[Mediapen=Kim Sang-jun] Audi Volkswagen Korea(AVK) has confronted consumer complaints concerning AVK’s response to recall initiated from transmission defects.

Even though the recall problem is directly related to consumer safety, AVK is not responding properly. As this may lead to deadly accidents, urgent action is required immediately.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, among Volkswagen cars(including models Golf and Jetta) that was recalled, 9295 cases were due to transmission defects. This defect, caused from a small crack in an internal component may make the driver impossible to shift gears while driving. As it is linked to the safety of the driver, models with this defect had to be recalled.

However, car owners have to wait at least 2 to 9 months to get their cars repaired from 35 official Volkswagen service centers nationwide. The problem is worse in Jeonbuk and Gyeongbuk area. They are only able to make service reservations for February or March next year.

After gathering consumer opinions about the defect, the damage turned out worse than expected.

A Golf owner who experienced transmission defect stressed that he was in a situation where he couldn’t accelerate while driving on the highway. He had to pull over and restart the engine.

He also mentioned that he had to wait until February to get his car fixed, and that he was thinking of selling his car. He was concerned about the safety of the driver who buys his malfunctioning car.

Despite such serious problems, AVK is showing no actions. As the defect is directly related to safety, the company has moral responsibility to recall regardless of extra maintenance hours and cost. However, AVK is passing its responsibility to service centers, saying that it’s their area of business.

A senior official of the import car industry commented that “The active implementation of recall is a compulsory step for customers and the passive attitude of AVK should be criticized.” Also, he warned that if a serious accident occurs due to this problem, AVK will suffer from irreparable damage. 

Finally, he added that even at the risk of temporary losses, AVK should do its best to regain consumer trust. If they fail to resolve their recall problems, it will be hard to avoid criticism that they are preparing to withdraw their business from Korea.