Audi recalls some units of A1, A3, TT
Just recently Audi Australia recalled cars that had been inspected for the same issue with no repairs done to them. The reason for the recall is a fault in the electrical system that could short circuit and potentially blow fuses in the electricals of the 7-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. Although the problem was discovered in an inspection, it was dismissed as not requiring any need for repair.
Over 10,000 cars of the models 2011-2016 model-year A1 (8X), 2008-2016 model-year A3 (8P, 8V) and 2012-2016 model-year TT (8J) sports car which use this DSGs transmission have been recalled.
This glitch causes the direct shift gearbox to suffer from the conductive deposit build-ups in the control unit. This, in turn, leads to an electrical short circuit that translates to the clutch opening fully and the car consequently rolling to a stop.
According to reports from the German-based manufacturer, the fuse blows the very minute the engine starts before the car gets moving. In the event that the short circuit happens when the vehicle is in motion, it will likely lose power to the wheels, which can cause a safety hazard. Fortunately, drivers can still be able to steer and brake in this condition.
According to Audi Australia's spokesperson Shaun Cleary, the repair should take an hour and a half, and customers may still drive their vehicles as usual before their schedule. Should they have any concerns, they may call Audi's Customer Service at 1800 50 AUDI (2834) any time between 8 am and 7 pm.
Owners of the affected cars are currently being notified of the issue. For reference, here are the VINs. Audi dealers in Australia are also being issued with a service bulletin that provides info about the rectification.
This is not the first time Audi is doing recalls for their cars. In the past, Audi has recalled the E-Tron SUV model due to battery issues, some of the 2017/18 Audi A4/S4 & A5/S5 due to airbag deployment issues, and the Q3 compact crossover vehicles for LED headlight issues. The company had also issued another recall for the A6s that was expected to begin on 15th May.
The recall was filed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The fault is associated with a defective pressure accumulator in the transmission could easily crack. Audi reports that in the unfortunate event that this pressure accumulator cracks, hydraulic pressure could significantly reduce in the gearbox, which can cause interrupted function among other dangers.
In the ACCC recall filing, Audi analogises the lack of function to "depressing the clutch in a vehicle fitted with a manual transmission".
A similar recall for the 400-plus diesel RAM 1500 trucks
In another news, 2014–2019 diesel-powered RAM 1500 models are also set for inspection and repair due to a manufacturing defect. The defect is said to cause the exhaust gas recirculation cooler to crack during operation, which in turn leads to coolant leakage into the intake manifold. This fault increases the risk of a fire.
RAM Trucks Australia will get in touch with 438 owners of these utes to come up with a viable plan to fix the issue. For reference, here are the VINs of the affected cars.
Hyundai issues yet another massive recall
South Korean automaker Hyundai is the latest to issue a recall for over 100,000 units due to a wiring problem. This problem could cause an engine fire regardless of the state of the car - whether running or stationary.
Hyundai says the issue is related to an electronic circuit board in the ABS that could short circuit and lead to a fire in the engine compartment if the module gets exposed to moisture. The fire can occur even when the car is not running since the ABS module is always continuously powered.
According to the recall notice, “There is a risk of an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, as the circuit is constantly powered. This could increase the risk of an accident, serious injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders.”
So far, two incidents of this defect have been reported in Australia (both i30 models), and fortunately, no one was harmed in either case.
The affected models are 68,765 examples of the 2007-2011 model-year i30 hatchback and 18,734 examples 2006-2011 Elantra sedan. You can get the VINs for the affected cars here (for the i30) and here (for the Elantra). About a week ago, a total of 9,393 examples of 2006-2009 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs were also recalled due to the same issue. You can get the VINs here.
This current recall is the second Hyundai i30 recall in six months. The previous one was in December, where more than 100,000 units were recalled due to an airbag deployment defect.
Hyundai advises car owners to park affected vehicles in open space away from flammable material, people and buildings to minimise damage in case of a fire. The company will also contact owners of the affected models to make arrangements for fixing the defective system. The repair is said to entail the installation of a relay kit onto the board by a Hyundai dealer.
For more information about recalls, you may read our previous article on recalls and buybacks from January to April 2020. You may explore our blog section at CarPart for resources about maintaining your car and sourcing for car parts and accessories. We have this nifty tool called Request-a-Part, which makes searching auto parts a non-complicated matter. And it’s free – so don’t wait any longer, tell us what car part you need!
By Sam O.