VW Group has told Practical Motoring this morning (November 18) that only a small number of Skodas and Audis fitted with the companies’s seven-speed DSG gearbox (DQ200), will be getting recall notices for replacement of synthetic oil.

Back in June, the Skoda and Audi seven-speed DSG-equipped cars (six-speed DSGs were not affected) were recalled along with VW models to fix what the ACCC said was a problem which could “lead to a sudden and total loss of power to the wheels, resulting in the vehicle coming to a rolling stop”.

Some 1746 Skoda Octavia and Superb and 6267 Audi A1 and A3 models were recalled in Australia in June, but this time only 16 Skodas in Australia have been recalled and owners will be notified. We are still waiting confirmation from Audi on recall numbers, but they too are likely to be low and owners will be contacted.

As we reported last Friday, November 15, VW said the latest DSG issue could see cars fitted with the seven-speed DSG suffering electric malfunctions in what the company said were “rare cases”, if synthetic gearbox oil was used.

VW said this applied in particular if the vehicle was subject to a hot and humid climate – just like Australia’s – coupled with a high proportion of stop and go driving. The issue applies to vehicles with DSG gearboxes manufactured between June 2008 and September 2011.

Replacing the gearbox’s synthetic oil with mineral oil would solve the problem, said Volkswagen.

In October, VW Australia’s management apologised to the media for its poor handling of the last VW recall.

[toggle_content title=”Click to read the press release” class=””]Volkswagen AG in Germany has announced overnight three international voluntary recalls which will affect Australian customers. In response, Volkswagen Group Australia today confirmed it will begin preparations for the recalls immediately.

Tiguan vehicle lights: Quality Assurance at Volkswagen AG has found that, in isolated cases, a fuse may blow in the Tiguan, thus resulting in failure of one of the two vehicle light circuits. This in turn causes individual light functions to fail. However, the vehicle’s electric circuitry ensures that some lights remain on all around the vehicle. The driver is immediately informed of this on the instrument cluster.

The recall will involve the replacement of the fuse with one with a stronger surface coating. Tiguan vehicles built between 2008 and 2011 are affected by this global recall of which there are an estimated 16,700 affected Tiguans in Australia. Volkswagen Australia is reviewing specific requirements to initiate the necessary repairs and will commence the process of the recall immediately. Relevant vehicle owners will be informed by mail accordingly.

Volkswagen Group Australia will provide further local specific information on the recalls announced today in due course.

DQ200 DSG oil change Within the framework of the continuous monitoring of vehicles in the field, Quality Assurance at Volkswagen AG has found that in vehicles with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox (DQ200), electric malfunctions could occur in rare cases in the gearbox power supply if synthetic gearbox oil is used. This applies in particular if the vehicle is subject to a hot and humid climate, coupled with a high proportion of stop and go driving.

Studies have established that using mineral oil will rectify this problem. This recall does not affect vehicles equipped with a manual or a six-speed DSG transmission. Volkswagen Australia is reviewing specific requirements to initiate the necessary repairs and will commence the process of the recall immediately.

In Australia, approximately 11,000 vehicles will require the oil in their transmissions to be changed. Customers with affected vehicles are still able to drive their cars prior to the oil change. To continue to ensure satisfaction amongst DSG customers, Volkswagen will notify all owners of affected vehicles with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DQ200) filled with synthetic oil and advise them of when to visit a workshop for an oil exchange. The owners of affected vehicles will be informed by mail.

Volkswagen Australia is currently conducting a voluntary recall of 25,928 vehicles with DSG gearboxes manufactured between June 2008 and September 2011 with repairs expected to be completed next year. That program is approximately 40 per cent complete and is progressing in line with the timeframe anticipated at its commencement. Customers who have already brought their vehicles in for the current recall are not affected by the new announcement as the oil in their gearboxes has already been replaced.

Amarok fuel pipe As part of its continual monitoring of the vehicle fleet, the Volkswagen AG quality assurance team has identified defects on some individual Amarok models. Some Amarok utes with a 2.0-litre TDI engine may be affected by leaks to the fuel pipe within the engine compartment. In order to avoid any accidental damage to the fuel lines a chafe protector is being fitted at the affected points as part of a global recall programme.

In Australia, approximately 17,000 vehicles will require the modifications to their fuel lines. Volkswagen Australia is reviewing specific requirements to initiate the necessary repairs and will commence the process of the recall immediately. Relevant vehicle owners will be informed by mail accordingly.

Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Australia, John White today said: “Volkswagen Group Australia will ensure these recalls are conducted promptly and efficiently. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience that this may cause our customers. We will notify our dealer network today and will commence planning for the rollout of these recalls immediately. Customer safety and satisfaction are the highest priorities for Volkswagen Group Australia and have been so since Volkswagen began operations here more than 60 years ago.”[/toggle_content]