Audi, Volkswagen recall thousands of vehicles

There is a major auto recall involving Audi and Volkswagen. The two are recalling 16,000 cars that can suddenly develop a potentially deadly transmission problem.

Some drivers call it the Flash of Death; when the park, reverse, neutral and drive lights suddenly flash on and off, signaling their transmission has gone haywire and they have no acceleration.

“This is a classic safety hazard. It’s only a matter of time before we have consumers being killed,” said Clarence Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety.

The recall affects any 2008 or 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, Eos, GTI or R32 with a direct shift gearbox transmission. Plus, 2009 Audi A3, TT and TT Roadsters that contain the same direct shift gearbox transmission.

Volkswagen said they have not had any reports of crashes or injuries reported as a result of the problems that triggered the recall.