Volkswagen is recalling a small number of 2012-2013 VW Beetle vehicles, equipped with leather sport seats, because the front passenger seat air bag could inflate and injure a small child. If the passenger seats get wet, moisture could get into the occupant control module (OCM) and lead to inaccurate detection of a child restraint. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Volkswagen
Unsolicited Lemon Law Firm Scam
In the last few weeks we have received several phone calls from owners or lessees of Volkswagen (VW) Routans informing us that they are receiving unsolicited letters from law firms alleging to be California lemon law lawyers. At least one of these firms is out-of-state.
We don’t know how these firms obtained VW’s sales list, but if you receive such an unsolicited letter be very careful. A reputable law firm will not represent a client without conducting a detailed interview, reviewing all the documents pertaining to the potential case, and answering your questions. One of these firms only requests that you sign and return their letter and they will represent you – without any further communications – not even a phone call – and without reviewing your case and documents. Another commits you to paying a large contingency fee percentage for lemon law attorney’s fees and costs once you sign their letter.
For your own protection, if you receive, or have received, one of these letters, please read the instructions or video on How to Choose a California Lemon Law Firm.
Please call our offices at 888-395-3666 if you have further questions or simply require more information about the California lemon law.
Total Quality Index Is More Than Automobile Quality
According to a 2012 Strategic Vision (SV) survey, consumer’s rate Volkswagen and Ford as having the highest quality ratings of all 2011 vehicles surveyed. The difference between Strategic Vision’s survey as compared to J.D. Power’s Quality Reports, done earlier this year, is that Strategic Vision uses what it calls the “Total Quality Index” (TQI). TQI not only rates vehicles by consumer complaints, but also takes into consideration the customer buying experience, vehicle performance and all around customer satisfaction. Strategic Vision has been working directly with automotive consumers since 1995, as well as maintains relationships with all major automotive manufacturers. This allows them to report on all aspects of the new car buyer’s experience.
This year’s survey questioned almost 40,000 people who bought model year 2011 vehicles between September and December 2010. Volkswagen came in first, mostly due to the success of the Golf, Jetta, and Tiguan. Despite complaints about about Fords infotainment systems; strong designs, technological innovations, and brand equity in the Mustang, Flex and F-Series trucks, gave Ford a second place. The biggest surprise came from the most improved corporation, Chrysler Group, who’s Dodge Charger and redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee excelled in innovation, influencing the perceptions of quality. Even though Toyota vehicles were reported to have the lowest actual problems, there were no Toyota vehicles in the top of the list. With all automobile manufacturers running the tightest “quality race” ever, customers are increasingly defining “quality” by using the Total Quality Index.
VW Acquires Remainder Of Porsche
Volkswagen (VW) has announced that they have reached an agreement to acquire the remaining 50.1% of sports car maker Porsche, after a seven year battle between the two German automobile manufacturers. In 2005, Porsche began buying up VW in an attempt to protect both car makers from corporate takeover. By 2008, Porsche had already owned 42.6% and admitted to a complete takeover of VW as they try to buy up 75% of the company. The plan was put on hold because of legal problems and tax hurdles that ended up putting Porsche almost $12.5 billion in debt. The failed takeover has allowed VW to turn the tables, and the complete takeover of Porsche by VW is expected to be finalized by August 1st, 2012.
Under the current agreement, Volkswagen will take over Porsche’s sports-car operations, leaving Porsche SE a stand alone holding company. By completing the deal this year, instead of in 2014 the companies said they would save an extra $400 billion in costs through the integration. According to Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn, the agreement will allow both companies to move forward and become stronger, something they have not been able to achieve the last three years as the takeover left both car makers in limbo.
Audi Sunroof Could Shatter
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2012 Audi Q5 vehicles because the sunroof was installed with a glass that could shatter in extremely cold weather conditions. If the sunroof breaks while the vehicle is being driven, the occupants could be injured by falling glass, increasing the chance of an accident. Volkswagen will be notifying owners of the problem starting in August, and will replace the sunroof glass free of charge. For more information on the defect, owners can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Fuel Leaks In VW Passat
Volkswagen has announced a recall involving certain 2012 Passat vehicles built between January 2011 through to June 2011. According to the recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain vehicles may have been built with a diesel fuel filter element that does not seal correctly. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to an engine fire. Owner will be notified of the problem starting in May, and dealers will replace the element with a serviceable one. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Audi A6 Airbag Flaw
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2012 Audi A6 sedans manufactured between April and May 2011. Because of a problem with the stitching process of the curtain air bag, the air bag may not deploy properly leaving occupants unprotected. Volkswagen will notify owners, starting January, and will replace both the left and right curtain air bags. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Volkswagen Fuel Leaks In Diesel Engines
Volkswagen has announced a recall for certain Volkswagen and Audi vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TDI common rail diesel engines. According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fuel injection pulses could create stress in the fuel line at the #2 injector. The stress could lead to cracks, fuel leaks and a potential fire in the presence of an ignition source. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
- 2009-2012 Volkswagen Golf
- 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
- 2010-2012 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2010-2012 Audi A3
Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line on the #2 cylinder as well as vibration dampers on all injector lines. Owners wanting more information can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
