Volkswagen has recalled more than 25,000 cars in Australia to correct a potential defect with the vehicles' dual-clutch automatic 'DSG' transmissions.
The recall affects 25,928 Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Jetta, Passat and Caddy vehicles fitted with the manufacturer's seven-speed 'direct shift gearbox' produced between June 2008 and September 2011.
The official recall notice from Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) explains that, in isolated cases, "an electronic malfunction in the control unit inside the gearbox mechatronics may result in a power interruption".
The German car maker stresses that, if such a power interruption occurs, other important vehicle systems including steering, braking, and other relevant systems will continue to be fully functional.
"If, in rare cases, the car loses power while driving, the driver can remain in control to safely manoeuvre the car to a stop," the statement continues.
Volkswagen will replace the gearbox mechatronic unit in all potentially affected vehicles at no cost to customers, and at the same time will update the vehicles with the latest software version.
From July, VGA will contact owners directly by mail encouraging them to schedule an appointment for inspection and replacement of the affected parts. The car maker says owners can continue to drive their vehicles as usual before the recall service is completed.
VGA encourages owners to contact its customer service hotline on 1800 504 076 with any questions relating to the recall and all other technical enquiries, insisting "customer satisfaction is Volkswagen's highest priority".
The recall follows a tumultuous fortnight for Volkswagen Australia, which has endured a barrage of complaints from customers claiming similar instances of sudden deceleration and other technical problems from their vehicles.
The issue first hit headlines late last month during a coronial investigation into the death of a Volkswagen Golf driver on Melbourne's Monash Freeway in 2011.
Melissa Ryan, 32, was killed two years ago when her Golf was struck from behind by a truck. The truck driver and Ryan's family claimed her car slowed drastically for no obvious reason.
VGA may yet be bracing for further recall action, however, as Ryan's car was not equipped with a DSG, but rather a manual transmission.
The findings of the coronial investigation are set to be released in July.
