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.
Audi Volkswagon recall
This is NOT a new problem. I have a 2003 Audi A4 that has had TWO transmissions replaced in less that one year. On 2 separate occasions, my car downshifted from 70 mph to 0 mph in a split second. This was on a major interstate in rush hour traffic. There have been a number of accounts documented on this problem for years, and I will never be another Audi owner. Beautiful cars, but a mechanical nightmare.