VW Recalling Golfs

WASHINGTON--Volkswagen of America Inc. is recalling 4,218 Golf models in the United States to check for a possible welding defect in the control arm of the car’s front suspension system.

Volkswagen has determined that “a very small number” of 2000 and 2001 model year Golfs may have welds that do not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, making it possible for the control arm to separate from its bracket, which could cause the vehicle to be difficult to control.

There have been no accidents or injuries attributed to this concern, according to VW. Two failures have been reported in Brazil. Neither resulted in a loss of control or a crash.

The recall also affects 1,448 Golfs in Canada.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail. They are being asked to phone their dealers who will inspect the bracket and replace it at no cost to the customer if it is defective.

As a precautionary measure, Volkswagen is asking customers who own a new 2000 or 2001 Golf and hear a noise from the front suspension to immediately phone a Volkswagen dealer or dial Volkswagen’s toll-free number at 800/822-8987.