Question and Answer Sheet
Questions and Answers Relating to Recall Campaign UFInformation for VW Dealership Employees
1. With only one incident, why did Volkswagen decide to announce this recall?
Volkswagen is voluntarily announcing this because we believe it is in the best interest of our customers for us to react quickly, professionally and courteously to any safety concern, no matter how unlikely the probability. The New Golf and Jetta are cars built with advanced small car safety features; we want to meet the safety expectations of our customers. For us it is a matter of providing exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
2. How many cars are affected?
Approximately 26,650 New Golf four door models or Jettas sold or in dealer inventory to date in the US. or Canada. (23,650-US, 3,000-CN) Retail sales: 8,800 Jettas, 200 Golf four door-US., 1,375 Jettas-Canada.
3. In Mexico?
YES, a relatively small number of New Jettas have been sold there since November.
4. What is the nature of the problem?
Potentially, the sound-absorbing material located inside the lower portion of the B- pillar could ignite as a consequence of the activation of the seat-belt tensioning system for the front seat belts, which can provide additional safety in front-end collisions.
5. Were there any vehicles that caught fife because of this recall?
YES , one under controlled test conditions. This one incident resulted in our decision to initiate a recall.
6. Any injuries
No.
7. When can I bring my car in for this repair?
Customers will be notified via mail beginning Tuesday, February 9, 1999. However, any owner of a new Golf or Jetta can contact their dealer prior to receiving the recall notification letter and schedule an appointment.
8. How long will the repair take?
We estimate the actual repair for the recall campaign will take about 30 minutes.
9. What parts will be replaced?
The sound-absorbing material will be removed.
10. Will my car make more noise with the sound-absorbing material removed?
Possibly an inconsequential amount of minor wind noise.
11. Is there any charge for this work or any part that needs to be replaced because of it?
There is no charge to the customer for any work or part associated with this fix.
12. Will alternative transportation be provided?
It is up to the discretion and available resources of the particular dealer, but Volkswagen is strongly urging them to offer this service.
13. If I have a question who do I call?
1-877-270-4178, US. and Canada.
14. Can I wait to have this service done at my regularly scheduled maintenance at 5,000 miles/8,000 km.
NO, given that this is safety related recall, you should please arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
15. Does this affect any other Volkswagen products?
NO, it does not affect any other Volkswagen vehicles.
16. What do I do if I don't want to drive the car in for the recall?
Volkswagen will arrange for transport of your car to the nearest dealership at no cost to the customer by simply contacting Guaranteed Mobility.
17. Can I still drive my car prior to completing the repairs?
YES, but you should arrange for a service appointment as soon as possible.
18. Have there been any accidents, injuries or fires?
NO, there have not been any accidents or injuries associated with this issue. Only one fire was recorded under controlled test conditions.
19. Did the sound-absorbing material used in this particular application meet any requirements for fire retardation?
YES, the material met the Federal standards set by NHTSA.