Volkswagen is recalling about 679,027 Jetta sedans, Beetle coupes and convertibles, GTI hatchbacks, and Golf hatchbacks and wagons because of potential rollaway risks. According to Consumer Reports, it is possible to remove the ignition key in these vehicles when the shift lever is not in “park.” This recall only applies to vehicles with automatic transmission, a manual parking brake, and keyless entry. If the driver removes the key from the ignition when the vehicle is not parked, it may roll away and crash.
Details of the Recall
A Volkswagen spokesperson told Consumer Reports that the company was unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this problem. Officials said that a switch that indicates the position of the shift lever might fail in these vehicles. When this happens, removing the key from the ignition might be possible even when the vehicle is not in park, increasing the risk of a rollaway. When the recall begins on Oct. 11, dealers will install replacement parts at no charge to vehicle owners. For more information, contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
If you believe your vehicle may be a part of this recall, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website. If your vehicle model pops up, you must take it to the dealer for free repair. Under the law, dealers should not charge you anything for recall-related repairs. Consumer Reports recommends that you check back with this website regularly because automakers issue recalls often, and for older vehicles.
Rollaway defects can injure not only vehicle occupants but also pedestrians and cyclists. If you or a loved one has been damaged due to these or other defects, contact an experienced auto defect lawyer to help you seek compensation for losses including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/volkswagens-recalled-for-rollaway-risk/
