Volkswagen Beetle, EOS, Golf And 6 More Recall R/2018/062: Starter Motor May Malfunction And Overheat, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 7 Mar 2018
- Launched
- 16,625
- vehicles in the UK
- 27F9
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volkswagen recalled Beetle, EOS, Golf and 6 more vehicles built between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011. With diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
With diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT Defect: On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: starter motor may malfunction and overheat.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Are You Affected?
Beetle, EOS, Golf and 6 more built between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 16,625 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 27F9 or the DVSA reference R/2018/062. 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 | |
| GolfFront belt webbing | Low | R/2025/257 | |
| GolfFront belt webbing | Low | R/2025/256 | |
| ID.7, Id.buzz, Passat, Polo and 1 moreReplace front passenger airbag | Urgent | R/2025/208 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/2018/031 on 2 Feb 2018, for passenger airbag may not deploy as intended. The one launched after it was R/2018/064 on 7 Mar 2018, for replace front passenger airbag. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/062, launched 7 March 2018. 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.