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VW recalls 84,000 Diesel Passats For Heat Shield Problems

Volkswagen has recalled 84,000 2012-14 Passat diesels to repair heat shields that are too short to protect half-shafts. The grease may become hot enough to run and if it comes in contact with a hot surface there may be a fire. The recall will begin in July.

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Although Volkswagen has been the diesel recall king for the last couple of years due to Dieselgate and its fallout, there are times when the automaker’s diesel vehicles are called back for repairs for something other than emissions. Audi recalls A7s for airbag failures

Volkswagen has recalled 84,000 Passat diesel cars built from 2012-2014 to fix heat shield issues. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), installed heat shields may be too short so they do not offer adequate underbody protection.

Fire problem due to length of the heat shield

According to a posting on the agency’s website, www.safercar.gov, the heat shield may not be long enough to protect the Passat’s right grease boot from heat. As the lubricant warms, it can leak from the boot and, if it comes in contact with a heated surface – an exhaust manifold or such – there could be a fire.

According to the agency, the recall affects Passats equipped with direct-shift transmissions. There are 84,262 Passats registered in the U.S., NHTSA records show.

Volkswagen will begin to notify owners by mail in July. When an owner receives the notice, he or she can then contact a dealer who will take care of the repairs – replacement of the driveshaft heat shield – for free.

Customer service identification numbers

For more information, contact Volkswagen Customer Service at 800-893-5298. VW’s internal ID for the recall is 23W5. Or, you can communicate with the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 and ask about campaign 17V309000.

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