NHTSA Campaign #80V035000

1975–1979 Volkswagen Rabbit Recall

Structure: Body

Issued · Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Affected model years
1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
Component
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicles affected
140,000
Report received

Summary

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE FENDER OPENING THROUGH WHICH THE ANTENNA CABLE IS ROUTED MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. AS A RESULT, SPLASHED WATER FROM THE TIRES COULD ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE OPENING, ENTER THE FUSE RELAY BOARD AND CAUSE CORROSION OF THE TERMINALS. ALSO, BECAUSE WATER IS A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY, THE STARTER CAN BE ACTIVATED ACCIDENTALLY; THE HIGH FLOW OF ELECTRICITY MAY EXHAUST THE BATTERY WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THUS RESTARTING THE ENGINE WOULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE AND PARKING LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, SEAL THE RADIO ANTENNA HOLES AND REPLACE CORRODED COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER..

Notes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; ANTENNA CABLE OPENING.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: VEHICLE WOULD BECOME DISABLED AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENTCOULD OCCUR IF TRAFFIC IS PRESENT.

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Related

Data sourced from the NHTSA Recalls database.