HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen Group of America Inc. is recalling 33,168 Golfs and Golf Sportwagens in the U.S. to address a rollaway risk. Another 24,123 vehicles are also being recalled in Canada.
The auto maker says that because of a buildup of silicate, a microswitch contact that detects the position of the ignition switch and prevents the key from being removed while the vehicle is not in "park" is defective.
"Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than 'Park' increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing states.
VW said no accidents or injuries have been reported.
Volkswagen owners will be notified, and dealers will install an additional switch and new circuit board to address the issue.
The recall involves eight vehicle models from 2015 to 2018 equipped with automatic transmissions. Models with push-button start are not affected.
The auto maker expects the recall to begin Sept. 8.