Recall 14V182 affects 26,452 2014 Volkswagen Passat, Jetta, and Beetle vehicles for leaking transmission oil cooler O-ring seals. Free repair at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 26,452 2014 Passat, Jetta, and Beetle vehicles with the 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission because O-ring seals between the oil cooler and transmission can leak fluid. Leaking transmission fluid can contact a hot surface and start a vehicle fire, and the Volkswagen dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic transmission in the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, Jetta, and Beetle uses transmission fluid to move power smoothly through the drivetrain. That fluid also has to be cooled, so it passes through an oil cooler. O-ring seals sit between the oil cooler and the transmission, where they keep the fluid inside the joint.
On affected vehicles with the 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission, those O-ring seals do not hold the joint closed as intended. Transmission fluid can leak from the connection between the cooler and the transmission. Once fluid escapes, the transmission has less fluid available for cooling, lubrication, and normal operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should treat any visible fluid under the vehicle, burning-fluid smell, harsh shifting, or unusual transmission behavior as a reason to stop and have the vehicle checked.
Who's affected?
Covers three Volkswagen car lines from the 2014 model year, all tied to the automatic transmission cooling unit and lines.
| 2014 Volkswagen Passat | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2014 Volkswagen Jetta | automatic transmission |
| 2014 Volkswagen Beetle | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 26,452 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A transmission fluid leak can reach a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire. Watch for fluid under the vehicle and schedule the recall repair soon, especially before longer trips. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Volkswagen Passat, Jetta, or Beetle is included in this recall.
- Check your mail and ownership records for Volkswagen's owner notice dated April 16, 2014.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to ask whether the free transmission oil cooler O-ring seal replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 14V182 and Volkswagen recall 38B9/9V when you call.
- Avoid driving if you smell transmission fluid, see a fluid leak, or notice smoke near the vehicle. Ask the dealer about towing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler area, where the cooler meets the transmission. That repair is meant to stop transmission fluid from leaking past the seal. The filing says the recall was expected to begin on April 16, 2014, and the dealer repair is free once available. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 15, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 16, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V182?
Recall 14V182 covers 26,452 2014 Volkswagen Passat, Jetta, and Beetle vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. O-ring seals between the oil cooler and transmission can leak fluid, and Volkswagen dealers replace the seals for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Volkswagen Passat, Jetta, or Beetle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V182. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for the transmission oil cooler O-ring seal replacement. Reference Volkswagen recall number 38B9/9V when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen dealers replace the transmission oil cooler O-ring seals free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In recall 14V182, leaking transmission fluid can contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire. If you see fluid leaking or smell burning, stop driving and call a Volkswagen dealer for guidance before moving the vehicle.
What if I bought my Volkswagen used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2014 Volkswagen Passat, Jetta, or Beetle is included, then give the dealer recall number 38B9/9V when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V182000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V182 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V182000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →