Volkswagen’s Brazilian subsidiary has announced a significant recall affecting five of its most popular models due to a software defect in the digital instrument cluster.
Recall Details:
- Affected Models: The recall includes the Polo, Virtus, Nivus, T-Cross, and Tera models manufactured between 2020 and 2025.
- The Issue: A software bug can cause the instrument panel to malfunction or remain completely dark when the vehicle is started. In some cases, the screen may display erratic information or fail to show critical data such as speed, fuel levels, and safety warning lights.
- Safety Risk: The company warned that a non-functional dashboard significantly increases the risk of accidents, as drivers may be unaware of their speed or vital vehicle alerts, potentially leading to physical harm for occupants and others on the road.
Resolution for Owners:
- The Fix: Affected owners are instructed to visit an authorized Volkswagen dealership for a free inspection. If the defect is found, technicians will perform a software update or, if necessary, replace the instrument cluster entirely at no cost.
- Timeline: While official notifications to owners are expected to begin shortly, service appointments for the software fix are scheduled to start around May 11, 2026.
- Scale: Reports indicate that approximately 117,798 vehicles in Brazil are impacted by this specific campaign.
This move follows similar recent software-related recalls in North America, highlighting ongoing challenges for the automaker as it manages the complex digital components in its modern vehicle lineup.