Volkswagen Recall Issued Over Failure to Warn When Key Is In Ignition, Creating Crash Risk

Nearly 74,000 Volkswagen vehicles have been recalled, due to concerns that a defect may prevent the driver from receiving an alert when the key is still in the ignition, which may increase the risk of roll away problems, accidents and stolen vehicles. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Volkswagen recall this month, indicating that certain models may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that require alerts if the key is in the ignition when the door is open.

Under FMVSS number 14, automobile manufacturers must equip vehicles with an audible warning if the driver’s door is left open while the key is still in the ignition. The failure to alert drivers could increase the risk of theft, and could also increase the risk of a crash and injury to any occupants left inside the vehicle.

The recall affects 2018 through 2019 Volkswagen Atlas models manufactured from December 22, 2016 through November 10, 2018; 2019 Volkswagen Jetta models manufactured from October 11, 2017 through November 8, 2018; and 2018 through 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan models manufactured from March 1, 2017 through November 8, 2018.

According to Volkswagen, 10,109 Atlas models, 37,992 Jetta sedans, and 25,444 Tiguan crossovers are included in the recall, totaling 73,545 vehicles.

An investigation opened by Volkswagen and NHTSA found a manufacturing defect in which the data container was not properly coded, and could fail to sound an audible chime when the key is left in the ignition.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced they will begin notifying owners of the recall and will provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair appointments at their local dealer, where dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster.

The recall is anticipated to begin on January 18, 2019. Customers with additional questions or concerns may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and reference the recall campaign number 90L3 and 90L4.