Volkswagen Lupo, Polo Recall R/2002/049: Brake Vacuum Supply Pipe Concern, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 6 Jul 2002
- Launched
- 120,978
- vehicles in the UK
- 47H2
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volkswagen recalled Lupo, Polo vehicles built between 1 May 1997 and 31 December 1999. On Polo and Lupo vehicles in the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the connections of the pipes because of a manufacturing fault. The dealer will check the fitted vacuum pipes and if necessary replaced. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
On Polo and Lupo vehicles in the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the connections of the pipes because of a manufacturing fault. If a vacuum pipe leaks the brake servo loses its function. Without the servo assistance a lot more force must be used on the pedal. But this will not lead to a total failure of the brake system.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: BRAKE VACUUM SUPPLY PIPE CONCERN Defect: On Polo and Lupo vehicles in the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the connections of the pipes because of a manufacturing fault. If a vacuum pipe leaks the brake servo loses its function. Without the servo assistance a lot more force must be used on the pedal. But this will not lead to a total failure of the brake system. Remedy: The fitted vacuum pipes will be checked and if necessary replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: brake vacuum supply pipe concern.
The Fix
The dealer will check the fitted vacuum pipes and if necessary replaced.
Are You Affected?
Lupo, Polo built between 1 May 1997 and 31 December 1999 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 120,978 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volkswagen, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volkswagen.
- Book with any franchised Volkswagen dealer, quoting the campaign code 47H2 or the DVSA reference R/2002/049. See how to get a Volkswagen recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoloCheck rear axle bolted connection | Stop driving | R/2025/385 | |
| Beetle, Crafter, EOS, FOX and 9 moreTakata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement | Stop driving | R/2025/357 | |
| ID.7, Id.buzz, Passat, Polo and 1 moreReplace front passenger airbag | Urgent | R/2025/208 | |
| PoloThe driver's airbag may not correctly deploy if activated | Urgent | R/2022/274 | |
| PoloThe roof spoiler may not have been bonded to the rear lid with the specified process materials | Book soon | R/2022/115 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/2002/036 on 20 May 2002, for windscreen wiper motor may fail. The one launched after it was R/2003/014 on 26 Mar 2003, for brake servo vacuum pipe may crack and leak. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, all recalls launched in 2002 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2002/049, launched 6 July 2002. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.