Volkswagen recalling some MY13-14 Jetta Hybrids worldwide due to gearbox fluids issue

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 2012 through October 2013 and equipped with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox. Due to an issue with gearbox fluid additives, the vehicle may lose motive power.

Over time, Volkswagen said in its notice to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the gearbox fluid additives may cause the internal gearbox lead frame to corrode.

If corrosion deposits collect between electrical wiring, an electrical short in the power supply may blow gearbox fuses and deactivate the gearbox hydraulic pump or mechatronic unit.

The driver will immediately be alerted by a flashing gear indicator warning lamp in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle will lose motive power, but can coast to a stop. All other vehicle systems, such as the engine, steering and brakes are unaffected and remain operational.

Volkswagen so far is not aware of any such failure in the US, but such failure have been reported in foreign markets. Volkswagen is recalling all affected vehicles worldwide to address the issue.

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge. Some 3,837 vehicles are affected in the US.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid priced from $24,995*

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid will hit dealers near the end of 2012, and we've now learned that the new compact fuel-sipper will be priced from $24,995, (*) excluding the $795 destination charge.

For that price, buyers will be treated to a vehicle packed with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 27-horsepower electric motor. Total system output is rated at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and the only transmission on offer is a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. According to Volkswagen's estimates, the Jetta Hybrid will return a combined fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon, making it the most fuel-efficient model in the Jetta range. The Hybrid will sprint to 60 miles per hour in just under nine seconds, and it can even cruise in EV mode at speeds as high as 44 mph.

Unlike other automakers that force you to spec a certain trim level in order to get the hybrid technology,Volkswagen is launching its gasoline-electric Jetta in four different configurations. The base model, simply called Hybrid, nets you daytime running lights, power/heated mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, Climatronic climate control, Bluetooth and a host of other class-standard features.

Moving up from there, the Hybrid SE – $26,990 – adds LED taillights, power reclining front seats, a MDI audio interface with iPod connectivity, a premium touchscreen radio, Sirius and keyless access. And for $29,325, you can spec the Hybrid SEL which includes goodies like 16-inch alloys, a power sunroof, navigation, heated washer nozzles, heated seats and a full-power driver's seat. At the top of the range is the Hybrid SEL Premium, featuring niceties like bi-xenon headlamps with LED running lights, foglights, 17-inch wheels, a rear-view camera and Volkswagen's excellent Fender audio system.

For comparison, the not-quite-as-efficient (but likely more fun to drive) Jetta TDI – rated at 42 mpg highway – starts at $22,990, and loading one up will set you back $26,990, excluding destination.

Source: Autoblog Green