45F2 ABS/ESC safety recall

[skippy]

I received a letter today from VW advising that my car is subject to a safety recall for the ABS/ESC control unit.

As my car is already 8 years old I was quite surprised, and seems to only be for vehicles manufactured during 2009, not only for the Scirocco but also Golf, Jetta etc.

Anyone else get this? The wording is along the lines of:

On certain vehicles, the ABS/ESC control unit becomes thermally overloaded and the earth connection may be interrupted. If the earth connection is interrupted the ABS/ESC control unit could fail and cannot help to stabilise your vehicle.

I would not have thought there is any panic over this, I will just wait until my next service/MOT is due but I can see it has been raised as a recall in other markets as well such as the USA.

[Gaz r]

Yep, me too. There isn't much information around on this other than for USA/Canada.
There is a workshop guide, which I've read. Here's the link: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/R ... 3-6522.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It seems it's just a software update. After the update if an error code is produced a new ABS controller is required, which they will fit.
Sounds simple enough, but the emissions update was supposed to be simple too!
However, if after the update other error codes are produced then you are liable for the ABS controller replacement.

I think I'm going to hold off and see what other owners come back with if they get it done. I stopped using VW franchises because of trust issues a few years ago. I'm a bit dubious to say the least at the moment.

[skippy]

Thanks for the info Gaz. Like yourself I am going to wait and see if there is any feedback relating to this update. I am always concerned that it could introduce a new fault as you alluded to.

My next service is not until March next year anyway.

[Paradox1]

oh so thats what that letter was. I havent got around to opening it yet.

Ok so if this fault happens surely it will just be your ABS traction light comes on?
Thanks for the heads up

[C00kie]

Received the same letter yesterday, mine is also a 2009 build. If they apply a software update, is it going to interfere with or over-write my map?

[Cuprabob]

I would have thought the update would be to the ABS controller so should not impact your engine ECU or map.

[MisterD]

Got my letter yesterday booked it in. If I wait it won't ever get done. I know what I'm like. I'll just forget. Will see what happens. Looks like I'm your lots guinea pig??


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[skippy]

Got my letter yesterday booked it in. If I wait it won't ever get done. I know what I'm like. I'll just forget. Will see what happens. Looks like I'm your lots guinea pig??


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Well, I don't think this is anything like the fix that applies to 'dieselgate', I am sure this one will be fine, but yes - I don't intend to take mine in until next service/MOT. Would be interested to get some feedback MisterD when you get it done!

[LLD123]

I

I got mine through the post this week too. I haven't yet got on and booked it in but am planning on doing it soon. Well, after it's been in the bodyshop after a colleague put their tow bar through my bumper.

Still be interesting to see how people get on and what actually happens though


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[Stukos]

I also received this letter... Will watch this thread for updates.

[davidscirocco]

Does this include 1.4 tsi or only 2.0?

[skippy]

Does this include 1.4 tsi or only 2.0?

Not sure, I would guess it may only be the 2.0 as this recall only seems to apply for models in early 2009. If memory serves me correctly, the 1.4 arrived a few months later in 2009 so may not be affected and it could use a slightly different ABS control unit anyway. Please don't accept this as being definite though!

[Stukos]

If you don't get a letter, then I wouldn't worry about it.

[KarmaSumatra]

Ok so if this fault happens surely it will just be your ABS traction light comes on?

The workshop guide isn't 100% clear, but it sounds like the ABS unit might fail when ABS or ESC activates, not during normal driving. Therefore you would get no warning.

It looks like the software update is intended to change that, so that a warning light appears during normal driving (if the ABS unit is faulty).

The guide also states that they're expecting to have to replace a very small number of ABS units, so it must be quite a rare issue. Either way, get the update done. You don't want your ABS/ESC to fail when you most need it.

[JeffW]

Received the same letter yesterday, mine is also a 2009 build. If they apply a software update, is it going to interfere with or over-write my map?

I asked that question when I booked mine in as mine is remapped too. He said he didn't think so, then, to his credit, went to check just in case. The answer is it won't.


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[JeffW]

Received the same letter yesterday, mine is also a 2009 build. If they apply a software update, is it going to interfere with or over-write my map?

I asked that question when I booked mine in as mine is remapped too. He said he didn't think so, then, to his credit, went to check just in case. The answer is it won't.


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[Bridget2994]

Took my Scirocco 2008 GT TSI Tues for this recall. Only had it 2 months and no history of abs fault or repairs in the paperwork. Was running well. Anyway, Told all was ok when collected. Didnt even get out of car park - EML and ABS warning came on. They said initially it was possibly as mechanic hadnt let computer sleep so it could reset? As it turned out - they kept my car and informed me yesterday that the ABS unit had crashed and needed to be replaced! They hadnt experienced this before but apparently VW have. Got it back this evening and so far so good but only done 5 miles so far. Hopefully this wont happen to others as if sounds like my car was an exception. Sorry - not wishing to scaremonger - have a new ABS unit so got to be a good thing?
Bridget.

[Addymk2]

Took my Scirocco 2008 GT TSI Tues for this recall. Only had it 2 months and no history of abs fault or repairs in the paperwork. Was running well. Anyway, Told all was ok when collected. Didnt even get out of car park - EML and ABS warning came on. They said initially it was possibly as mechanic hadnt let computer sleep so it could reset? As it turned out - they kept my car and informed me yesterday that the ABS unit had crashed and needed to be replaced! They hadnt experienced this before but apparently VW have. Got it back this evening and so far so good but only done 5 miles so far. Hopefully this wont happen to others as if sounds like my car was an exception. Sorry - not wishing to scaremonger - have a new ABS unit so got to be a good thing?
Bridget.

Have you attempted an emergency stop since the replacement? It may sound a little extreme but I'd try and trigger the ABS now rather than later when they can claim it wasn't there fault. I've just received the letter to get this done so I'll be having mine done in due course, however if it makes the ESP even twitchier I'm hesitant.

[Addymk2]

Took my Scirocco 2008 GT TSI Tues for this recall. Only had it 2 months and no history of abs fault or repairs in the paperwork. Was running well. Anyway, Told all was ok when collected. Didnt even get out of car park - EML and ABS warning came on. They said initially it was possibly as mechanic hadnt let computer sleep so it could reset? As it turned out - they kept my car and informed me yesterday that the ABS unit had crashed and needed to be replaced! They hadnt experienced this before but apparently VW have. Got it back this evening and so far so good but only done 5 miles so far. Hopefully this wont happen to others as if sounds like my car was an exception. Sorry - not wishing to scaremonger - have a new ABS unit so got to be a good thing?
Bridget.

Have you attempted an emergency stop since the replacement? It may sound a little extreme but I'd try and trigger the ABS now rather than later when they can claim it wasn't there fault. I've just received the letter to get this done so I'll be having mine done in due course, however if it makes the ESP even more sensitive I'm hesitant.

[Bridget2994]

Not tried that yet. Its a good idea though- just need RAC on standby lol! Sure it will be fine so will find empty car park and let you know. Feel like a guinea pig haha! Its been fine so far anyway.