Circular 40R1

Service Action
Code: 40R1
Subject
Release Date
Affected Vehicles
Front Stabilizer Coupling Rod
September 21, 2021
Country
USA
USA
CAN
CAN
Beginning
Model Year
2019
2020
2019
2020
Ending
Model Year
2022
2022
2021
2021
Vehicle
ATLAS
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
ATLAS
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
Vehicle
Count
101,086
30,577
10,730
3,173
Check Campaigns/Actions screen in ELSA on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this
action. ELSA is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source.

Campaign status must show “open.”

If ELSA shows other open action(s), inform your customer so that the work can also be completed at
the same time the vehicle is in the workshop for this campaign.
Problem Description
Some vehicles may have been produced with incorrectly manufactured front stabilizer coupling
rod ball joint(s). If this condition exists in the vehicle, owners may notice a rattling or knocking
sound coming from the front of the vehicle, especially while driving over rough or irregular road
surfaces.
Corrective Action
Inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both front stabilizer coupling rod(s) and replace front
coupling rod nuts.
Code Visibility
On or about September 21, 2021, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.
Owner Notification
Owner notification will take place in September 2021. Owner letter examples are included in
this bulletin for your reference.
Campaign Expiration
Date
This campaign expires on September 30, 2026. Repairs must be performed on or before this
date to be eligible for payment. Keep this expiration date in mind when scheduling customers
for this action. If a customer wishes to have this service performed after the expiration date,
your dealerships normal parts and labor cost associated with this repair will apply.
Additional Information
Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.
Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before
delivery to consumers.
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) after work is complete.
Labels can be ordered at no cost via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.vwhub.com.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 1 of 11
Parts Information
Parts Control Type:
Upper Order Limit
Parts will be managed with a weekly Upper Order Limit. Please see Parts On
Command (POC) for your Upper Order Limit quantity.
Initial Allocation:
YES
Dealers will be sent an initial allocation prior to customer notification. If no initial
allocation was received, please reference the Repair Projection Tool (below) to view
your potential VIN population.
Repair Projection Tool:
(right click to open)
Criteria
01
Quantity
Up to 2
4
Part Number
P.O.C. Part Description
Ordering Method
3QF-411-315-A
CONN LINK
UOL
N -015-081-8
NUT
UOL
NOTE
The specified part numbers reflect the status at the start of this action. Interim updates made in ETKA can cause a
listed part number to become unavailable. In this case, the new part number specified in ETKA should be used.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 2 of 11
Claim Entry Instructions
The labor times listed here may differ from the labor operations and labor times listed in ELSA.
After campaign has been completed, enter claim as soon as possible to help prevent work from being duplicated
elsewhere. Attach the ELSA screen print showing action open on the day of repair to the repair order.
If customer refused campaign work:
 U.S. dealers: Submit request via WISE under the Campaigns/Update/Recall Closure option.
 Canada dealers: Upload the repair order [signed by customer] to Volkswagen WIN/Operations/Campaign
Closure.
Service Number
40R1
Damage Code
0099
Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type
WWO
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90
Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner
Mark labor as causal
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
U.S.A.: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. However,
loaner/rental may be covered under the Alternate Transportation Program. Please refer
to the Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual for loaner claims
information and reimbursement details.
Canada: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. Please refer to t
Volkswagen Service Loaner Program to determine loaner eligibility.
Criteria I.D.
01
Inspect left front and right front coupling rods, both coupling rods are ok, replace
coupling rod nuts only
LABOR
Labor Op
Time Units
4078 55 99
50
Description
Inspect coupling rods, coupling rods
replacement not needed
PARTS
Quantity
Part Number
Description
4.00
N 0150818
NUT
Continued on next page
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 3 of 11
-OR-
Inspect left front and right front coupling rods, one coupling rod requires replacement
and all four coupling rod nuts require replacement
LABOR
Labor Op
Time Units
Description
4078 56 99
50
Replace one coupling rod
PARTS
-OR-
Quantity
Part Number
Description
1.00
3QF411315A
CONN LINK
4.00
N 0150818
NUT
Inspect left front and right front coupling rods, both coupling rods requires replacement
and all four coupling rod nuts require replacement
LABOR
Labor Op
Time Units
4078 57 99
50
Description
Replace both front coupling rods
PARTS
Quantity
Part Number
Description
2.00
3QF411315A
CONN LINK
4.00
N 0150818
NUT
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 4 of 11
Customer Letter Example (USA)




This notice applies to your vehicle:   , 
Subject: Service Action 40R1 - Front Stabilizer Coupling Rod
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
As part of Volkswagen's ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction, we are informing you of our decision to
conduct a service action on certain 2019-2022 model year Volkswagen vehicles. Our records show that you are
the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?
Some vehicles may have been produced with incorrectly manufactured front stabilizer
coupling rod ball joint(s). If this condition exists in the vehicle, owners may notice a
rattling or knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle, especially while driving
over rough or irregular road surfaces.
What will we do?
Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both
front stabilizer coupling rod(s) and replace front coupling rod nuts. The work will take
about an hour to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep
in mind that your dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as
well as to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
What should you do?
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible to schedule
this service. To set up an appointment online, please visit www.vw.com/find-adealer.
This service action will be available for you free of charge only until September 30
2026. If you wish to have this service performed after that date, your dealer’s normal
costs associated with this repair will apply.
Lease vehicles and
address changes
If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please
forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of
receipt. If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the
enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Can we assist you
further?
If your authorized Volkswagen dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of
charge within a reasonable time, or if you should have any questions about this
communication, please reach out to us using your preferred method of
communication at www.vw.com/contact or by calling us at 800-893-5298.
Checking your vehicle
for open Recalls and
Service Campaigns
To check your vehicle’s eligibility for repair under this or any other recall/service
campaign, please visit www.vw.com/owners/recalls and enter your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) into the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool.
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your
vehicle continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Customer Protection
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 5 of 11
Customer Letter Example (CANADA)




This notice applies to your vehicle:   , 
Subject:
Service Action 40R1 - Front Stabilizer Coupling Rod
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
As part of Volkswagen's ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction, we are informing you of our decision to
conduct a service action on certain 2019-2021 model year Volkswagen vehicles. Our records show that you are
the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?
Some vehicles may have been produced with incorrectly manufactured front stabilizer
coupling rod ball joint(s). If this condition exists in the vehicle, owners may notice a
rattling or knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle, especially while driving
over rough or irregular road surfaces.
What will we do?
Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both
front stabilizer coupling rod(s) and replace front coupling rod nuts. The work will take
about an hour to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep
in mind that your dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as
well as to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
What should you do?
In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service. Please keep in mind
that your dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as
to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
This service action will be available for you free of charge only until September 30,
2026. If you wish to have this service performed after that date, your dealer’s normal
costs associated with this repair will apply.
Lease vehicles and
address changes
If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please
forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of
receipt. If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the
enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Can we assist you
further?
If your authorized Volkswagen dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of
charge within a reasonable time, please contact Customer Relations, Monday through
Friday from 8AM to 8PM EST by phone at 1-800-822-8987 or via our “Contact Us”
page at www.vw.ca.
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your
vehicle continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Customer Protection
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 6 of 11
Repair Overview

Inspect front coupling rods and replace if
necessary.

Replace all four front coupling rod nuts.
NOTE

These repair instructions may differ from the labor operations and labor times listed in ELSA.

Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer’s
responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action.

This procedure must be read in its entirety prior to performing the repair.

Due to variations in vehicle equipment and options, the steps/illustrations in this work procedure may not
identically match all affected vehicles.

Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.

When working during extreme temperatures, it is recommended that the vehicle be allowed to acclimate
inside the shop to avoid temperature-related component damage/breakage.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 7 of 11
Repair Instruction
Section A - Check for Previous Repair
TIP
If Campaign Completion label is present, no further work is required.

Enter the VIN in Elsa and proceed to the
“Campaign/Action” screen.
TIP
On the date of repair, print this screen and keep a
copy with the repair order.

Confirm the Campaign/Action is open . If the status is closed, no further work is
required.

Note the Applicable Criteria ID  for
use in determining the correct work to be done
and corresponding parts associated.
CRITICAL REPAIR STEP
STOP!
If multiple software update Campaign/Actions are
open, they must be performed in order of the Start
date . The oldest should be performed
first.

All Safety Recalls must be completed prior
to completing this campaign.

Proceed to Section B.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 8 of 11
Section B – Repair Procedure

Both the left front and right front coupling rods
must be inspected.

Regardless of the coupling rod inspection
results, all four coupling rod nuts must be
replaced.

Raise the vehicle.

Inspect both front coupling rods.

If the supplier is “CJ8”:

o
The coupling rod is ok.
o
The coupling rod nuts must be
replaced.
If the supplier is “YXE” or if the supplier cannot
be determined:
o
The coupling rod must be replaced.
o
The coupling rod nuts must be
replaced.

Clean coupling rod stud threads with a wire
brush, for example.

Remove the nut  and the coupling rod
<1> from the suspension strut.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 9 of 11

Clean coupling rod stud threads with a wire
brush, for example.

Remove the hex nut <1> from the coupling rod
<3>.

Remove the coupling rod <3> from the
stabilizer bar <2> (if required).

Install new coupling rod (if required) in the
reverse order of removal.

Replace all four coupling rod nuts.

Counter hold the multi-point coupling rod stud
and torque nuts as follows:
o
Connection to strut: 40 Nm + 60°.
o
Connection to stabilizer bar: 40 Nm +
90°.
Part Number
Part Description
3QF-411-315-A
Coupling Rod (if required)
N -015-081-8
Nut
Proceed to Section C
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 10 of 11
Section C – Campaign Completion Label
Install Campaign Completion Label

Fill out and affix Campaign Completion
Label, part number CAMP 010 000, next to
the vehicle emission control information
label.
TIP
Ensure Campaign Completion Label does not cover
any existing label(s).
Proceed to Section D
Section D - Parts Return/Disposal
Properly store (retain), destroy or dispose of removed parts in accordance with all state/province and local
requirements, unless otherwise indicated and/or requested through the Warranty Parts Portal (WPP) for U.S. and
the Part Destruction and Core Disposition Report for Canada.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
September 2021
40R1 Page 11 of 11