The story behind VW's DQ200 voluntary recall

A number of motorists have been complaining about their faulty DSG gearboxes, which have caused the loss of power, amongst other problems. And based on the stories we've been hearing it's not because they've abused their cars. Until now, Volkswagen has recalled some 384,000 vehicles in China for faulty DSG transmissions.

Volkswagen has recently ordered an official voluntary recall of over 6,000 vehicles in Singapore. A spokesperson also added that the replacement for the affected parts will be free and the completion of the entire recall exercise would take up to a few months.

While some owners are glad that Volkswagen is doing something about it to solve the problem, many are unhappy about the situation.

We recently got in touch with Volkswagen Group Singapore to better understand the problems and to see what solution it has in store to overcome this tough period.

SGCM: What is the technical issue behind the recall?

VW: Sulphur in the gear oil and an inorganic heat stabiliser in the plastic parts (iodine) of the mechatronic unit can cause metallic surfaces to be attacked and to suffer from electrolytic corrosion, in connection with high air humidity and high outside temperatures. Conducting particles can then settle between the circuit paths of the control unit and could cause a short circuit.

SGCM: Is it true that only the seven-speed gearbox has been affected?

VW: The subject of the voluntary recall is the DQ200 seven-speed DSG gearbox. Volkswagen also produces the DQ250 six-speed DSG and DQ500 seven-speed DSG which are not affected by this voluntary recall.

SGCM: What will be the scope of work done?

VW: As part of the voluntary recall, Volkswagen Singapore will replace the gearbox mechatronics on affected vehicles at zero cost to the customer. The work will take around three hours per car to complete.
SGCM: How will Volkswagen Singapore cope with the additional workload?

VW: We have employed an additional 10 technicians and four Service Advisors to ensure that the voluntary recall campaign runs smoothly. There will be a dedicated team handling the work, so every car will receive the highest possible level of attention.

SGCM: Where will the cars be repaired?

VW: We have set up a new workshop area with 10 vehicle hoists at Volkswagen Centre Singapore (MacPherson) for the voluntary recall campaign.

SGCM: Why aren't the newer cars being recalled?

VW: We introduced a new generation of mechatronics which solved the issue. Vehicles produced and sold currently are not affected by this problem.

SGCM: In what order will customers be called in for repair?

VW: The mechatronics replacements are being carried out according to car model, production date and the supply of the necessary parts. We will write to customers when the parts for their vehicles are available, so as to avoid inconvenient waiting time.