Plus: Lexus adds new vehicles to major recall underway and Alfa Romeo cars hit headlight issues
Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) has recalled more than 700 cars across the Volkswagen and Skoda brands over a seemingly minor issue that could turn into something major if left unattended.
Covering some of Volkswagen’s most popular models – including Golf, Tiguan, T-Roc, Passat and Arteon, as well as the closely-related Skoda Kodiaq, Octavia and Superb – the safety notice includes 608 Volkswagens and 158 Skodas, all of which share variations of the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
Models affected include those built from 2021-22, with VGA saying the engine compartment cover on affected models may become loose, which could cause it to move and touch the turbocharger, “resulting in smouldering damage or an engine bay fire”.
Owners of affected vehicles (see details below) are being asked to contact their authorised dealer to schedule an appointment to have the work carried out at no cost.
Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has recalled 558 vehicles across its Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV range.
Affecting vehicles built from 2020-22, FCA says that due to a manufacturing issue, the “automatic adaptive light system (AFS) sensors may not adjust as intended when there is a change in load or load distribution on the vehicle”.
Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio
Lexus LX, NX
Meanwhile, 657 Lexus vehicles have been added to a recall announced last week affecting more than 26,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
NX and LX SUVs built from 2021-22 are now being called back over the same potential software issue, which could cause the vehicle stability control (VSC) system to not function correctly.
If the VSC system is turned off, Lexus says it “may not default to the ON setting the next time the vehicle is started”. According to the car-maker, this could result in a loss of vehicle control.
Impacted models include the Lexus NX 350h (F Sport, Luxury, Sports Luxury), NX 450h (F Sport), Lexus LX 500d (Standard, F Sport, Sports Luxury) and LX 600 (Standard, F Sport, Sports Luxury, Ultra Luxury).
Keyword: Recall wrap: Fire risk for Volkswagen and Skoda cars