Beck/Arnley brake part for VW Jetta, Beetle leaks

NHTSA campaign 20E064000 · Reported 2020-09-23 · Tenneco Automotive

high How serious is it? About this label

Very serious, because losing brake fluid reduces your ability to stop; if this part was installed on your car, do not keep driving with a soft or sinking brake pedal or any fluid loss — have it checked right away.

What's wrong, in plain English

This recall covers Beck/Arnley replacement brake master cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle. The master cylinder is the part that pushes brake fluid to the brakes when you press the pedal. On these units the fluid seal may not be crimped tightly enough, so brake fluid can leak out or the cylinder can come apart. Leaking fluid means weaker brakes and a longer stopping distance.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN and this recall at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and look at your repair receipts to see if part 072-9831 was installed.
2. Contact the shop or distributor that sold or installed the part, or call Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
3. Get the free exchange for the new master cylinder, part number 072-9990.

Affected vehicles (3)

2018 Volkswagen Beetle
2018 Volkswagen Jetta
2019 Volkswagen Beetle

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Volkswagen brake recalls: which ones mean stop driving now? · all 7 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Safety risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.