, please check the fuel sticker that is found on the inside of your fuel filler door.
Requests to have an on/off switch installed for your airbags must be done through NHTSA. For information about how to submit your request, please click here .
Small passengers need protection too. For information regarding child safety seats and how to install them, please check out the NHTSA website here .
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are automatically activated when the ignition is switched on and the light switch is either in the position 0, AUTO, or if the parking lights are on as well. The majority of our vehicles may not allow you to manually turn the DRLs off if the vehicle is running. If your vehicle has the DRL parking feature, the DRLs can be turned off by engaging the parking brake. Please check out your Owner’s Manual *.
*Online Owner's Manual available for 2012 model years and newer.
You want more details? You got ‘em. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), also called Technical Bulletins, are repair suggestions that are provided to our dealerships to instruct their technicians on the steps to perform a specific repair. If you wish to obtain a copy of a TSB that is for your vehicle, please contact the Volkswagen Customer CARE Center at 1-800-822-8987, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST. Another great resource is https://erwin.vw.com . While many features of the site require a subscription, it can be a helpful tool for VW owners looking for repair and technical information.
All internal combustion engines use some oil to provide effective lubrication and cooling for their internal parts. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change over the life of the engine. Engines tend to use more oil during the break-in period than they do afterward when oil consumption stabilizes. If you're experiencing oil consumption that is out of the ordinary, please see your VW dealer.
For information about resetting the oil service reminder, please refer to the "Instrument Cluster and Instrument Panel" section of the Owner's Manual .
A lot of variables are factored into a vehicle's fuel economy. Your personal driving habits, external conditions such as the weather and temperature, and the vehicle condition can play a role. See here for EPA estimates.
If the vehicle is unlocked with the remote control key and a door or the rear hatch aren’t opened within a few seconds, the vehicle will automatically lock again. It’s all designed to help prevent you from leaving the vehicle unlocked unintentionally.
That's a bummer… You will need to call roadside for lockout assistance to get into the passenger compartment. Once inside, you can access the trunk referring to the "Emergency Opening" section in your Owner's Manual . If you have an active Volkswagen Car-Net Safe & Secure subscription, you can use the "Unlock" feature in the Volkswagen Car-Net mobile app as well. Volkswagen Car-Net can also be reached at 1-877-820-2990.
Batteries have the worst timing. But you can manually unlock the doors using the key bit. If there is a concealed lock cylinder, which applies to most vehicles with keyless entry (Fig 1), you can insert the key bit into the opening of the cover cap on the driver door (Fig 2). Once the cap has been removed, you can insert the key bit into the lock cylinder to unlock (or lock) the door. Then, reinsert the cover cap from top to bottom until it clicks into place. Be sure and check your Owner's Manual in the section titled "Emergency Closing and Opening" for important information and warnings.
Your Volkswagen was primarily designed for carrying passengers, not for towing. But if you wish to tow a trailer, please check your Owner's Manual to identify the maximum permissible trailer weights (if applicable) and any additional information regarding towing recommendations.
As long as you unlock the vehicle with the unlock button on the remote control vehicle key, or switch on the ignition with a valid vehicle key, it should help deactivate the anti-theft alarm.
For more information about the anti-theft system, check out the “Opening and Closing” section of your Owner’s Manual.
We’ve drawn it all out for you. A list of warning and indicator lights can be found in your Owner’s Manual in the “Instrument Cluster and Instrument Panel” section.
Don’t have the manual handy? While you should always consult your Owner's Manual, for a digital quick reference, visit www.vwserviceandparts.com/service/volkswagen-dashboard-indicator-lights/ .
We’re sticklers for the rules. The correct tire inflation pressure for the factory-installed tires is listed on a label. The factory-installed tires may be summer, winter, or all-season tires. The label is on the inside of the fuel filler flap. Underinflation or overinflation may shorten the service life of your tires and affect the handling of the vehicle.
Road trip? We like the sound of that. The compass zone map can be found in your Owner's Manual under the "Instrument Cluster and Instrument Panel" section.