NHTSA Recall 98V295000
Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.. Component: Engine And Engine Cooling. Reported 1998-11-13. An estimated 6,217 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VR6 ENGINES. A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT SUCH AS THE THERMO SWITCH, RADIATOR FAN, OR WATER PUMP, CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND COOLANT SYSTEM PRESSURE TO INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY. OVER TIME, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE LEAKAGE OF COOLANT FROMTHE SYSTEM, INCLUDING LEAKAGE FROM THE HEAT EXCHANGER.
Risk
LEAKAGE OF HOT COOLANT FROM THE HEAT EXCHANGER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO THE FEET OF THE DRIVER OR STEAM UP THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISION.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL INSTALL IN THE COOLANT INLET HOSE TO THE HEATER CORE, A PRESSURE REDUCER WITH A 5MM DIAMETER SECURED BY A SPRING TENSIONED HOSE CLAMP. ALSO A NEW RELAY THAT WILL CHANGE THE OPERATION OF THE SECONDARY ELECTRICAL COOLANT PUMP WILL BE INSTALLED. DEALERS WILL ALSO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE COOLING SYSTEM TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL COOLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS OPERATE PROPERLY.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 22, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).