VW Jetta Hybrid is Recalled Because of Transmission Problem
Recently the German automaker VW has issued a
recall of the Jetta Hybrid, the only hybrid model included by VW for the US
market, for a transmission issue. This model comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch
transmission (also known as DSG).
According to VW representatives, the problem
stems from hair-like cracks that may occur within the transmission's control unit
(mechatronic), causing internal ATF leakages and subsequent oil pressure losses.
As a result of significant oil pressure losses, the clutch can fail to operate,
resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the possibility of
road accidents.
2013 Jetta Hybrid
The carmaker claims that 2,167 Jettas may be
included in the recall list, but just 1% are assumed to be prone to the
mentioned problem. It is known that recalled cars came off the production line
during 2011-2015.
VW discontinued this model after the 2016 model
year, with total U.S. sales reaching approximately nine thousand cars during
the whole selling period. It is the only hybrid car that VW tried to promote in
the US market.
DSG7 (also known as DQ200)
From the moment of its introduction on the
market this hybrid became the most fuel-saving variant in the Jetta family. The
underhood design of this model includes 27-hp e-motor and a 1.4-liter engine
coupled with the DSG unit.
While the Jetta Hybrid was a restricted-availability
model, yet it was also planned to become a forerunner of VW’s family of hybrids.
The carmaker’s plans had to be refined after a notorious “Dieselgate” scandal,
and VW decided to focus on development of e-cars.
Learn more about
mechatronic issues in the DSG7 transmission
To solve the transmission issue described above, VW will inform owners of affected vehicles on necessary procedures. Then, dealers will update the transmission software free-of-charge. VW engineers currently work on the new software version. The recall is planned to be launched February 4, 2020.
