Recall - Heater Core Replacement: Overview
Campaign CircularCode: SD
May 1992
Subject:
Recall Campaign SD 1985-91 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, Jetta Replace Heat Exchanger
Dear Volkswagen Dealer:
This is to inform you of the initiation of a recall campaign involving 1985 through early production 1991 model Golf, GTI and Jetta vehicles. The vehicles are within the vehicle identification number ranges.
Defect Description
It is possible that the wall of the end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to the engine cooling system could rupture, thereby allowing hot coolant to escape into the passenger compartment.
Remedial Action
Replace heat exchanger with an improved unit.
Customer Notification
Volkswagen United States, Inc. will notify all known owners of affected vehicles directly by first-class mail once sufficient replacement parts become available. Enclosed for your information are sample copies of the various owner notification letters.
Initially, Volkswagen will mail approximately 30,000 letters to owners of the oldest vehicles affected by the recall, namely early model 1985 cars, instructing them to take their vehicles to the service department for immediate replacement of the heat exchanger. See customer letter marked as Exhibit 1. Thereafter we expect to mail approximately 30,000 to 40,000 lefters monthly inviting owners to have the heat exchanger replaced. See customer letter marked as Exhibit III.
Concurrent with initial notification of the first 30,000 owners, Volkswagen will notity the remaining 645,000 vehicle owners, informing them their vehicle is subject to the recall but asking that they wait for repair until sufficient parts are available. See customer letter marked as Exhibit II.
If owners of affected vehicles who have received notification but were asked to wait to express concern, please repair the vehicle in accordance with the procedures specified by this letter.
Vehicle Allocation
Prior to each phase of owner notification mailing, we will furnish you with a computer printed list of vehicles. containing names and addresses of owners residing within your primary area of influence.
Note:
Each listing will include owner names and addresses obtained from state motor vehicle registrations. Under the law of some states, including regulations set forth by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, vehicle registration information may only be used for recall purposes. Use for any other reasons may constitute a violation of state law.
Limitation on 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 sale or lease, any vehicle which fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or which contains a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety.
It is therefore mandatory that any vehicle in your inventory and affected by this recall is corrected prior to sale or lease.
Parts Supply
An initial supply of necessary replacement parts will automatically be shipped to you prior to the owner notification mailings. Thereafter you must order additional required parts from your depot to maintain an adequate inventory for future repairs.
These parts are necessary for the repairs.