2018 Volkswagen Gti problems

Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

Social links

Common 2018 Volkswagen Gti problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources regarding common problems with the Volkswagen GTI 2018, several issues have been highlighted by car owners:

Turbo Failure: The Volkswagen GTI 2018 is known to have experienced turbocharger failures, particularly with the IHI turbocharger model IS20. Early model year MK7 GTIs were especially prone to turbo failures, with instances of turbos exploding and causing damage. Volkswagen has made part revisions to address this issue, with part numbers ending in 702 being notorious for failure. Upgrading to the IS38 turbo from the Golf R has been a popular solution to this problem.

Leaking Water Pump/Thermostat Housing: Another common issue involves leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing. Owners have reported coolant smells emanating from the engine bay due to these leaks. The plastic housing tends to deteriorate over time, leading to coolant leaks. While the leaks may start small, they can escalate if not addressed promptly. The coagulating agent in VW/Audi Pink Coolant helps prevent immediate major leaks, but topping off coolant becomes necessary over time.

Sunroof Issues: Owners have raised concerns about sunroof problems, including creaking sounds when closed, especially on rough roads. The flex movement between the glass panel seal and the body can cause these noises. Service bulletins from VW recommend adding insulation to reduce the noise. Poor seals have also resulted in water leaks during heavy rains or high-pressure car washes. Checking for water intrusion signs and ensuring a quiet test drive on rough roads can help identify these issues.

Suction Pump in Fuel Tank: A known issue involves fuel leaking into the evaporative emission system through the charcoal canister filter element. This problem is covered under a safety recall, identified by NHTSA Campaign Number 16V647000. While this issue is a concern, it is a free repair covered by Volkswagen, making it less of a deterrent for potential buyers.

Clutch: While not a defect in stock cars, the stock clutch in the Volkswagen GTI 2018 is considered weak for any modifications that increase torque levels. Owners planning to tune their cars beyond stock levels are advised to budget for an upgraded clutch to prevent slipping issues.

These common problems with the Volkswagen GTI 2018 highlight various issues that owners have faced, ranging from electrical malfunctions to mechanical failures, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections and maintenance to address these concerns effectively.

Are 2018 Volkswagen GTI reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2018 Volkswagen GTI? J.D. Power gives the 2018 GTI a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.

What is the common problem with Golf GTI?

Next problem is the intake manifold Runner the intake manifold is in charge of directing the flow of air into the head of the engine. It has a series of flaps that control the air velocity.

What are the disadvantages of GTI?

Cons

Infotainment system can be frustrating to use.
Not as much power as some rival hot hatches.

Is GTI high maintenance?

VW GTI is robust, simple and well-built car. Being used with sense, maintenance is not more expensive, than any other mini. Once driver starts to push his GTI over the limit, maintenance costs will skyrocket.

Is Golf GTI 2018 reliable?

Very reliable so far.

Great handling - no pull like some front wheel cars. Comfortable and fun to drive. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 5.0.

What is the common problem with Golf GTI?

Next problem is the intake manifold Runner the intake manifold is in charge of directing the flow of air into the head of the engine. It has a series of flaps that control the air velocity.

What are the disadvantages of GTI?

Cons

Infotainment system can be frustrating to use.
Not as much power as some rival hot hatches.

Is the GTI a good car or bad?

Overall, it's a good car, but it no longer stands out in price, performance, or reliability, and the GTI needs to be well-rounded in all these facets. Or at least have character.

2018 Volkswagen Gti car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Gti problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Power train problems
Engine problems
Unknown or other problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Volkswagen Gti vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Volkswagen Gti complaints

The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Volkswagen Gti.

2020-10-19

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-09-29
VIN: 3VW447AU9JM
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 6/1/20 BRAKES GOOD MEASURED 8 (IN THE GREEN) THIS IS WHEN I RECEIVED A NEW WATER PUMP (I KNOW! UNDER WARRANTY ISSUE ALSO IMO). MILAGE 25490. SEPTEMBER GOT NEW TIRES. ANTI LOCK BRAKES WENT OFF RIGHT A WAY X2. 10/10/20 TOOK CAR IN FOR 30,000 MILE CHECK AT 29,053 MILES. BRAKES MEASURED AT 3. MCKENNA SUGGESTED NEW BRAKES(PADS, ROTORS) $700.00. WHAT WOULD CAUSE BRAKES GOING FROM 8 TO 3 IN 4 MONTHS? I HAVE CONCERNS WITH ANTILOCKING BRAKES. I BELIEVE THEY ARE TOO SENSITIVE AND CAUSED BRAKE ISSUES

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2020-04-10

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-03-02
VIN: 3VW447AU1JM
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: VW CORPORATION DID NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY ON MY 2018 VW, GTI. MY 2018 VW, GTI WAS PARKED, AND I WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTER. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT HIT BY ANY DEBRIS. THE 2018 VW GTI IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO I TOOK THE DAMAGED VEHICLE TO OURISMAN VW OF LAUREL. OURISMAN VW STATED THAT VW DECLINED TO HONOR WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS IT BY A ROCK. THE ROOF WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING. VW STATED THAT AS A GESTURE OF GOOD FAITH BECAUSE I HAD BEEN A LOYAL CUSTOMER, THEY WOULD PICKED UP 40% OF THE REPAIR COST. I PICKED UP 60% OF THE COST, $3,239.38. I'M FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE VW SHOULD HAD PICKED UP THE ENTIRE REPAIR COST BECAUSE THE SUNROOF WAS NOT HIT BY ANY OBJECTS. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO OTHER VW CUSTOMERS AS WELL, CLASS ACTION FILED AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN ALLEGING EXPLODING SUNROOFS. VOLKSWAGEN EXPLODING SUNROOF CLASS ACTION UPDATE: A FEDERAL COURT RULED ON FEBRUARY 26, 2019, THAT CONSUMER PROTECTION CLAIMS AND CLAIMS OF FRAUDULENT CONCEALMENT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN CAN MOVE FORWARD.

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2020-03-04

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-03-04
VIN: 3VW547AU8JM
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A WARNING MESSAGE STATING AN OBJECT WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILLAGE WAS 14,426.

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2020-03-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-03-01
VIN: 3VW447AU9JM
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: AN ISSUE EXISTS WHERE THE START STOP SYSTEM (S/S) CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL AT A STOP LIGHT. AT ONE POINT, THE DRIVER WAS IN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, WHICH CAUSED MY S/S TO ACTIVATE, TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE. THE DRIVER UNBUCKLED HIS SEAT BELT SO HE COULD PUT SOMETHING INTO THE GLOVE BOX, THEN RE BUCKLED HIS SEAT BELT. TRAFFIC BEGAN MOVING AGAIN, SO THE DRIVER HIT THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. THERE WAS A NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH STATING "PLEASE START ENGINE MANUALLY". THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE, SO THE VEHICLE NOTIFIED HIM TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO P OR N. THE DRIVER SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO N, RESTARTED THE ENGINE, SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE AND THEN RESUMED DRIVING. (AFTER CREATING A SMALL TRAFFIC JAM) LATER, THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT POLITELY EXPLAINED THAT THE S/S SYSTEM DOES THAT, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. THEY EXPLAINED THAT MULTIPLE FACTORS STIPULATE THE S/S SYSTEM'S DECISIONS, SUCH AS ENGINE TEMPERATURE, POWER CONSUMPTION (JUST TO NAME A FEW). THE DRIVER ALSO ASKED IF THE DEALERSHIP COULD JUST REMOVE S/S SYSTEM, THEY EXPLAINED THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO DUE TO EPA REGULATIONS. ATTACHED IS A PNG FILE CONTAINING SCREENSHOTS OF A MP4 THAT THE DRIVER TOOK ON 03/01/20 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RECREATE THE INCIDENT. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE DRIVER COULD NOT RECREATE THE INCIDENT PERFECTLY. THE DRIVER WAS ONLY ABLE TO MAKE IT SO THAT THE S/S MECHANISM WOULD RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER THE DRIVER RE BUCKLED HIS SEAT BELT AND SUBSEQUENTLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR MOST OF THE WAY DOWN (NOT REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO P OR N AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE).

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2020-02-05

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-02-03
VIN: 3VW547AUXJM
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: ON 3 OCCASIONS THE MANUAL PARKING BRAKE HAS RELEASE FULLY WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED UPHILL ON A SIDE STREET WITH A STEEP INCLINE. TWICE THIS WAS AFTER I HAD GOTTEN OUT OF THE CAR, AND ONCE WHILE IN THE CAR IT HAPPENED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE HILL-HOLDER BRAKE RELEASED. EACH TIME, THE CAR WAS IN GEAR AND DID NOT ROLL MORE THAN A FEW INCHES; AND AN ADULT PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT AND WITNESSED IT AND REAPPLIED THE BRAKE. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED TIGHTLY, AND FULLY RELEASED WITH A BIG NOISE 2-20 SECONDS LATER. THE FROM THE SOUND MADE, IT SEEMS THAT THE RATCHETING PAWL ON THE HANDBRAKE SLIPPED OUT AND DID NOT CATCH ON THE NEXT TOOTH. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE AND HAS NOT MADE ADJUSTMENTS. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS A FEW WEEKS AFTER MY MOST RECENT SERVICE.

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2019-10-29

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-10-24
VIN: 3VW447AU0JM
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMELBACK VOLKSWAGEN (499 E CAMELBACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014, (602) 648-9181) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 19018636, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

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2019-07-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-07-05
VIN: 3VWS47AU7JM
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Summary: LOSS OF POWER CYLINDER 2 MISSFIRES LOSS OF CAM CRANK SYNCHRONIZATION AND LACK OF CAM SIGNAL EVEN AFTER REPLACING BOTH CAM SENSORS IT STILL READS 0 RPM AND HAS BECAME VERY FRUSTRATING

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2019-06-26

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-05-02
VIN: 3VW547AU9JM
Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND ACCELERATED SLOWER THAN NORMAL. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND STATED THAT HE USED VOLKSWAGEN FACTORY SOFTWARE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND FAILURE CODES PERTAINING TO THE LOSS OF CAMSHAFT SYNCHRONIZATION AND FAILURE OF CYLINDER TWO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

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2019-04-05

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
VIN: 3VW447AU2JM
Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Summary: WHEN DOWN SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGHLY. (ONLY IN TRAFFIC) WHEN DOWN SHIFTING FROM 3,2,1 THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR SOME REASON DECIDES TO BRAKE HARDER THAN SUPPOSED TO, MAKING THE CAR JERKY. ( REGULAR DRIVING AND COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT. ) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND IT'S THE AUTOBAHN EDITION.. ALSO WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING (COLD START) THE ENGINE VIBRATES ALOT MORE THAN NORMAL

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2019-03-07

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-06-03
Number Of Injuries: 1
Number Of Deaths: 1
Crash: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW DOWN/STOP THE CAR AT 50 YARDS OUT GOING 30 MILES PER HOUR RESULTING IN A COLLISION. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE JUNE 2018 AND ITS CURRENTLY MARCH 2019.

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2019-03-07

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
Number Of Injuries: 1
Number Of Deaths: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: 3VW547AU4JM
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: I HAVE/ HAD A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI. AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION MY CAR HAD JUST BARELY NORTH OF 7000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT AND I SAW DEER ABOUT 30-50 YARDS AWAY. I WAS GOING 25-30MPH, AS SOON AS I SAW THE DEER I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL FELT SPONGY AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP RESULTING IN A COLLISION.

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2018-12-05

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-12-01
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: SUNROOF SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD AND HEARD A LOUD "BOOM." I LOOKED UP TO SEE THAT THE SUNROOF WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE TEMPERATURE WAS MILD, THERE WERE NO BUMPS ON THE ROAD, NO BRIDGES NEARBY FROM WHICH SOMETHING COULD BE THROWN, AND NO SIGN OF EXTERNAL IMPACT TO CAUSE THE BREAKAGE.

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2018-11-06

TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-04-28
VIN: 3VW547AU0JM
Components: TIRES,WHEELS
Summary: 2018 VOLKSWAGEN GTI S. WAS ACTUALLY LEAVING MY HOUSE ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE. AS I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE, DRIVING AT LIKE 10-15 MPH ON MY STREET. MY TPMS LIGHT COMES ON SAYING I HAVE LOW PRESSURE. I STOP IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK TO SEE. MY REAR DRIVER TIRE HAD A HUGE SIDEWALL BULGE AND YOU COULD SEE THE BEAD SITTING ON THE RIM LIP. THIS WAS WITHIN LESS THE 400 MILES OF THE VEHICLE BEING ON THE ROAD. I HAD NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES OR ANYTHING JUST SMOOTH PAVEMENT WENT IT HAPPENED(OR EVER). I PUT THE SPARE AND CONTINUED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW TIRE. BUT I FEEL THIS TIRE BRAND IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE THE SAME TIRES ON MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER AND THEY ARE ALREADY WORN DOWN AT 15000 MILES. HANKOOK VENTUS TIRES ARE GARBAGE AND DEF A SAFETY CONCERN.

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2018-07-17

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-07-15
VIN: 3VW447AU8JM
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: THE "FRONT ASSIST" AUTOMATIC FORWARD COLLISION WARNING AND BRAKING SYSTEM RANDOMLY ACTIVATES WHEN DRIVING, BRAKING THE CAR WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO TRIGGER IT. (THIS IS OCCURRING EVEN ON EMPTY ROADS WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN SIGHT) THE LAST OCCURRENCE WAS ON AN EMPTY 4-LANE SUBURBAN STREET. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A GENTLE CURVE IN THE ROAD WHEN THE WARNING SOUND ACTIVATED AND THE CAR BRAKED.

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2018 Volkswagen Gti recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 Volkswagen Gti.

2024-02-14

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

2019-08-22

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

2018-06-01

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Park It: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.