Here is a copy of the email I sent to Annette Johnson at Audi America. I encourage everyone to send emails to Annette at the following email address: Annette.Johnson@audi.com and copy the boss at: johan.denysschen@audi.com
Annette,
I understand that you are evaluating the problems with the ABS control unit. There is a plethora of information about this problem on the Internet. I have a blog about this very same problem at http://audi-vw-abs-recall.blogspot.com/ There are several links to people having this same problem and there are links on how to replace the unit yourself and where to get rebuilt units for $250 instead of the $1,700 quote by Rectal Motors.
You can read my story about the problem and how poorly I was treated by Rector Motors (I will never go back there) at this link: http://audi-vw-abs-recall.blogspot.com/2005/07/audi-and-vw-please-recall-cars-between.html
Here is a description of the Jetta recall for the same problem (and same part):
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS NHTSA Recall ID Number: 02V031000
Recall Date: JAN 31, 2002
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
Potential Units Affected: 55000
Summary: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC,
http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/67-int/2002/volkswagen/jetta/gls/
p.s. I will be posting the contents of this letter on the blog mentioned above.
posted by Mike Hogan at
8:33 AM
1 Comments:
First of all, regarding the VW recall for the ABS unit - quote "Here is a description of the Jetta recall for the same problem (and same part):
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS NHTSA Recall ID Number: 02V031000
Recall Date: JAN 31, 2002
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
Potential Units Affected: 55000
Summary: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC," :
the parts are NOT the same. Specifically, the Jetta/Golf/GTI and New Beetle us an ABS Mark IV system up to 9/2000, and use the ABS Mark 60 from 10/2000. It is NOT the same part as the Bosch 5.3 system!
Secondly, the failure is not detrimental to the use of the vehicle. Brakes will still work, so technically speaking, the vehicle is safe. ABS is not required by the government (NHTSA) though it does assist in braking the vehicle.
The parts issue is known by Audi, and has been addressed to dealers also. The recommended pricing is $499 for the electronic control module, though Audi cannot legally tell dealers what to charge for the part. Markups beyond the $499 is the responsibility of the dealer who is a separate business entity from Audi. Labor costs for the part should not be higher than the published suggested repair times of 110 time units for this repair. IF they are higher, the dealer is ripping you off, and you should contact the Better Business Bureau.
Just a few notes from an educated consumer!
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