Volkswagen, Audi Recall Issued Over Brake System Problems

Russell Maas

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More than 130,000 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles have been recalled due to problems with the Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit, which may fail and increase the risk of an auto accident. 

The Volkswagen recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on January 6, following dozens of consumer reports of the ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) failing while attempting to stop the vehicle. To date, no injuries or crashes have been reported in relation to the recall.

The recalled Audi and VW vehicles are equipped with both ABS control units and ESC activation features to stabilize the vehicle as the brakes are applied. Volkswagen has determined that an incorrect solder compound used during the manufacturing process may cause the ground solder to prematurely crack due to thermo-mechanical stress, ultimately leading to insufficient power supply to the braking systems.

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If this problem occurs, the brake system warnings will light up on the dashboard and the vehicle’s braking system stabilizing functions may fail, making it hard to control the vehicle when the brakes are applied.

Owners are being urged to contact dealers immediately if these icons illuminate to avoid potential loss of control situations and increased crash hazards.

The recall affects an estimated 135,683 model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedans, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagens, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles.

Volkswagen Group of America Inc. announced it will notify owners of the potential defect and provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealer, who will update the ABS control module software to improve the module’s self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic testing will be replaced free of charge by Volkswagen.

Customers with further question are being asked to contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 to report adverse events and vehicle related defects.

Written by: Russell Maas

Managing Editor & Senior Legal Journalist

Russell Maas is a paralegal and the Managing Editor of AboutLawsuits.com, where he has reported on mass tort litigation, medical recalls, and consumer safety issues since 2010. He brings legal experience from one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms and oversees the site’s editorial strategy, including SEO and content development.

Tags: Audi, Auto Accident, Auto Recall, Volkswagen
Image Credit: Image via <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-365671p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00">FotograFFF</a> / <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/editorial?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Shutterstock.com</a>

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7 Comments

Gi
Will someone tell me what my recourse is? I had this intermittent brake light problem come on occasionally, and then more persistent until it finally set off the, “J104 ABS Control Module” check engine light. The service advisor at my local VW dealer approached me with a mouth full of food and began to spit out a dozen reasons why they cannot fix my ABS. Specifically, he said it was broken and they only reprogram working modules. I read the reason for the recall is faulty ground solder, so how could the ABS not fail? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Best Regards, G…
Hamza
I have the same issue. And i had an accident be cause of this one. I even have a video thay shows me driving with 140km/h and after a hard brake. The red light shows and my car spin in 180 degree. And the car flips. I was with my brother and we got some injury. I still have the issue until now. The issue is still reproducible. Now am driving my car slowly.. can some one help. Am in morocco and i bought the car from germany.
Daryl
Having same problem with the ABS module on my 09 Jetta. Had no issue with it, received a recall notice for an update to supposedly fix problem. Did it being pro active then all the sudden I have brake problems. Dealers says they won’t warranty cause of a code it doen’t pull. I call BS. think something fishy going on.
ALLYSON
We are having the same problem with our 2009 VW Rabbit with only 78,683 miles and feel helpless because VW won’t replace the ABS module because it doesn’t show a certain code and it’s almost a $2000.00 fix. I wish I knew if there was any type of legal action we could take?
Hugo
I’m going through the same issue with an ’09 GTI that is included in the recall for ABS module. If it is defective regardless as to whether they are getting the correct codes or not it should be replaced. Has anyone had any luck getting VW to cover the repair?
Barry
My ’09 VW GTI is included in the latest recall for the ABS module. As far as history, my ABS brakes went out about 1 year ago and they said I needed a new module, which I didn’t get fixed when considering they were asking $2400 to fix it. Now that there is a recall, I took it in and they said they would NOT replace the module under the recall (something about not having the correct computer codes) but they still confirm that the ABS module is broken and needs to be replaced. Being really confused now, IS THERE ANY ADDITIONAL RECOURSE THAT I CAN TAKE UP AGAINST VW, to replace my ABS.
Sterling
I had my abs fail in my 2009 audi a3 Quattro and caused me to crash into the woods with zero control of brakes or throttle response, airbags didn’t deploy either but audi engineers looked over the car and said it functioned as Designed? I don’t think this is right. The abs and traction lights have come on in the past a few times but always went out after turning the vehicle off and back On? I only owned the car since November to replace my bought back jetta tdi and didn’t expect more issues , especially as dangerous as this!

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