VW Recalls 169 2018 e-Golf, Golf R Models; Audi A3, RS3 As Well

Although the U.S. auto industry excels at some things – innovation, technology, and the like – there is one area where carmakers are especially attentive, recalls. Though it may look as if the industry, at times, shirks its duty to call back some of its models, if you look closely at the record, you will find that the industry is pretty good.

An Interesting Example

For example, last year one of the exotic-makers – Bugatti – called back only one car of a production run to repair a problem. Though it likely cost the automaker a tremendous amount of money to fix just one vehicle, the exotic manufacturer did the recall. The amount of goodwill the move engendered was huge. Like as not, the goodwill extended to other brands in the VW tent as Bugatti is a major exotic-car, though there is no evidence, other than anecdotal that there is an effect.

In light of this, though, Volkswagen has recalled 169 vehicles to repair the seats. Refer1 Yes, you did read that correctly, 169 cars, out of production runs in the hundreds of thousands. Specifically, the recalls involve certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R recalled for rear seat issue. Also, the automaker’s recall affects cars from another VW subsidiary, Audi. The recall announcement lists A3 and RS3 as among those models recalled.

The issue, according to a summary of the problem from the federal safety agency on its website, is the rear seat frame. The report notes that the seat frame sleeve welds may be incorrect. If they are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injuries.

VW Will Notify Owners

According to the NHTSA, Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners beginning Jan. 11, 2019. Dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds. If the inspection finds incorrectly welded sleeves, the seat frame will be replaced free of charge.

For more information, contact Volkswagen Customer Service at 800-893-5298 or Audi Customer Service at 800-253-2834. The recall number is 72H8 for VW owners and 72H9 for Audi owners.
Or, owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. The hearing impaired can use the agency’s TTY line at 800-424-9153. Owners can also contact the NHTSA car safety website. for information about recall 18V803000.

Source: NHTSA