Brake Issues Force Volkswagen and Audi to Issue Recalls
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident as a result of a defective auto part or due to the negligence of another driver, you need the skilled advocacy offered by a car crash attorney from our team at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman. We are here to fight vigorously for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Contact us Wilmington, Seaford or Newark today.
Automakers Volkswagen and Audi have issued two recalls related to braking issues for multiple car and SUV models. The first problem addressed by the recalls affects 10,206 vehicles and concerns a brake component that received an improper coating which may result in inadequate braking performance and the potential for the brake pedal to reach the floor when it is engaged. The problem stems from the failure of a supplier to coat the brake calipers properly. As well, according to Volkswagen, the supplier failed to subsequently repair the issue in the factory.
The vehicle models affected include the 2008 Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen, And GTI, and Passat. The Audi vehicles affected are the 2018 Q5 and SQ5.
Another recall affecting Volkswagen concerns 8,416 Atlas SUVs for model year 2018 and Passat sedans for model years 2017 and 2018. The issue concerns a brake caliper bolt that may loosen and result in wheel damage, longer stopping distances, or reduced vehicle control. If the bolt loosens, drivers may hear a rattling sound. Through a spokesperson, Volkswagen has stated that no crashes or injuries have occurred as a result of the loose bolt issue.
According to Volkswagen, dealerships repaired many affected vehicles correctly under the first recall. However, some vehicles that were yet to be sold after the first recall was issued were not correctly reworked at the factory – this led to the second recall.
Having the repairs completed
In response to the first recall, Audi and Volkswagen will bleed the affected brakes. In response to the second recall, Volkswagen will conduct an inspection of the brake caliper bolts and, if required, re-torque them.
Customers may inquire concerning these recall issues by contacting Volkswagen at 800-893-5298 or Audi at 800-253-2834. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has numbers for these recalls. For the brake caliper coating recall, the number is 18V-369. For the brake caliper bolt recall, the number is 18V-536.
Check the recall status of your vehicle
To check the recall status of your Volkswagen or Audi vehicle, enter the 17 digit vehicle identification number at NHTSA’s website.
Legal compensation for injuries due to defective brakes
Legal options are available for those who have suffered serious injuries in a vehicle crash caused by faulty auto parts. Responsible parties may include one or more entities, including the product manufacturer and the retailer. If you are a victim, an experienced auto part liability attorney can help you recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and diminished future earning capacity.
Defective equipment in a motor vehicle can lead to tragic consequences. If you have suffered an injury as a result of faulty automotive equipment, our team at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman is here to answer your questions and provide you with the legal advocacy you need at this time. To set up a free consultation about your case, call us today at 302-888-2900 or complete our contact form. We offer representation to clients in Delaware from our offices in Wilmington, Newark, and Seaford.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.