Volkswagen is recalling 100,000+ vehicles in Canada

Volkswagen Canada is recalling about 117,000 vehicles in Canada and more than 600,000 in the United States. The recall fixes an issue that occurs when the ignition key can be removed while the vehicle is not in Parking position.

Affected Models

  • 2011 - 2018 Jetta
  • 2015 - 2019 GTI
  • 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 Golf
  • 2012 - 2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible
  • 2017 - 2019 Golf SportWagen

All have automatic transmissions, manual hand brakes, and keyless entry. According to CTV News:

(...)VW says silicate can build upon a shift lever switch, allowing the key to be removed if the lever isn't in park. That could let the cars roll off unexpectedly.

Dealers will add a switch and circuit board to fix the problem. The recall starts on Oct. 11. (...)

Although I'm not pretty sure of how the keyless entry is involved with the issue, I'm kind of confused how it mentions that "the key can be removed". Probably it means that the audible warning doesn't activate.

Either way, make sure to double-check your shifter each time you park and reserve a spot to bring your car to the dealership later on October.

About the author

Jorge Diaz is a passionate car lover, winter driver & Software Engineer. For the last 10 years, he has built Online Solutions used by more than 5,000 companies across the globe. He founded LeaseCosts in 2016 with the purpose of simplifying and helping Canadians to better understand the complex market of car leasing in Canada. You can connect with him at Leantrepreneurship.com.

Jorge is also the author of Car Leasing Done Right: A Canadian Guide for Understanding & Optimizing Vehicle Leasing Costs, released on Nov. 5th, 2021. It is available at Amazon.ca