DSG recall in China and Japan

[dickt]

Back in March 2013, the Wall Street Journal reported that VW had recalled many thousands of cars either made in China or imported up to March 2013. Apparently, a similar thing happened in Japan.

I give below the report. If they have recalled these cards in China and Japan, why not in the UK? Any ideas?

SHANGHAI--Volkswagen (http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=VOW3.XE) AG VOW3.XE +0.75% (http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=VOW3.XE?mod=inlineTicker) will recall 384,181 vehicles sold in China due to gearbox problems, according to China's quality-control agency, following a critical television report that illustrates the power of state-run media over foreign brands.
Heard on the Street

VW's China Speed Bump (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324103504578372032492273970.html)



Volkswagen's local joint ventures beginning on April 2 will recall cars made or imported between December 2008 and March 2013, according to a General Administration of Quality Supervision statement posted on its website. The affected cars include imported and locally manufactured models, such as the Golf Variant, Cross Gold, Audi A3, Bora, Sagitar, Magotan, Touran, Octavia and Passat.
Enlarge Image


http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/AM-AX721_VOLKSW_D_20130320042415.jpghttp://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/AM-AX721_VOLKSW_G_20130320042415.jpg


Reuters A Volkswagen Passat drives along a busy street in downtown Shanghai.



The company and its joint ventures "will replace the existing gearboxes with improved ones and upgrade the controlling software to the latest version for Volkswagen car owners to eliminate safety concerns. All such services are free," the statement said.
Volkswagen officials didn't immediately return requests for comment. Over the weekend, Volkswagen and its Chinese joint ventures said they would voluntarily recall cars suspected of having substandard direct-shift gearbox systems, though they didn't specify the number. "Volkswagen has been and will continue to fully cooperate with all relevant authorities," said Christoph Ludewig, a spokesman for Volkswagen in China.

[dickt]

Apparently it is much broader than just China and Japan......
Autocar June 2013 says....
This week VW, Audi (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-reviews/audi) and Skoda (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-reviews/skoda) issued a recall in Australia and New Zealand for cars fitted with the gearbox, codenamed DQ200, as a result of a fault with its mechatronic system.
That added to recalls already issued in China, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, and followed 100 complaints from VW owners in Australia relating to an apparent power loss.
UK-built VWs use the same specification DQ200 gearbox as the Australian-built cars, with the units also built in the same factory.

[CelticGolf]

I think the recall covers gearboxes made up to March 2013. Hopefully, geaboxes fitted to cars post this date will have been modified. If not our turn will come. So far ours is working fine (touch wood)

[dickt]

Correct!!

Mine was made in either Q4 2012 or Q1 2013 as I picked it up with the new 13 numberplate.

Another thing to add to the list to write to the dealer about.

[-M-]

The mechatronic recall only affects cars built with 7 speed dsg between 2009 and 2011.

[dickt]

The dates you quote are the dates quoted for Australia. That is not what the media in other parts of the world are reporting. Whilst I have no great admiration for the media, in this case I will take their word before I take VW's spin. Some of the countries report all dsg cars made up to and including March 2013. (Source - Bloomberg, quoting the Chinese Agency responsible for recalls).

In Australia, on May 31st 2013 VW Aus said it had "No plans" for any sort of recall. On 12th June, it issued the recall. That is less than 2 weeks.

[-M-]

The recall in China affects cars with transmissions built in China. Australian models with 7 speed dsg are built in Europe not in China so there is differences in the recalls. In Australia there were no plans to issue a recall but due to pressure from the press and the fact VW is still a growing brand here they have issued a recall - plans change all the time. Australia does not have legislation that means a manufacturer is legally obliged to issue recalls - other countries they do, so from VW's point of view this is a voluntary recall in order to keep people happy.

[dickt]

No.

The Chinese authorities are quoted as saying that BOTH Chinese built cars AND imports are being recalled.

[-M-]

Yes - Chinese cars for gearbox recalls and imports for other transmission related recalls. Just because media and authorities say something doesn't make it true or accurate. Unless you have 1st hand technical information regarding the actual recalls and why faults are occurring from VW technical then your speculating at best.

[dickt]

I am not going to reply.
You clearly know more than the world's media, and you know more than Government officials. I have no idea why you go on to the Internet at all.

[-M-]

I am not going to reply.
You clearly know more than the world's media, and you know more than Government officials. I have no idea why you go on to the Internet at all. Just to clarify - I work for Volkswagen and as such have access to information and knowledge concerning the brand and in particular recalls affecting VW models - I am merely stating facts and presenting them to give a balanced view to people should they wish to know.

[dickt]

So it is you versus the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and the Chinese Government. As you are based in God's country, was it you that changed your mind about a recall?

[-M-]

Although I wouldn't go so far as to call Australia Gods country it is very close. I will leave it at that as I would not want to take this any further off topic - you are entitled to your opinion as am I to disagree with it.