Volkswagen Orders US Dealers to Stop Selling Some Cars Due to Fire Hazard

Volkswagen dealerships have been given a mandatory stop-sale order that includes the 2014 Jetta, 2014 Beetle, 2014 Beetle convertible and the 2014 Passat. According to the order, the problem with these models is that there is a potential risk of transmission oil cooler leaking.

Each of these affected autos has a 1.8T with automatic transmission.

Dealers were warned in the stop-sale order that if they have one of these vehicles in their inventory:

• Do not sell, lease or dealer-trade it.
• If using one of the affected vehicles as a demo, dealers are to stop using it immediately.
• Any affected vehicles are to be placed in a secure area where they cannot be made available for sale, lease or trade.

Currently, follow-up communication from the company regarding this memo is pending. Therefore, when TorqueNews contacted an area VW dealership, we were told that they “did not have enough information at this time to comment,” by the service manager, but that they hoped to receive more information “later this afternoon.” TorqueNews will continue to follow this story today as it develops.

The follow-up information, according to the stop-sale order, is expected to contain a stop-sale code to confirm affected vehicles. An inspection/repair procedure and the required parts will be available within the next week.

Volkswagen spokesman Scott Vazin has indicated in the press that about 25,000 Jetta, Passat, Beetle, and Beetle convertibles built after February 1 of this year with 1.8 liter, four-cylinder engines, and automatic transmissions are affected. No fires or crashes have been reported, but VW has plans to replace the parts involved with the problem: An O-ring linking a transmission fluid line to a cooler can fail, causing leaks, and potentially leading to a fire. But, again, no fires or crashes have been reported stemming from this problem.

Vazin also has indicated that about half of the cars involved are still on dealer lots. At this time, an official recall has not been issued, but Vazin said that VW was working with the National Highway Transportation Administration regarding fixing the cars that have already been purchased by consumers.

Consumers with questions should call their local VW dealer.

Image: Flickr CC