Recalls + TSBs
Recalls, TSBs, and known issues that matter.
Curated list of VW and Audi defects and service bulletins that actually affect Ontario owners. Includes Transport Canada recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and well-documented community known-issues.
Always verify by VIN. Check active recalls at Transport Canada, vw.ca/recalls, and audi.ca/recalls. Active recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer regardless of warranty status.
Known issue · Severity: high
Audi B8 2.0T Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Affected: 2008-2012 Audi A4, A5, Q5 with 2.0T (CAEB engine)
Original timing chain tensioner is prone to failure with little warning. Symptoms include rattle on cold start, especially after the car has sat overnight. Tensioner failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Updated tensioner (Gen 2 or Gen 3) should be installed as preventive maintenance before 120K km. Estimated job cost in GTA: $1,500 to $2,400 depending on shop.
Known issue · Severity: medium
Audi 3.0T Supercharger Coolant Pump Failure
Affected: 2010-2017 Audi S4, S5, Q5, A6 with 3.0T supercharged V6
Supercharger coolant pump can fail and cause overheating of the supercharger. Symptoms include reduced power under boost and dash warning. Replacement pump is around $800-1,200 plus labor. Some shops recommend preventive replacement at 150K km.
Known issue · Severity: medium
Mk7 EA888 Gen 3 Water Pump/Thermostat Failure
Affected: 2015-2019 VW GTI, Golf R, Tiguan, Audi A3 with EA888 Gen 3 (CXSA, CXCA codes)
Combined water pump and thermostat unit fails commonly around 80,000-130,000 km. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant warning, sweet coolant smell from engine bay. Updated part has revised internal thermostat actuator. Repair cost in GTA: $700-1,100.
TSB · Severity: low
MQB DSG Mechatronic Software Update
Affected: 2018-2020 VW Golf R, GTI, 8V Audi S3 with DQ381 7-speed DSG
Software TSB rolling out for low-speed shift hesitation. Not a recall, covered under warranty if still in. Ask your dealer to pull TSB 38-22-01 (or Canadian equivalent) at next service.
Settlement (closed) · Severity: informational
VW/Audi TDI Dieselgate Emissions Settlement
Affected: 2009-2015 VW/Audi 2.0L and 3.0L TDI vehicles
Volkswagen Canada Inc. dieselgate settlement closed in 2018. Vehicles either bought back, modified, or terminated. Buying a TDI today, check that all emissions and ECU updates were completed (post-buyback or post-modification flag in service records). Carfax history should reflect this.