Volkswagen Australia begins emissions recall for affected vehicles

Recalls over Volkswagen’s widespread diesel emissions scandal have officially begun in Australia.

The Amarok is the first in a long line of vehicles affected by the scandal with 8,694 units having been selected for the recall. Affected customers were contacted via email this morning, and will also receive a letter inviting them to make an appointment with their local Volkswagen dealer.

The recall comes in the form of a software upgrade which a certified Volkswagen technician will apply. The process should take less than half an hour and comes at no cost to customers.

Volkswagen wants to assure customers that the software patch will not worsen fuel consumption, emissions, engine performance, torque or vehicle acoustics; the vehicle will drive as it did before the patch.

More models fitted with the 2.0-litre EA189 diesel engine will be recalled throughout the year, progressing model-by-model. A recall for affected 1.6-litre vehicles will come later this year.

Owners who have not been contacted and remain unsure if their vehicle is affected can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Volkswagen’s website at www.volkswagen.com.au. Alternatively, owners can contact customer care on 1800 504 076.