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OTTAWA — Over 8,000 Volkswagens are the subject of a wide-ranging safety-related recall.

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The notice, posted this week by Transport Canada, concerns 2025 model year Volkswagen Taos and Volkswagen Jettas, concerning critical software errors with the vehicle’s instrument cluster.

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“On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the instrument cluster not to display when the vehicle is started,” read the recall notice published online by Transport Canada.

“As a result, you may not be able to see certain information about the vehicle, including the speedometer, gear selection indicators, warning lights and malfunction tell-tales.”

Software bug could blank speedometer, instrument cluster

Safety risks associated with this recall include a number of warnings, tell-tales and gauges that possibly won’t display when required, which the recall notice warns could increase the risk of a crash.

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The problem has caused the vehicle’s instrument cluster — consisting of an LCD screen behind the steering wheel — to remain blank after starting the car, or even cut out while driving.

The software error could cause the vehicle’s speedometer, gear indicator or warning lights to suddenly stop working.

Volkswagen, the notice read, will notify owners by mail and advise those impacted to return their car to the dealership, where technicians will update software linked to the problems with the instrument cluster. 

“The dealer will replace the instrument cluster, as necessary,” the recall notice added. 

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So far, no injuries or crashes have been reported in connection with the recall.

This latest notice comes after two separate recalls initiated by Volkswagen — Over 13,000 2025 and 2026 Jettas were recalled over issues with transmission grounding wires that may cause fires, and an unspecified number of 2023 thru 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 SUVs with manufacturer defects in their battery modules.

Those wanting to check if they’re impacted can enter their vehicle’s VIN number onto the Volkswagen Canada recall website.

Volkswagen says they expect to notify impacted drivers by May 22.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com

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