Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
2 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: 91US
Recall Date: Jun 27, 2024
Consumer Complaints
14 ComplaintsVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
I own a manual transmission MK8 Golf R, the ‘hill assist’ system cannot be turned off. The brakes will hold for 2-5 seconds after being released even on very slight inclines. I unfortunately upgraded from a 2017 MK7 Golf R manual that was damaged in an accident (I was not at fault). In that model VW the hill assist or ‘auto hold’ was able to be turned off with a button. The new models ‘assist system’ is an unsafe as is requires heavy clutch/throttle input in order for it to release. I’m [XXX] and have driven manual cars and trucks my entire driving life so I’m aware of what is required to drive a manual. This system needs to be addressed or somehow needs to have the ability to be disabled. There are multiple threes and complaints online some even siting accidents that the system has caused due to it not releasing when it should have. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Corrective Action:
I own a manual transmission MK8 Golf R, the ‘hill assist’ system cannot be turned off. The brakes will hold for 2-5 seconds after being released even on very slight inclines. I unfortunately upgraded from a 2017 MK7 Golf R manual that was damaged in an accident (I was not at fault). In that model VW the hill assist or ‘auto hold’ was able to be turned off with a button. The new models ‘assist system’ is an unsafe as is requires heavy clutch/throttle input in order for it to release. I’m [XXX] and have driven manual cars and trucks my entire driving life so I’m aware of what is required to drive a manual. This system needs to be addressed or somehow needs to have the ability to be disabled. There are multiple threes and complaints online some even siting accidents that the system has caused due to it not releasing when it should have. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Additional Notes:
I own a manual transmission MK8 Golf R, the ‘hill assist’ system cannot be turned off. The brakes will hold for 2-5 seconds after being released even on very slight inclines. I unfortunately upgraded from a 2017 MK7 Golf R manual that was damaged in an accident (I was not at fault). In that model VW the hill assist or ‘auto hold’ was able to be turned off with a button. The new models ‘assist system’ is an unsafe as is requires heavy clutch/throttle input in order for it to release. I’m [XXX] and have driven manual cars and trucks my entire driving life so I’m aware of what is required to drive a manual. This system needs to be addressed or somehow needs to have the ability to be disabled. There are multiple threes and complaints online some even siting accidents that the system has caused due to it not releasing when it should have. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mfg Campaign: 11647246
Recall Date: Mar 9, 2025
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The infotainment system attempts to call for information or help. It disconnects my cell phone from bluetooth or USB and causes the screen to swap to either of the above call pages and makes a loud 'click' sound. It then cancels the call and attempts them again around a second or two later and gradually speeds up until the car is entirely turned off. The screen flashing and clicking is extremely distracting and there is no way to resolve it short of entirely shutting the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes. In order to full reset, I have to find an exit or risk completely turning the vehicle off and getting out on the highway. I was unable to reset it with it detecting me in my seat. I have multiple videos where I was able to find a parking lot and record the issue. I have tried to reset it and turn the vehicle on and off with no success. I have videos of that as well. I have been to multiple dealers and they told me that there are no error codes, so they can not fix or assess it unless I bring it to them while it's happening. It happens a few times a week. I have been driving to Pittsburgh for work (5 hours each way) and I have it happen at least once each way. There does not seem to be any specific trigger to make it happen. I have had it at low speeds in town (15-25 mph) or highway speeds (60-70 mph). I have a third dealer looking at it on 1/31/2025. No warning lights on dash. Below date is the first date I recorded it happening on video. Started around a month or two sooner but no proof of it.
Corrective Action:
The infotainment system attempts to call for information or help. It disconnects my cell phone from bluetooth or USB and causes the screen to swap to either of the above call pages and makes a loud 'click' sound. It then cancels the call and attempts them again around a second or two later and gradually speeds up until the car is entirely turned off. The screen flashing and clicking is extremely distracting and there is no way to resolve it short of entirely shutting the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes. In order to full reset, I have to find an exit or risk completely turning the vehicle off and getting out on the highway. I was unable to reset it with it detecting me in my seat. I have multiple videos where I was able to find a parking lot and record the issue. I have tried to reset it and turn the vehicle on and off with no success. I have videos of that as well. I have been to multiple dealers and they told me that there are no error codes, so they can not fix or assess it unless I bring it to them while it's happening. It happens a few times a week. I have been driving to Pittsburgh for work (5 hours each way) and I have it happen at least once each way. There does not seem to be any specific trigger to make it happen. I have had it at low speeds in town (15-25 mph) or highway speeds (60-70 mph). I have a third dealer looking at it on 1/31/2025. No warning lights on dash. Below date is the first date I recorded it happening on video. Started around a month or two sooner but no proof of it.
Additional Notes:
The infotainment system attempts to call for information or help. It disconnects my cell phone from bluetooth or USB and causes the screen to swap to either of the above call pages and makes a loud 'click' sound. It then cancels the call and attempts them again around a second or two later and gradually speeds up until the car is entirely turned off. The screen flashing and clicking is extremely distracting and there is no way to resolve it short of entirely shutting the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes. In order to full reset, I have to find an exit or risk completely turning the vehicle off and getting out on the highway. I was unable to reset it with it detecting me in my seat. I have multiple videos where I was able to find a parking lot and record the issue. I have tried to reset it and turn the vehicle on and off with no success. I have videos of that as well. I have been to multiple dealers and they told me that there are no error codes, so they can not fix or assess it unless I bring it to them while it's happening. It happens a few times a week. I have been driving to Pittsburgh for work (5 hours each way) and I have it happen at least once each way. There does not seem to be any specific trigger to make it happen. I have had it at low speeds in town (15-25 mph) or highway speeds (60-70 mph). I have a third dealer looking at it on 1/31/2025. No warning lights on dash. Below date is the first date I recorded it happening on video. Started around a month or two sooner but no proof of it.
Mfg Campaign: 11636346
Recall Date: Jan 16, 2025
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
Hill Hold Assist: This feature appears to be on most manual transmission Volkswagen vehicles, and activates on a forward facing incline. In newer models the feature completely immobilizes movement for almost 3 seconds when stopped on an incline, after breaks are released, potentially causing a safety hazard. Request this feature either be removed all together, shortened to approximately 1 second, or become disabled when accelerator is depressed.
Corrective Action:
Hill Hold Assist: This feature appears to be on most manual transmission Volkswagen vehicles, and activates on a forward facing incline. In newer models the feature completely immobilizes movement for almost 3 seconds when stopped on an incline, after breaks are released, potentially causing a safety hazard. Request this feature either be removed all together, shortened to approximately 1 second, or become disabled when accelerator is depressed.
Additional Notes:
Hill Hold Assist: This feature appears to be on most manual transmission Volkswagen vehicles, and activates on a forward facing incline. In newer models the feature completely immobilizes movement for almost 3 seconds when stopped on an incline, after breaks are released, potentially causing a safety hazard. Request this feature either be removed all together, shortened to approximately 1 second, or become disabled when accelerator is depressed.
Mfg Campaign: 11630363
Recall Date: Dec 12, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.
Corrective Action:
VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.
Additional Notes:
VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.
Mfg Campaign: 11627066
Recall Date: Nov 24, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.
Corrective Action:
VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.
Additional Notes:
VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.
Mfg Campaign: 11627066
Recall Date: Nov 24, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Potential Consequences:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Corrective Action:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Additional Notes:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Mfg Campaign: 11612315
Recall Date: Sep 3, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Potential Consequences:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Corrective Action:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Additional Notes:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Mfg Campaign: 11612315
Recall Date: Sep 3, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Potential Consequences:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Corrective Action:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Additional Notes:
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road.concern. I took the car to get this problem fix and after 9 days they call me to go get the car that was ready for pick up but next day the problem comeback also to get appointmants takes weeks im very concern about this isssue
Mfg Campaign: 11612315
Recall Date: Sep 3, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
The interior dome lights are touch controlled. on multiple occasions the dome lights have randomly started turning on and off and becoming generally unresponsive. One of the occasions happened at night while driving causing significant visual impairment and distraction. having a bright LED interior light in your eyes really messes with your exterior visibility as well as constantly trying to turn it off with the controls being unresponsive makes it doubly dangerous. After multiple trips to the Volkswagen dealer, the issue is still unresolved as they can't "duplicate" the issue (despite me providing video evidence) and are speculating it's and electrical issue caused by a malfunctioning 3rd brake light (which they have also been unable to fix). there are no warning lights associated with the dome lights malfunctioning. additionally, cursory research online (forums such as reddit and VW Vortex) indicate that this issue is not unique to my car but present in several VW models including the MK8 Golf R, MK8 Golf GTI, and the ID 4
Corrective Action:
The interior dome lights are touch controlled. on multiple occasions the dome lights have randomly started turning on and off and becoming generally unresponsive. One of the occasions happened at night while driving causing significant visual impairment and distraction. having a bright LED interior light in your eyes really messes with your exterior visibility as well as constantly trying to turn it off with the controls being unresponsive makes it doubly dangerous. After multiple trips to the Volkswagen dealer, the issue is still unresolved as they can't "duplicate" the issue (despite me providing video evidence) and are speculating it's and electrical issue caused by a malfunctioning 3rd brake light (which they have also been unable to fix). there are no warning lights associated with the dome lights malfunctioning. additionally, cursory research online (forums such as reddit and VW Vortex) indicate that this issue is not unique to my car but present in several VW models including the MK8 Golf R, MK8 Golf GTI, and the ID 4
Additional Notes:
The interior dome lights are touch controlled. on multiple occasions the dome lights have randomly started turning on and off and becoming generally unresponsive. One of the occasions happened at night while driving causing significant visual impairment and distraction. having a bright LED interior light in your eyes really messes with your exterior visibility as well as constantly trying to turn it off with the controls being unresponsive makes it doubly dangerous. After multiple trips to the Volkswagen dealer, the issue is still unresolved as they can't "duplicate" the issue (despite me providing video evidence) and are speculating it's and electrical issue caused by a malfunctioning 3rd brake light (which they have also been unable to fix). there are no warning lights associated with the dome lights malfunctioning. additionally, cursory research online (forums such as reddit and VW Vortex) indicate that this issue is not unique to my car but present in several VW models including the MK8 Golf R, MK8 Golf GTI, and the ID 4
Mfg Campaign: 11609749
Recall Date: Aug 20, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Sunroof would operate without touching switch, or fail to operate if switch was touched. Similar to 2022 Golf R recall: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V542000 I took multiple videos of the problem and VW replaced switch module under warranty.
Corrective Action:
Sunroof would operate without touching switch, or fail to operate if switch was touched. Similar to 2022 Golf R recall: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V542000 I took multiple videos of the problem and VW replaced switch module under warranty.
Additional Notes:
Sunroof would operate without touching switch, or fail to operate if switch was touched. Similar to 2022 Golf R recall: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V542000 I took multiple videos of the problem and VW replaced switch module under warranty.
Mfg Campaign: 11607707
Recall Date: Aug 10, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Sames issues listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V480000. The problem is my vehicle is the s trim running software version 1776, and it isn't covered. PLease advise.
Corrective Action:
Sames issues listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V480000. The problem is my vehicle is the s trim running software version 1776, and it isn't covered. PLease advise.
Additional Notes:
Sames issues listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V480000. The problem is my vehicle is the s trim running software version 1776, and it isn't covered. PLease advise.
Mfg Campaign: 11599845
Recall Date: Jul 7, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
Last night when driving home, I came to a stop at a red light. I put the car in first gear and held the brake, waiting for the light to turn green. When the light turned green, I proceeded to drive like normal, when suddenly I stalled out! I felt like my e-brake was on, but it clearly wasn't. I started the car back up and the same thing happened. I had cars piling up behind me and the one closest to me I could tell was very close to making contact with me. On the third attempt, I overpowered the system and "pushed through" the brake, which I know wasn't good for the vehicle. I was very confused what might have been going on as I'm a pretty experienced driver and have never encountered this kind of thing before, at all. Upon researching, I've found within the VW community, the problem is tied to the hill-assist feature. Apparently in the MK8 Volkswagen manuals, the hill-assist was changed from previous generations and now when you are in gear and release the brake, you have to wait for three seconds for the hill-assist to disengage. There is no other way to drive the car forward. This is CLEARLY a safety concern, as I have read of two rear end accidents in my brief time researching this issue. In fact, a member of the VW community has submitted a complaint through NHTSA already. The tracking # is 11587076. I feel strongly that this is a safety issue, there has already been accidents and at some point something major will happen, for example if somebody needs to hit the gas to get out of a bad situation and the hill-assist prevents forward movement. I believe Volkswagen needs to address this issue. Can your agency help get that moving for us? Thank you.
Corrective Action:
Last night when driving home, I came to a stop at a red light. I put the car in first gear and held the brake, waiting for the light to turn green. When the light turned green, I proceeded to drive like normal, when suddenly I stalled out! I felt like my e-brake was on, but it clearly wasn't. I started the car back up and the same thing happened. I had cars piling up behind me and the one closest to me I could tell was very close to making contact with me. On the third attempt, I overpowered the system and "pushed through" the brake, which I know wasn't good for the vehicle. I was very confused what might have been going on as I'm a pretty experienced driver and have never encountered this kind of thing before, at all. Upon researching, I've found within the VW community, the problem is tied to the hill-assist feature. Apparently in the MK8 Volkswagen manuals, the hill-assist was changed from previous generations and now when you are in gear and release the brake, you have to wait for three seconds for the hill-assist to disengage. There is no other way to drive the car forward. This is CLEARLY a safety concern, as I have read of two rear end accidents in my brief time researching this issue. In fact, a member of the VW community has submitted a complaint through NHTSA already. The tracking # is 11587076. I feel strongly that this is a safety issue, there has already been accidents and at some point something major will happen, for example if somebody needs to hit the gas to get out of a bad situation and the hill-assist prevents forward movement. I believe Volkswagen needs to address this issue. Can your agency help get that moving for us? Thank you.
Additional Notes:
Last night when driving home, I came to a stop at a red light. I put the car in first gear and held the brake, waiting for the light to turn green. When the light turned green, I proceeded to drive like normal, when suddenly I stalled out! I felt like my e-brake was on, but it clearly wasn't. I started the car back up and the same thing happened. I had cars piling up behind me and the one closest to me I could tell was very close to making contact with me. On the third attempt, I overpowered the system and "pushed through" the brake, which I know wasn't good for the vehicle. I was very confused what might have been going on as I'm a pretty experienced driver and have never encountered this kind of thing before, at all. Upon researching, I've found within the VW community, the problem is tied to the hill-assist feature. Apparently in the MK8 Volkswagen manuals, the hill-assist was changed from previous generations and now when you are in gear and release the brake, you have to wait for three seconds for the hill-assist to disengage. There is no other way to drive the car forward. This is CLEARLY a safety concern, as I have read of two rear end accidents in my brief time researching this issue. In fact, a member of the VW community has submitted a complaint through NHTSA already. The tracking # is 11587076. I feel strongly that this is a safety issue, there has already been accidents and at some point something major will happen, for example if somebody needs to hit the gas to get out of a bad situation and the hill-assist prevents forward movement. I believe Volkswagen needs to address this issue. Can your agency help get that moving for us? Thank you.
Mfg Campaign: 11594135
Recall Date: Jun 13, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
My car has a manual transmission and a hill hold system that is supposed to aid in starting when the car is stopped on an incline. However, the system is implemented so poorly, I feel it is a safety hazard. This is at least the third car I've owned with a system like this, but it's the first time I've felt unsafe driving a car with it. I've done some testing with it and it appears that the only parameter VW uses to release the hill hold is time. That time is about 2 seconds. Nothing the driver can do with the accelerator or clutch pedal will cause it to release faster than 2 seconds. If you try to be aggressive with gas and clutch, the best outcome is that you prematurely wear the clutch from excessive slip. The worst is the car stalls. The steeper the slope, it appears the more aggressively the system tries to hold the car in place. This makes it even worse, because anyone who has driven a manual transmission is going to reflexively be more aggressive with the gas and clutch. That's what their experience has taught them and it's going to almost inevitably end up with the car stalling. I view this as a huge safety issue. There are times when the best thing a driver can do to extract themselves from a potentially unsafe condition is to immediately get themself out of it by driving clear. If they are on a incline, in this car they have no option but to sit there an additional 2 seconds. That 2 seconds can be the difference between safety and injury, or even death. If that driver reverts to their experience and aggressively works that gas and clutch, they could stall the car and add even more time before they can extricate themselves. In the other cars I've had with this system - including a VW Mk6 GTI, depressing the accelerator pedal enough to take the engine off idle would cause the hill hold to release. Obviously, they incorporated input from the Throttle Position Sensor to release the hold. They appear to have omitted that critical override.
Corrective Action:
My car has a manual transmission and a hill hold system that is supposed to aid in starting when the car is stopped on an incline. However, the system is implemented so poorly, I feel it is a safety hazard. This is at least the third car I've owned with a system like this, but it's the first time I've felt unsafe driving a car with it. I've done some testing with it and it appears that the only parameter VW uses to release the hill hold is time. That time is about 2 seconds. Nothing the driver can do with the accelerator or clutch pedal will cause it to release faster than 2 seconds. If you try to be aggressive with gas and clutch, the best outcome is that you prematurely wear the clutch from excessive slip. The worst is the car stalls. The steeper the slope, it appears the more aggressively the system tries to hold the car in place. This makes it even worse, because anyone who has driven a manual transmission is going to reflexively be more aggressive with the gas and clutch. That's what their experience has taught them and it's going to almost inevitably end up with the car stalling. I view this as a huge safety issue. There are times when the best thing a driver can do to extract themselves from a potentially unsafe condition is to immediately get themself out of it by driving clear. If they are on a incline, in this car they have no option but to sit there an additional 2 seconds. That 2 seconds can be the difference between safety and injury, or even death. If that driver reverts to their experience and aggressively works that gas and clutch, they could stall the car and add even more time before they can extricate themselves. In the other cars I've had with this system - including a VW Mk6 GTI, depressing the accelerator pedal enough to take the engine off idle would cause the hill hold to release. Obviously, they incorporated input from the Throttle Position Sensor to release the hold. They appear to have omitted that critical override.
Additional Notes:
My car has a manual transmission and a hill hold system that is supposed to aid in starting when the car is stopped on an incline. However, the system is implemented so poorly, I feel it is a safety hazard. This is at least the third car I've owned with a system like this, but it's the first time I've felt unsafe driving a car with it. I've done some testing with it and it appears that the only parameter VW uses to release the hill hold is time. That time is about 2 seconds. Nothing the driver can do with the accelerator or clutch pedal will cause it to release faster than 2 seconds. If you try to be aggressive with gas and clutch, the best outcome is that you prematurely wear the clutch from excessive slip. The worst is the car stalls. The steeper the slope, it appears the more aggressively the system tries to hold the car in place. This makes it even worse, because anyone who has driven a manual transmission is going to reflexively be more aggressive with the gas and clutch. That's what their experience has taught them and it's going to almost inevitably end up with the car stalling. I view this as a huge safety issue. There are times when the best thing a driver can do to extract themselves from a potentially unsafe condition is to immediately get themself out of it by driving clear. If they are on a incline, in this car they have no option but to sit there an additional 2 seconds. That 2 seconds can be the difference between safety and injury, or even death. If that driver reverts to their experience and aggressively works that gas and clutch, they could stall the car and add even more time before they can extricate themselves. In the other cars I've had with this system - including a VW Mk6 GTI, depressing the accelerator pedal enough to take the engine off idle would cause the hill hold to release. Obviously, they incorporated input from the Throttle Position Sensor to release the hold. They appear to have omitted that critical override.
Mfg Campaign: 11587076
Recall Date: May 5, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
My car has a manual transmission and a hill hold system that is supposed to aid in starting when the car is stopped on an incline. However, the system is implemented so poorly, I feel it is a safety hazard. This is at least the third car I've owned with a system like this, but it's the first time I've felt unsafe driving a car with it. I've done some testing with it and it appears that the only parameter VW uses to release the hill hold is time. That time is about 2 seconds. Nothing the driver can do with the accelerator or clutch pedal will cause it to release faster than 2 seconds. If you try to be aggressive with gas and clutch, the best outcome is that you prematurely wear the clutch from excessive slip. The worst is the car stalls. The steeper the slope, it appears the more aggressively the system tries to hold the car in place. This makes it even worse, because anyone who has driven a manual transmission is going to reflexively be more aggressive with the gas and clutch. That's what their experience has taught them and it's going to almost inevitably end up with the car stalling. I view this as a huge safety issue. There are times when the best thing a driver can do to extract themselves from a potentially unsafe condition is to immediately get themself out of it by driving clear. If they are on a incline, in this car they have no option but to sit there an additional 2 seconds. That 2 seconds can be the difference between safety and injury, or even death. If that driver reverts to their experience and aggressively works that gas and clutch, they could stall the car and add even more time before they can extricate themselves. In the other cars I've had with this system - including a VW Mk6 GTI, depressing the accelerator pedal enough to take the engine off idle would cause the hill hold to release. Obviously, they incorporated input from the Throttle Position Sensor to release the hold. They appear to have omitted that critical override.
Corrective Action:
My car has a manual transmission and a hill hold system that is supposed to aid in starting when the car is stopped on an incline. However, the system is implemented so poorly, I feel it is a safety hazard. This is at least the third car I've owned with a system like this, but it's the first time I've felt unsafe driving a car with it. I've done some testing with it and it appears that the only parameter VW uses to release the hill hold is time. That time is about 2 seconds. Nothing the driver can do with the accelerator or clutch pedal will cause it to release faster than 2 seconds. If you try to be aggressive with gas and clutch, the best outcome is that you prematurely wear the clutch from excessive slip. The worst is the car stalls. The steeper the slope, it appears the more aggressively the system tries to hold the car in place. This makes it even worse, because anyone who has driven a manual transmission is going to reflexively be more aggressive with the gas and clutch. That's what their experience has taught them and it's going to almost inevitably end up with the car stalling. I view this as a huge safety issue. There are times when the best thing a driver can do to extract themselves from a potentially unsafe condition is to immediately get themself out of it by driving clear. If they are on a incline, in this car they have no option but to sit there an additional 2 seconds. That 2 seconds can be the difference between safety and injury, or even death. If that driver reverts to their experience and aggressively works that gas and clutch, they could stall the car and add even more time before they can extricate themselves. In the other cars I've had with this system - including a VW Mk6 GTI, depressing the accelerator pedal enough to take the engine off idle would cause the hill hold to release. Obviously, they incorporated input from the Throttle Position Sensor to release the hold. They appear to have omitted that critical override.
Additional Notes:
My car has a manual transmission and a hill hold system that is supposed to aid in starting when the car is stopped on an incline. However, the system is implemented so poorly, I feel it is a safety hazard. This is at least the third car I've owned with a system like this, but it's the first time I've felt unsafe driving a car with it. I've done some testing with it and it appears that the only parameter VW uses to release the hill hold is time. That time is about 2 seconds. Nothing the driver can do with the accelerator or clutch pedal will cause it to release faster than 2 seconds. If you try to be aggressive with gas and clutch, the best outcome is that you prematurely wear the clutch from excessive slip. The worst is the car stalls. The steeper the slope, it appears the more aggressively the system tries to hold the car in place. This makes it even worse, because anyone who has driven a manual transmission is going to reflexively be more aggressive with the gas and clutch. That's what their experience has taught them and it's going to almost inevitably end up with the car stalling. I view this as a huge safety issue. There are times when the best thing a driver can do to extract themselves from a potentially unsafe condition is to immediately get themself out of it by driving clear. If they are on a incline, in this car they have no option but to sit there an additional 2 seconds. That 2 seconds can be the difference between safety and injury, or even death. If that driver reverts to their experience and aggressively works that gas and clutch, they could stall the car and add even more time before they can extricate themselves. In the other cars I've had with this system - including a VW Mk6 GTI, depressing the accelerator pedal enough to take the engine off idle would cause the hill hold to release. Obviously, they incorporated input from the Throttle Position Sensor to release the hold. They appear to have omitted that critical override.
Mfg Campaign: 11587076
Recall Date: May 5, 2024
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