Towing eye in the on-board tool kit badly welded that can break when towing (Polo and Škoda Rapid, 2018 recalls)

Engine / equipment

VW Polo V and Škoda Rapid (with other group models)

Period mentioned

Recalls of December 2017 and February 2018

Symptoms

The eye breaks when the car is towed and the towed car loses its link with the one pulling; a taut rope that comes loose can injure someone.

Possible cause described

According to the ADAC, a fault in the supplier's welding fixture meant some towing eyes were not welded reliably. If it breaks during a tow, the taut rope can injure people or damage objects. The eye is replaced in about 10 minutes and free. In Germany it covered 63,000 VW Group cars (with other models; Polo) and 22,208 Rapids; on the Rapid, because of low parts availability, owners were told not to use the eye until it is replaced.

Check for the garage

Ask by VIN whether it was done and do not use the on-board towing eye until you have confirmed it. To tow, use a tow truck or a rigid bar at an approved point.

Cost cited in the source

Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database