The problem
On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The risk
This can result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began March 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-031 (02V031000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip |
| Report date | January 31, 2002 |
| Owners notified | March 8, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 55,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-031 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began March 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 55,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.