Volkswagen Group was criticised by its Australian customers today for being too slow in announcing a recall of thousands of its cars.

The German automotive giant said on Tuesday it was recalling some Golf, Jetta, Polo, Passat and Caddy models in Australia made between June 2008 and September 2011, after customers complained that the cars were suddenly losing power, Australian media reported.

The Australian recall, affecting 25,928 vehicles, follows similar action elsewhere in the world over perceived problems with the direct-shift gearbox (DSG).

In a posting on Volkswagen Australia’s Facebook page, customer Christopher Russell said, “If you did this in the first place you wouldn’t have damaged the brand!!” Volkswagen Australia had sought to placate anxious motorists with a promise of free inspections at its dealerships. It had insisted it would not be recalling vehicles.

The demand for a recall followed allegations made last week at a coroner’s hearing into the death of a motorist killed when her Golf was hit from behind by a truck in Melbourne. The truck driver claimed the accident was unavoidable because the car suddenly slowed.

The company denied there was a link between the inquest and complaints about issues with diesel engines and DSG transmissions.

Last week Volkswagen Australia was warned of a possible class action by owners unhappy with its response to complaints.

Saunders & Saunders Legal spokesman Brett Sanders said the firm was “currently investigating a potential class action” but would not say how many had come forward to join in any court case.

comment COMMENT NOW