Volkswagen Australia recalls 3,801 Skoda and 26 Cupra vehicles for potential brake fluid leaks caused by improperly installed heat shields. Owners advised to seek repair…
Volkswagen Australia Recalls Certain Skoda and Cupra Vehicles Over Brake Fluid Leak
Volkswagen Australia has announced two recalls affecting 3,801 Skoda and 26 Cupra vehicles due to improperly installed heat shields.
Urgent Safety Fix Required
If the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and exhaust manifold is not correctly installed, it may cause the brake fluid reservoir connection to overheat and melt. This can lead to brake fluid leaks, compromising braking performance. All vehicles involved use DOT4 brake fluid, which is flammable.
Leaked brake fluid contacting the hot exhaust manifold poses a risk of an underhood fire. Volkswagen Australia urges owners of affected vehicles to promptly arrange a service appointment with their local dealer.
Scope of the Recall
The recall covers 3,801 Skoda models, including the 2020–2024 Superb and 2020–2024 Octavia. Additionally, 26 Cupra vehicles are affected: the 2020–2022 Formentor and 2020–2022 Leon.
Skoda’s heritage dates to 1859 as an arms manufacturer, transitioning to car production in 1925. Cupra became an independent brand in 2018, emerging from SEAT’s performance division.
Model Highlights and Future Directions
The Skoda Octavia and Superb are available as five-door liftbacks or wagons. The latest Superb parallels the B9 Volkswagen Passat platform, while the Octavia is closely related to the Golf Mk8.
Currently, the Cupra Leon V starts at $51,990 AUD ($34,075 USD), and the Formentor V at $64,990 AUD ($42,600 USD). While Cupra aims for a fully electric lineup by 2030, Skoda plans to have over 70% of its European sales as electric vehicles by the same year.