Volkswagen of America Inc. on February 26 announced the recall 790,000 cars because of brake-light problems.
The recall involves 1999 to 2005 Golf and GTI models, 1999 to 2005 Jettas and 2002 to 2005 Jetta wagons with the Mark 4 platform, 1998 to 2007 New Beetles, 2003 to 2007 New Beetle convertibles and the 2004 Golf R32.
Volkswagen said a switch defect could cause the cars' brake lights to remain on or not work at all, preventing other motorists from knowing if the car was stopping, potentially leading to a crash.
Customers will be notified of the recall in April, spokesman Keith Price told United Press International. Price said he did not know the recall's cost to Volkswagen.
An additional 130,000 of the same models are being recalled in
The recall expands last year's callback of 362,000 Jetta and New Beetle models (model years 2001 to 2002) because of a similar switch defect, Price said. He said cars repaired under the previous campaign need not respond to this one.
VW dealers will install a new brake-light switch free of charge. Owners may contact VW with questions at 800-822-8987.
