Recall - Improper Front Control Arm Seam Weld: Overview
Code: UXSeptember, 2000
Subject:
Pre-Delivery/Recall Campaign 2000/2001 Model Year Golf
Check/Replace Suspension Control Arm
Dear Volkswagen Dealer:
This is to inform you of the initiation of a voluntary safety recall involving 2000 model year and early 2001 model year Golf vehicles. The recall involves the checking and replacement, if necessary, of the front suspension control arms.
Problem Description
Volkswagen has determined that a very small number of front suspension control arms may contain an improper weld.
Vehicle Identification Number Range
The vehicles affected by the recall action are within the vehicle identification number range illustrated.
Please note that the VINs represent the lowest and highest serial numbers of affected vehicles. Use of the OTIS campaign inquiry system will allow you to determine whether or not a particular vehicle, within the above VIN ranges, require the recall work.
Note:
Volkswagen will reimburse under this recall any duplicate recall repair work or a repair outside the VIN ranges.
Remedial Action
Check each front suspension control arm for proper weld and replace, where necessary.
Owner Notification Mailing
Volkswagen will mail first class notification letters to all known owners of affected vehicles on September 22, 2000. A copy of the owner notification letter is enclosed for your information.
Vehicle Allocation
A computer list containing the VINs and where applicable, the names and addresses of owners who, according to our records, reside within your area of responsibility will be mailed to you under separate cover.
Limitation of Sale or Lease of Certain Vehicles
Section 154 (d) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 mandates that dealers correct, prior to delivery for the sale or lease, any vehicle which fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or which contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety. It is therefore imperative that any vehicle in your new or used car inventory and affected by this recall is corrected prior to delivery for sale or lease.
Parts Requirement
Since a very small number of control arms may have an improper weld, parts requirements are minimal, except for certain nuts/bolts. Therefore, VWoA will initially ship each dealer one control arm including the applicable nuts and bolts. Bolts required for the checking procedure will be shipped in quantities according to your dealership's vehicle allocation count. The parts required for this recall are as follows:
If additional parts are required, please order from your facing parts depot. Do not over-order any of these parts.
Work Procedure
Special tool required: 3283 Press
Overview
This procedure will describe seam weld inspection on the left and right control arms and part replacement if required.
Part Information
UX Data Entry Procedure
Time Requirements/Reimbursement
To ensure prompt and proper payment, be sure to enter immediately upon completion of the repair work the applicable reimbursement code listed. Claims will only be paid for vehicles that show the UX code in the OTIS campaign inquiry system on the day of repair.
Parts Return Program
All control arms replaced under this recall must be properly tagged and returned to:
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
ATTENTION: Warranty Test Center - (UX)
Replaced nuts/bolts are to be properly disposed immediately.
Recall Verification
For verification, always check the OTIS campaign inquiry system. The OTIS system is the only binding campaign inquiry and verification system; other systems are not valid and may result in non-payment of a claim.
Dealer Obligation
To ensure customer satisfaction, as well as minimize inconvenience to your customers, you are urged to service each vehicle at the scheduled service appointment time, offer courtesy transportation or supply a loaner vehicle for the day. Please also return the repaired vehicle to the customer washed as well as vacuumed inside. In the event the customer is waiting for the service to be completed, please do not let them wait longer than specified for the recall repair service in the owner notification letter. Please make every effort to reduce inconvenience to customers.
IMPORTANT:
By federal law, any vehicle affected by this recall which is in your inventory must be corrected prior to sale or lease to a retail purchaser or lessee. Please advise your new or used vehicle sales representatives accordingly.
Dealer Personnel Information
Please inform and/or provide a copy of this communication to every person in your dealership who has campaign-related responsibilities, including sales, parts and accounting personnel.
Thank you for your cooperation.