The recall affects 2010 model year vehicles that were built between October 2009 and June 2010. The NHTSA says that the ignition may inadvertently switch between "run" and "accessory," effectively shutting off the engine. “An engine shutting off suddenly while driving could increase the risk of a crash,” the safety body says, thought at this point it is unclear if any injuries have resulted as a consequence of this defect.
Volkswagen will replace the ignition modules free of charge, of course, with the recall expected to begin during April 2011.
If the issue sounds familiar to our recall “fans”, this is because Chrysler, who makes the Routan for Volkswagen, recently reported that 250,000 minivans and crossovers had the same issue. Certain 2010 Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey vehicles were built with ignitions that could accidentally switch off, thereby causing the engine to shut down. These vehicles were built at roughly the same time as the Routan, between August 3, 2009 and June 17, 2010.
Last year in June, the German manufacturer reported it was recalling 15,902 Routans built between June 2008 and July 2009 for another issue borrowed from its American siblings. The NHTSA said that the minivan's sliding door’s hinge bracket can make contact with the wiring harness. That contact could eventually wear through the wire insulation, potentially causing a "high resistive short circuit within the latch mechanism located inside the sliding door."
Google News