The problem
In the event of a cooling system component failure while the vehicle is driven, the coolant can overheat causing the cooling system pressure to rise to a level where a leak in the heat exchanger can occur.
The risk
A leak or failure of the heat exchanger located under the dashboard can allow hot coolant to escape and cause injury to the feet of a passenger. Hot coolant can also steam up the interior of the vehicle temporarily impairing the driver's visibility, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix
Dealers will install a bypass valve kit which is designed to route excessively hot coolant to the engine without flowing through the heat exchanger. Dealers will also install a plastic cover underneath the dashboard on the passenger side to ensure that the passenger is not exposed to hot coolant in the event of a leak.
Contacts
System: engine cooling system. Vehicle description: passenger cars. Note: if your vehicle is presented to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and the remedy is not provided free of charge within a reasonable time, please contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Volkswagen dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 95V105000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.