Your car's not haunted. It just has a bad sensor.
Volkswagen of America is recalling 13,500 vehicles equipped with its Direct Shift Gearbox transmission. Models affected by the recall include the Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, and Eos built between September 2008 and August 2009. VW says the recall applies to 2009 model year vehicles and a limited number of 2010 model year vehicles.
The recall also applies to 2009 Audi A3, TT and TT Roadster models equipped with “S tronic” transmissions. A limited number of 2010 A3 cars equipped with the transmissions are also affected, according to Audi. More than a quarter of the cars involved in the recall, or 667, are in dealer stock or at delivery ports. They will be inspected before sales to customers.
The problem with the high tech transmission is apparently caused by a defective temperature sensor, which triggers a fault code in the computer controller. Failure of the temperature sensor could result in illuminated warning lamps on the instrument panel, and, in what VW says are rare instances, the transmission may shift into neutral since the computer thinks the oil in the gearbox it is overheating.
The DSG dual-clutch transmission uses direct shifting that automatically engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. A computer engages one clutch on the next gear when it’s needed, just as it releases the other clutch from the previous gear. When all is well, shifts are seamless and happen without the power loss associated with a traditional, clutched shift.
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The DSG transmission gives drivers a choice of fully automatic operation, with no further driver involvement necessary beyond selecting “D.” The advanced transmission also offers automated manual shifting for drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation last month after 12 owners complained of loss of power while driving. NHTSA says that in most incidents, the DSG malfunction either spontaneously self-corrected or was temporarily corrected after the engine was stopped and restarted.
Three people said that the vehicle had to be towed. In addition, NHTSA has received 15 complaints alleging safety concerns with harsh shifting either during low speed parking maneuvers, while accelerating from a stop or during upshifts/downshifts at speed. A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the frequency and safety consequences of the DSG transmission malfunctions.
That NHTSA investigation will remain open until the agency is satisfied that other vehicles do not have the same problem.
In the coming weeks, owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by Volkswagen of America to schedule an appointment at their local dealer to have their vehicle inspected, and if necessary, have the vehicle repaired. Customers who have questions or concerns should call the Volkswagen Loyalty Center at 1-800-444-8982 or the Audi Customer Relations Campaign Help Line at 1-800-253-AUDI (2834).