Volkswagen America orders dealers to stop sales of new cars

Volkswagen in the United States of America has asked all dealers to stop the sale of any new car which is equipped with a combination of a DSG transmission and VW’s most common engine, the 1.8-litre EA888 engine. The engine, essentially the 1.8-litre TSi engine is available on the likes of the Golf, Jetta and Passat in the United States.

The problem, according to sources seems to be a leak in the transmission oil cooler, which could result in fire hazards. The stop-sale order has been issued for all cars with this engine-transmission option made after the 1^st of February 2014. The issue arose after a supplier apparently changed the specifications of an O-Ring that links the transmission cooler module to the actual transmission casting.

The notice was issued after Volkswagen officials found leaks on several vehicles at the port. Company officials immediately issued the notice and have gotten in touch with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on advice on handling issues with cars that have already been sold. Volkswagen though has not officially issued a public recall on these cars although one is expected soon according to a Volkswagen official. The official has also confirmed that in the worst of cases, a fire risk would be likely.

The 1.8-litre TSi engine, codenamed EA888 is made in Volkswagen’s facilities in Silao, Mexico since 2013 and was aimed to improve both fuel efficiency and power outputs in Volkswagen cars in the United States. Volkswagen has not officially announced the number of cars affected by the issue but estimates of about 25,000 units are what most are expecting. An official communication states that ‘a follow-up communication will be released to dealers as soon as possible and the parts required will be available within the next week.’