Recalls and Service Actions

Automakers are required by Transport Canada to notify vehicle owners within 60 days of informing the government about a new safety recall. However, developing, testing, manufacturing, and distributing repair parts can take time, which means dealerships may not always be able to begin repairs within that 60-day period.

Even if a repair is not yet available, it is important for vehicle owners to stay informed about recalls affecting their vehicles and follow any safety recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

No, recall repairs do not expire. However, it is strongly recommended that you address a recall as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Recall repairs are free when completed at a Volkswagen dealer.
 
However, there are times when you will have to pay for vehicle repairs before your dealer can do the recall work. For example:

• If you have aftermarket equipment installed on your vehicle and your dealer determines that it would interfere with or prevent the safe completion of the recall repair, you will need to have the aftermarket equipment removed at your expense before the recall work can be done.
• If there is damage to your vehicle and your dealer determines that it would interfere with or prevent the safe completion of the recall repair, you will need to have the damage repaired at your expense before the recall work can be done.
• If there is a pre-existing vehicle issue (such as a vehicle problem that causes an illuminated warning light) and your dealer determines that it would interfere or prevent the safe completion of the recall repair, you will need to have the problem fixed before the recall work can be done.

If you previously paid for a repair that is now covered by a recall, you may be eligible for reimbursement. To submit a claim, please provide the following:

1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the repaired vehicle
2. Name and address of the person requesting reimbursement
3. Legible copies of repair documentation, including itemized repair orders (please keep originals, as they will not be returned)
4. Proof of payment, such as receipts, invoices, or bank/credit card statements
5. Name, address, and phone number of the repair facility that performed the work

How to Submit Your Claim

You can submit your reimbursement request by email or mail:

• By Email: vwcarecanada@vw.ca
• By Mail:
  Volkswagen Canada
  Attn: Campaign Reimbursement
  777 Bayly St
  Ajax, ON L1S 7G7

Important Notes:

• Not all recalls include a reimbursement program. Your recall notification letter will indicate if reimbursement is available for your specific vehicle.
• Claims will be reviewed within 60 days of receipt. If approved, you will receive a reimbursement cheque from Volkswagen Canada.
• Reimbursement may be limited to the cost of the repair had it been performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership or repair facility.
• If additional information is needed, we will contact you to complete your claim.
• If your claim is denied, we will inform you of the reason for denial.

When you receive a recall letter informing you that a repair is available for your vehicle, we recommend you schedule an appointment with a Volkswagen dealer to have the recall work performed without delay.

Visit Find a Volkswagen dealer to find your nearest Volkswagen dealer.

Alternate transportation can vary depending on the recall and vehicle availability at the dealer.

Please contact your preferred Volkswagen dealer for further information. Visit Find a Volkswagen dealer to find your nearest Volkswagen dealer.

Yes, if your vehicle is affected by a recall, we recommend you schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. To see if your Volkswagen is part of a recall, enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the VIN Lookup tool found on our Recall/Service Action Lookup page. Once confirmed, visit Find a Volkswagen dealer to find your nearest Volkswagen dealer.

Yes, your vehicle will need to be inspected by your Volkswagen dealer to validate the previous repair performed and if required, complete the actions outlined in the recall notice.

To ensure your vehicle is compliant with the recall, schedule an inspection with your Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible.

We rely on provincial and territorial vehicle registration data for recall mailings. Each province and territory updates its records on different schedules, so it is possible that your registration information had not been updated at the time the recall notice was mailed.

If you are concerned about not receiving recall notices, contact your provincial or territorial vehicle registration office to ensure your vehicle is registered under the correct address.

Recalls affect vehicles built during a certain production time frame and may also only apply to vehicles with certain types of engines or specific options/equipment. Because of this, vehicles like yours may be recalled, but your vehicle is not affected.
 
Visit the Recall and Service Action lookup page to determine if your vehicle is included in a recall.