Recall FAQ

General Recall QA

What is a recall?

Do recalls have an expiration date?

Is there a recall on my vehicle?

There is a recall on my vehicle. Can I get a loaner vehicle?

The closest Volkswagen dealer is a very long distance from me. How can I make an appointment for recall repairs?

I received a recall letter in the mail from Volkswagen, but I'm pretty sure I have already had the affected part replaced. Do I still need to have the recall work done?

What will it cost to have a recall repair completed?

Recall repairs are FREE.

However, there are times when you will have to pay for vehicle repairs before your dealer can do the recall work. For example:

If you have aftermarket equipment installed on your vehicle and your dealer determines that it would interfere with or prevent the safe completion of the recall repair, you will need to have the aftermarket equipment removed at your expense before the recall work can be done.
If there is damage to your vehicle and your dealer determines that it would interfere with or prevent the safe completion of the recall repair, you will need to have the damage repaired at your expense before the recall work can be done.
If there is a pre-existing vehicle issue (such as a vehicle problem that causes an illuminated warning light) and your dealer determines that it would interfere or prevent the safe completion of the recall repair, you will need to have the problem fixed before the recall work can be done.

I think my vehicle has the recall problem that I read about in the recall letter I received. What should I do?

Please contact your Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible. They will help you make arrangements to get your vehicle to the dealership and perform a diagnosis to determine what the problem is. If the diagnosis confirms the recall issue, Volkswagen will cover the diagnosis and repair for FREE. However, if the diagnosis shows that the problem is not related to the recall, Volkswagen will cover only the diagnosis for FREE; your dealer will let you know what repairs will be needed, and what your cost will be to have the work done.

I heard about a recall on cars that are similar to mine, but when I check the VIN lookup or talk to my Volkswagen dealer, I am told that there's no recall on my car. Why is that?

Recalls affect vehicles built during a certain production timeframe and may also only apply to vehicles with certain types of engines or specific options/equipment. Because of this, cars similar to yours may be recalled, but your car is not affected. Checking with your Volkswagen dealer, or using the VIN lookup tool on vw.com are both very good ways to see if your car is included in a recall or not.

I paid to have a problem fixed on my car, and now there is a recall for the same problem. Can I be reimbursed?

If you have incurred out-of-pocket expenses directly related to a campaign repair and would like to request reimbursement, information on what Volkswagen needs to review your request is included in the recall letter you received.

Please provide legible copies of receipts, invoices and/or repair orders and keep the originals for your records. Documents will not be returned.

Documentation must include:

The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the repaired vehicle.

A description of the problem and what repair was done, and the name, address and phone number of the repair facility that performed the work.

Proof of payment for the repair and date payment was made (cancelled check, bank statement, etc.).

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 an authorized Volkswagen dealer.
If your claim is incomplete we will contact you and offer you the opportunity to provide additional documentation to support your claim.
If your claim is denied we will contact you with the reason(s) for denial.

I did my own repairs to fix a problem on my car, and now there is a recall for the same problem. Can I be reimbursed?

I received a recall letter, but it said that the recall repair is not yet available. How will I know when I can get my vehicle fixed?

Why did I receive a recall letter when a repair is not yet available?

Automakers are required by Federal law to notify owners within 60 days of notifying the government (NHTSA) about a new recall. Because it takes time to develop, test, manufacture and ship repair parts to dealers, it's not possible for dealers to begin performing recall repairs within that 60-day timeframe. It's important for owners to be aware of recalls affecting their vehicles, whether or not a repair is available.

I'm uncomfortable driving my vehicle when I know it has a recall and it can't be fixed right away. Can I get alternate transportation covered while I wait for parts?

Safety Recalls 69Q8_69Q9 Takata - Takata Recall

What Volkswagen vehicles are included in the Takata airbag recalls?

Driver Frontal Airbag Only:

VW CC – Model Years 2009 – 2017

VW Eos – Model Years 2010 – 2016

VW Golf – Model Years 2010 – 2014

VW Golf R – Model Year 2013

VW GTI – Model Years 2009 – 2013

VW Passat – Model Years 2012 – 2015

VW Passat Sedan – Model Years 2006 – 2010

VW Passat Wagon – Model Years 2006 - 2010

To see if your Volkswagen is part of a recall, please enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the VIN Lookup tool found on either vw.com/recalls or NHTSA.gov/recalls .

Your VIN is located on the lower left corner of your vehicle’s windshield, on your vehicle’s registration card, and it may also be shown on your vehicle insurance certificate.

For additional information on this airbag recall, please reach out to us by visiting vw.com/contact.

Why are certain Takata airbags being recalled?

Are there any warnings that indicate a Takata airbag inflator is at risk for exploding?

There is no way to detect if your car might have an airbag inflator potentially at risk of rupturing upon deployment in a crash.

If the airbag light is on in your vehicle, it is not related to this recall issue. We recommend that you contact your authorized dealer, without delay, to make arrangements to have the problem diagnosed and repaired. See your owner’s manual for additional information about vehicle warning lights.

What is the repair for a recalled Takata airbag in an affected Volkswagen vehicle?

Are all of the airbags in my Volkswagen made by Takata?

My Volkswagen is included in a Takata recall. How can I get it fixed for FREE?

My Volkswagen vehicle received an interim Takata
airbag recall repair. Do I still need to get the final FREE recall repair?

Will this recall affect my ability to import/export my vehicle?

Yes, it will. For Canadian vehicles, you may be able to import/export the vehicle before all recall repairs are complete, but it’s best to contact your vehicle import service for additional details and restrictions before you decide to export/import your vehicle. With regard to other countries, please contact your vehicle import service for additional details and restrictions before you decide to import/export your vehicle.

I'm in the military overseas with my vehicle. How can this Takata recall be addressed?

I received a Takata recall letter and/or reminder postcard, but I no longer own the vehicle. What should I do?

I have more questions about the FREE Takata recall repair. Where can I get more information?

Safety Recall 20AW – Fuel Tank

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 20AW?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 20AW?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 20AW?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 20AW be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 20AW?

Yes. If you smell fuel or notice a puddle of fuel beneath your vehicle, please contact your nearest Volkswagen dealer right away. They will help you make arrangements to get your vehicle to the dealership and perform a diagnosis to determine what the problem is. If the diagnosis confirms the recall issue, Volkswagen will cover the diagnosis and repair for FREE. However, if the diagnosis shows that the problem is not related to the recall, Volkswagen will cover only the diagnosis for FREE; your dealer will let you know what repairs will be needed, and what your cost will be to have the work done.

Safety Recall 69X1 - Center Bench Seat Safety Belt Buckles

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 69X1?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 69X1?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 69X1?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 69X1 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 69X1?

I've never used a child restraint in my vehicle. Do I still need to have this recall completed?

What additional information will Volkswagen provide affected owners about using a child restraint in the center seating position of the second row bench seat?

Safety Recall 69W8 –Passenger Frontal Airbag

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 69W8?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 69W8?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 69W8?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 69W8 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 69W8?

Is Safety Recall 69W8 related to the Takata recalls?

Safety Recall 69W9 – Passenger Frontal Airbag

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 69W9?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 69W9?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 69W9?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 69W9 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 69W9?

Is Safety Recall 69W9 related to the Takata recalls?

Safety Recall 40N4 – Lower Ball Nut Joints

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 40N4?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 40N4?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 40N4?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 40N4 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 40N4?

Safety Recall 40N5 – Lower Ball Nut Joints

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 40N5?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 40N5?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 40N5?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 40N5 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 40N5?

Safety Recall 46H6 – Brake Caliper Carrier (Bracket) Bolts

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 46H6?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 46H6?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 46H6?

To correct this defect, your authorized Volkswagen dealer will inspect affected brake caliper carrier (bracket) bolts. If a loose bolt is found, it will be replaced and torqued to the correct specification. Additionally, the brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve and brake hose bolt will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary. For Passat only dealers will inspect if the parking brake cable is connected properly.

When will the repair for Safety Recall 46H6 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 46H6?

Safety Recall 47N8 – Brake Calipers

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 47N8?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 47N8?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 47N8?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 47N8 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 47N8?

Safety Recall 47N9 – Brake Calipers

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 47N9?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 47N9?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 47N9?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 47N9 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 47N9?

Safety Recall 60D1 – Panoramic Sunroof Ambient Light Bar (LED Module)

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 60D1?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 60D1?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 60D1?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 60D1 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 60D1?

Safety Recall 69Y5 - Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator (Takata)

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 69Y5?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 69Y5?

What is the repair for Safety Recall 695Y?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 69Y5 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 69Y5?

Safety Recall 87F9 – HVAC Drain Tube/Airbag Control Module

What vehicles are included in Safety Recall 87F9?

What is the safety concern for Safety Recall 87F9?

In certain vehicles, an air conditioning evaporator (HVAC) drain tube may have been twisted during vehicle assembly. If this tube is twisted, it can lead to water draining inside the passenger compartment and also onto the airbag control module. If the airbag control module gets wet, it can malfunction and possibly lead to an unintended airbag deployment. An unintended airbag deployment can cause injuries to vehicle occupants and possibly lead to a crash.

What is the repair for Safety Recall 87F9?

When will the repair for Safety Recall 87F9 be available?

Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Safety Recall 87F9?

If this condition is present in your vehicle, you may notice wet carpet, a foul odor in the interior of the vehicle or the airbag warning lamp may illuminate. Other warning lights may also illuminate depending on vehicle equipment and conditions. If any of this happens, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer without delay and arrange to have the vehicle inspected. Please click here to find a Volkswagen dealer.