Structure: bodyRecall 80V-035 · Volkswagen vehicles

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC recall 80V-035 covers 140,000 Volkswagen vehicles for a structure: body problem, reported to NHTSA on March 26, 1980.

–
Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected140,0002 models
ReportedMar 26, 1980Owners notified Jun 9, 1980
Complaints since0Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 80V035000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE FENDER OPENING THROUGH WHICH THE ANTENNA CABLE IS ROUTED MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. AS A RESULT, SPLASHED WATER FROM THE TIRES COULD ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE OPENING, ENTER THE FUSE RELAY BOARD AND CAUSE CORROSION OF THE TERMINALS. ALSO, BECAUSE WATER IS A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY, THE STARTER CAN BE ACTIVATED ACCIDENTALLY; THE HIGH FLOW OF ELECTRICITY MAY EXHAUST THE BATTERY WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THUS RESTARTING THE ENGINE WOULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE AND PARKING LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

What to do

The fix

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, SEAL THE RADIO ANTENNA HOLES AND REPLACE CORRODED COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER..

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; ANTENNA CABLE OPENING.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: VEHICLE WOULD BECOME DISABLED AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENTCOULD OCCUR IF TRAFFIC IS PRESENT.

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

Built from September 1, 1974 to June 1, 1979. 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