The company says that the recall is not compulsory because it is not a safety related recall. It relates to a heat shield under the body of petrol powered automatic cars. It says that the shield may have become damaged.

410,000 cars are affected

In a separate recall, some 4WD Passats may have a problem with the ventilation to the fuel tank. Although the company is trying to notify all owners, they are also advising anyone who smells fuel to take the car to a VW dealer for rectification.