Volkswagen Beetle, Jetta Recall R/2015/002: Directional Control May Be Lost, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 8 Jun 2015
- Launched
- 5,286
- vehicles in the UK
- 42G8
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volkswagen recalled Beetle, Jetta vehicles built between 1 October 2011 and 1 August 2013. With torsion beam rear axle the trailing arm of the rear axle can be deformed in a rear impact of the vehicle or when reversing too quickly over a relatively high obstacle (such as very high kerbs). The dealer will fit in other instances a brace plate to the trailing arms. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
With torsion beam rear axle the trailing arm of the rear axle can be deformed in a rear impact of the vehicle or when reversing too quickly over a relatively high obstacle (such as very high kerbs). If this deformation or pre-damage is not recognised a trailing arm of the rear axle can suddenly break later because of the related weakening of the rear axle.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE LOST Defect: On vehicles with torsion beam rear axle the trailing arm of the rear axle can be deformed in a rear impact of the vehicle or when reversing too quickly over a relatively high obstacle (such as very high kerbs). If this deformation or pre-damage is not recognised a trailing arm of the rear axle can suddenly break later because of the related weakening of the rear axle. Remedy: On vehicles which have been involved in a rear impact or reversed at speed over a high obstacle. The trailing arm of the torsion beam rear axle is checked for accident damage and replaced if necessary. In other instances a brace plate will be fitted to the trailing arms.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: directional control may be lost.
The Fix
The dealer will fit in other instances a brace plate to the trailing arms.
Are You Affected?
Beetle, Jetta built between 1 October 2011 and 1 August 2013 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 5,286 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 42G8 or the DVSA reference R/2015/002. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeetleUSA Imported vehicle Recall Driver side airbag module replacement | Urgent | R/2026/104 | |
| Beetle, Crafter, EOS, FOX and 9 moreTakata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement | Stop driving | R/2025/357 | |
| BeetleIncorrectly coated brake pistons | Urgent | R/2018/150 | |
| Beetle, EOS, Golf, Jetta and 5 moreStarter motor may malfunction and overheat | Urgent | R/2018/062 | |
| EOS, Golf, Jetta, Scirocco and 1 moreAbs/esc system may fail | Urgent | R/2017/189 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/2015/059 on 20 Apr 2015, for fuel may leak. The one launched after it was R/2015/097 on 24 Jun 2015, for directional control may be compromised. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, all recalls launched in 2015 and suspension recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2015/002, launched 8 June 2015. 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.