MENU
SEARCHSet to get under way in July, the recall will cover more than 84,000 diesel-powered sedans with direct-shift transmissions.
Photo of Passat courtesy of Volkswagen.
Photo of Passat courtesy of Volkswagen.
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 84,262 2012- to 2014-model year Passat sedans, each equipped with a diesel engine and a direct-shift transmission, so dealers can address a fire risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.
The underbody heat shield in these vehicles may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
“If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire,” NHTSA warned on its website.
Volkswagen dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July.
Vehicle owners can reach Volkswagen customer service at (800) 893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 23W5.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
