Volkswagen Group of America will be notifying owners of certain 2011-2013 Jetta and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles of a safety defect that could result in loss of vehicle control. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the durability of the trailing arm on one or both rear axles could be reduced during a rear or side rear impact crash. If this problem is not correctly diagnosed and repaired it could lead to a sudden complete fracture of the trailing arm and an increased chance of an accident.

Owners will be asked to return their vehicles and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of a sudden fracture. Owners will receive an interim notification in November 2014 and a second letter when parts are available. For more information about the problem contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. The NHTSA campaign number is 14V-656.