Volkswagen Calls Back 225,000 Cars, Citing Tire Pressure Snafu

Volkswagen is recalling some 225,000 vehicles over a defect that could wreak havoc on the road if left unaddressed.

The cars’ tire pressure monitoring systems may not detect air losses in all four tires at the same time, the company recently told federal regulators. Volkswagen also acknowledged that the problem puts drivers, passengers and others on the road at risk.

“A sudden loss of pressure in all four tires at the same time that goes undetected as required by regulations increases the risk of a crash,” VW said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Certain 2019 Tiguan, Golf SportWagen, Golf Alltrack, Golf R, and Audi Q3 and A3 vehicles are covered by the recall as well as some 2019 and 2020 Jetta, Golf, Atlas and Audi A3 models, and some 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles.

The company told NHTSA it plans to notify owners of recalled cars by the end of the year. Volkswagen will ask owners to bring their vehicles to a nearby dealer for inspection and repair at no cost.

VW, which said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries resulting from the defect, initially asked NHTSA for permission to skip the recall, according to the Associated Press. The agency denied the request.

This is not the only safety issue for Volkswagen and the people who drive the automaker’s cars. 

In April, for example, the company announced that it was recalling roughly 100,000 hybrid vehicles over fire risks. VW said at the time that inadequate engine cover fastenings were to blame for the problem.

That came after the company called back some 46,000 Audis over malfunctioning fuel gauges and another 300,000 Audi sport utility vehicles because of an engine defect, which it told regulators increases the risk of a crash.

How the California Lemon Law Works

There is some good news, however, for VW and other car owners in California. You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

The law also forces auto companies to buy back cars that they cannot or will not fix. That includes compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A car manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle under the law. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective Volkswagen or another type of vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.