Volkswagen to recall 640,309 cars in China

Volkswagen China, FAW Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen will recall 640,309 Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda vehicles from Nov. 25, China's quality watchdog announced on Thursday.

The recall will include 11,171 Scirocco 1.4T, Cross Golf, Golf GTI 1.4T and Beetle 1.4T/1.2T models produced between Jan. 28, 2009 and July 4, 2013, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

The recall will also include 330,147 Bora 1.4T, Golf 1.6L/1.4T, Sagitar 1.4T/1.8T and Variant 1.4T/1.8T, CC 1.8T models produced between Aug. 8, 2009 and July 19, 2013, as well as 7,575 imported Audi A1 and Audi A3 models produced between Oct. 26, 2012 and May 21, 2013.

A total of 291,416 Touran 1.4T, Lavida 1.4T, Superb 1.4T, Octavia 1.8T/1.4T, Passat 1.8T/1.4T and Polo 1.4T models produced between Oct.27, 2009 and June 22, 2013 are also on the recall list.

The synthetic oil used in the defective vehicles has affected the proper working of the gearbox, which may lead to power supply malfunction and cause safety problems, the statement said.

The manufacturer will offer free checks and replace the oil in the recalled cars starting from Nov. 25.