VW Letter 23AK; Emissions Modification Correction

I suspect many of you with T2 and T3 models got the letter. Mine was dated December 2019. Has anyone gone to a dealer yet to see what is involved? The letter says it will probably take an hour to install the new software and that a loaner car will be provided. They also state, "Updates in this service action will not adversely impact your vehicle's drivability, fuel economy, or warranty coverage."
I'm having a problem with the vehicle recognizing when I've topped up the AdBlue, and hence the countdown mileage began. The electrical lockout did occur and it had to be towed to a dealer to override the lockout. All seems to be working now, but I'm skeptical.

My dealer was unaware of the recall DUH, is suppose to get back to me this wk. I seems it's optional and won't improve anything that isn't a problem. I will probably wait to see if I have an issue they discuss. I don't trust messing around with a perfect running machine.

showdown 42 said:

My dealer was unaware of the recall DUH, is suppose to get back to me this wk. I seems it's optional and won't improve anything that isn't a problem. I will probably wait to see if I have an issue they discuss. I don't trust messing around with a perfect running machine.

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Good call. If I had not had a problem with the AdBlue not recognizing my refilling it, I wouldn't even consider it.

The copy of the letter I read from other owners seemed to indicate the software update is mostly targeting a common complaint about excessive hesitation when accelerating from a stop or a slow roll in certain situations.

More of a drivability improvement than anything else.

That's odd. My letter didn't say anything about drivability. It mentioned an errant CEL and possible DPF replacement. I wonder if there are different letters floating around.

bizzle said:

That's odd. My letter didn't say anything about drivability. It mentioned an errant CEL and possible DPF replacement. I wonder if there are different letters floating around.

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Went back and found it. Exact words were reduces likelihood of experiencing an "engine shudder" under certain situations. It mentioned it's a recalibration that is aimed at fixing check engine light that previously and erroneously was leading technicians to replacing the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and adds to it that it may also fix a condition where, during warm up, the vehicle may have an engine shudder.

I'll be the guinea pig. Coolant leak wasn't fixed properly so I'll have to take it back in anyway and might as well get this done, too.

Got the letter as well, I have no issues with my 2016 so far (beside the acceleration lag), the only problem I have is with the total lack of knowledge from the techs at VW, I've had something new screwed up on my brand new Touareg every time i've gone to the dealer, so I avoid going unless absolutely necessary.
I'll wait for some feedback from Bizzle

I tried to get mine done yesterday while in for other service. The dealer investigated and found the software wouldn't be available to them until Jan 9th.

radef said:

I tried to get mine done yesterday while in for other service. The dealer investigated and found the software wouldn't be available to them until Jan 9th.

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Same here.
At the dealer for 60k service. They said it was a software update and they did not have anything from corporate yet.

Here is a thread from ClubTouareg. Definitely more info on it here:
https://www.clubtouareg.com/threads/new-emission-recall.290986/

Most reports are that the hesitation and dead pedal feel is mostly gone. Mine is currently in the shop for this and the ad-blue heater recall. I will post my impressions up when I get it back.

Got my 23AK letter.

I had the recall done and found no issues (before or after). Haven't driven a whole lot since but the day it was done - seems just fine.

We had the recall performed on our 2016 Touareg.

After driving it for three days and about 250 miles, on both highway and city roads, from 2,000 to 4,000 feet altitude, we can’t tell any difference in the way the vehicle drives. We can accelerate slowly or quickly, when the engine is cold or at normal operating temperature, with a light or heavy load, and the engine runs just fine. Engine noise, when cold or hot, is unobtrusive and sounds like it did before the software update was installed.

As for accelerator input lag, it isn’t an issue, nor was it an issue before the software update. Throttle response has always been great.

Finally, fuel economy seems unaffected by the recall.

So...our initial impressions of the recall (software update) are positive. At this point, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend having it done.

I had the recall done on my 2013. The previous acceleration lag is gone and throttle response is much better - the vehicle feels a lot more "lively". No good data on fuel consumption yet.

QZone said:

I had the recall done on my 2013. The previous acceleration lag is gone and throttle response is much better - the vehicle feels a lot more "lively". No good data on fuel consumption yet.

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Qzone, my 2013 has really annoying lag and non-linear throttle, whereas before the big dieselgate fix the throttle response was perfection like zipping around in my Golf R almost. Can you scan the notice or reply with a specific recall number? I want what your TDI has!!

I had it done on my 2016, same poor throttle response (the worst of any vehicle I've ever driven!) and lackluster economy (24 mph highway at 78 mph cruise). The throttle response made it a pain in the ass to drive so I sent the ECU to Malone for stage 2. No more dealing with VW's fubar job.