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Starter assembly: relayRecall 79V-120 · Volkswagen vehicles

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC recall 79V-120 covers 540,000 Volkswagen vehicles for a starter assembly: relay problem, reported to NHTSA on May 17, 1979.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected540,0002 models
ReportedMay 17, 1979Owners notified Aug 20, 1979
Complaints since0Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 79V120000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY SEALED ANTENNA MOUNTING HOLE, WATER COULD SEAP INTO THE FUSE RELAY BOARD. THE WATER ENTERING THE FUSE RELAY BOARD ACTS AS A CONDUCTOR OF CURRENT, THEREBY CHARGING THE STARTER.

What to do

The fix

THE DEALER WILL SEAL ALL RADIO ANTENNA CABLE HOLES. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL PARTS OF THE RELAY/FUSE BOARD WILL BE CHECKED AND REPLACED IN THE CASE OF CORROSION.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; STARTER RELAY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE STARTER COULD BE ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE COULDMOVE IF THE TRANSMISSION IS IN GEAR AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED.THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS STANDING IN THE PATH OF THE MOVING VEHICLE.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

2 models

Vehicles in this recall

Volkswagen Rabbit1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
Volkswagen Scirocco1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

Built to January 1, 1978. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.

Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILUREEA79048 · closed May 11, 1979
    NHTSA