NHTSA Complaint #11610756 — 2022 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Lost my key fob during a hike. The key was attached to my belt through the key ring. Must have accidentally brushed release button for the emergency key, which dropped the key fob somewhere along a ten-mile (16 K) hike. Thought I could start the car using the emergency key. That is not possible. I became stranded. The key fob for 2022 GT1 includes an “emergency” key. The emergency key contains a metallic loop, which is the only way to attach the key fob to a key chain. The emergency key is released by pushing an exposed button on the side of the key fob (see attached picture). Unfortunately, the emergency key only unlocks the driver’s side door. It cannot start the car. In fact, the brakes are lock and the car cannot even be towed without the key fob. I believe losing the key fob was a direct result of faulty design and this problem should have been anticipated by VW. I routinely go for a long hikes from staging grounds that have no cell phone reception and are miles away from any place where I could get help (example: 37.5362566,-121.8474412). After a long hike on a hot day, I am exhausted, low on food, water and endurance. Being past retirement age, I am not equipped to further extend my hike. I believe this is a safety defect that should be rectified through recall if necessary. Fortunately, this time on July 28, I could get cell reception from my parked car. However, I do think my safety was imperiled by the poor design of the key. A single, unintentional motion disconnected the key and left me stranded. I have been unable to contact Volkswagen. Have not found any usable email address. Tried calling the listed phone number, 800-822-8987. After a 40 min. hold, it hung up on me.