NHTSA Complaint #11452318 — 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

At 49,086, our 2016 Volkswagen Golf developed a leak in the thermostat assembly housing. The Volkswagen dealership, Elk Grove Volkswagen in Elk Grove, CA, strongly recommended the replacement of the thermostat assembly housing which included replacement of the thermostat assembly housing, the thermostat itself, a gasket, the replacement of the coolant. Failure to do so would result in the engine overheating and potential damage to the engine. Looking quickly online, I found several forums which discussed this specific problem: https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/thermostat-housing-leaking-again-after-recall-done-in-2018.9458318/ https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/failed-thermostat-housing-coolant-loss-info-gathering.368847/ A low coolant warning light was on, however there were no visable leaks underneath the car. The following is a ibetter description of the problem, taken from the golfmk7 website: “Coolant will slowly seep out of a weep hole on the underside of the thermostat housing. It doesn't seem to be enough to ever leave a puddle but slight residue may be seen under the thermostat housing and possibly on the oil pan. The loss of coolant often trips the low coolant warning if the level isn't maintained. Depending on the size of the leak, the coolant drop can either be gradual or catastrophic. Loss of coolant has also been linked to the water pump failing. Furthermore, the accessory bracket gasket can leak hot oil down onto the thermostat housing (even after repair) which can cause failure.“ The service was completed today, 02/16/2022.