(Over) Active Aero: VW recalling Touareg over spoilers that might take flight
With products like its now-defunct Corrado sports coupe, Volkswagen has proven that they understand the benefits of active aerodynamics – but a new recall in conjunction with the National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration centers on the potential for some completely unintentional and undesired active aero with the company's products.
According to NHTSA, VW will recall 14,416 2007-2009 Touareg SUVs because the vehicle's roof spoiler can jettison itself from the vehicle, potentially striking pedestrians or other vehicles. Apparently, the problem stems from the fastening struts on the spoiler which can crack, leading to the loosening or outright detachment of the aerodynamic element.
Owners of Touaregs covered under the recall can bring their vehicles to their local dealer, which will install reinforcement wedges to the assembly for free. Official recall information posted after the jump. Top tip, Jeff!
[Source: NHTSA]
PRESS RELEASE:
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
VOLKSWAGEN / TOUAREG 2007-2009
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC Mfr's Report Date: JUN 25, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V248000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 14416
Summary:
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 14,416 MY 2007-2009 TOUAREG VEHICLES. THE FASTENING STRUTS ON THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.
Consequence:
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT WEDGES TO THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Notes:
VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO.66D6/S5. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick C. 10:38AM (7/10/2009)
That's not a defect. The buyer checked off one of the James Bond options when he bought. The falling parts are meant to deter and deal with pursuers.
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Farmboy 11:35AM (7/10/2009)
Just like how sometimes cars become automatically equipped with oil slick.
tankd0g 10:39AM (7/10/2009)
Struts? The spoiler on that thing is adjustable?
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Patliean1 11:36AM (7/10/2009)
In before the typical VW jokes about their reliability.
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Patliean1 10:50AM (7/10/2009)
In before the typical VW reliability jokes begin.
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Bird 12:55PM (7/10/2009)
yeah good point
tblack 10:56AM (7/10/2009)
Maybe they should stop setting giant vases on top of them.
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Gardiner Westbound 11:07AM (7/10/2009)
The 1959 “batwing” Chevrolet would reportedly lift its rear end at high speed.
http://tinyurl.com/kuffej
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Copperhead 9:10AM (7/11/2009)
You do know that 50 years have passed since?
zamafir 11:11AM (7/10/2009)
wait... so the spoiler on the MkV Golf based cars (rabbit, gti, r32) does not meet NHTSA spec and now this one just takes flight all by itself. Man, whoever's designing in vw's Spoiler department needs to be sent back to school.
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Kevin 1:13PM (7/10/2009)
You mean hitting pedestrians is not a desired feature? I'd pay extra for that!
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Jvijil 1:23PM (7/10/2009)
interesting...maybe they should advertise that as an option lol
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Art 2:54PM (7/10/2009)
you say recall, i say weight saving feature...
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innoc3nt 9:50PM (7/10/2009)
Just another reason why spoilers on SUVs are ridiculous.
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