VW and Audi cars recalled

Around 870,000 Volkswagen and Audi cars, including about 166,000 in the UK are being recalled worldwide because of a wheel problem, it was announced today.

Around 870,000 Volkswagen and Audi cars, including about 166,000 in the UK are being recalled worldwide because of a wheel problem, it was announced today.

Volkswagen Group which owns both marques said that rubber boots (casings) on the front axle on some older models were prone to possible damage.

This can lead to wear and, in isolated cases, to the failure of the bearing arm which connects the wheels to the suspension.

A Volkswagen spokeswoman said today: "The ultimate result could be that a wheel could fall off although this would only happen at very low speed."

The recall affects Volkswagen Passats built between 1996 and 1999, Audi A4s and A8s built 1994–99 and A6s built 1997–99.

Drivers of these vehicles will have the problem fixed free of charge.