The problem
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) May have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.
The risk
The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
The fix
Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2009. Owners May contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 09V-333 (09V333000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 37E3/S7 & 37E5/J7 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission |
| Report date | August 20, 2009 |
| Owners notified | October 20, 2009 |
| Vehicles affected | 16,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
- 2009 Audi A3 transmission problems 15
- 2010 Audi A3 transmission problems 11
- 2009 Audi TT transmission problems 4
- 2009 Volkswagen Eos transmission problems 36
- 2009 Volkswagen GTI transmission problems 32
- 2010 Volkswagen GTI transmission problems 14
- 2009 Volkswagen Jetta transmission problems 141
- 2010 Volkswagen Jetta transmission problems 111
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 09V-333 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2009. Owners May contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 16,000 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.