Nearly Every Volkswagen Just Lost Key Features
The global semiconductor chip shortage continues to decimate the automotive industry. Its most recent victim is just about every vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup. VW is set to offer most models without certain key tech features to avoid a loss of production from missing chips. Unfortunately, almost every Volkswagen model will lose features, especially the most popular ones.
Popular Volkswagen models are losing features
According to Edmunds, entry and mid-level VW models will lose features. However, the top-spec trim levels “are set to retain them,” Edmunds said. Volkswagen’s luxury brand, Audi, is also losing features in many of its vehicles. However, the approach by each automaker is a little different. Audi is removing features across all models, so even the top trim levels won’t retain their fancy options.
Very few Audi models will have an integrated toll module, individual tire pressure display, or a wireless charging pad. However, for Volkswagen, the automaker wants customers to choose the highest trim levels. Thankfully buyers who choose to pay a premium should still get all the features they want.
Which Volkswagen models lost key features?
Firstly, almost every Volkswagen model is affected by the chip shortage. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for the automaker to keep up with production without the proper components. The following models may not have the features listed. Although, it will depend on the vehicle’s production date on your local dealer’s lot. If a car has been sitting on the lot for a while, it likely didn’t lose features yet.
| Volkswagen model | Features excluded and credit |
| Atlas | SE and SE w/Technology models may be missing blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (-$500) V6-powered SE w/Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL R-Line Black could be missing a factory-installed trailer hitch ($-550) SE w/Technology might be missing a hands-free liftgate (-$400) |
| Atlas Cross Sport | SE and SE w/Technology models may be missing blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (-$500) or heated side mirrors (-$50) V6-powered SE w/Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL R-Line Black could be missing a factory-installed trailer hitch ($-550) SE w/Technology may not have a hands-free liftgate (-$400) |
| Golf GTI | SE and Autobahn models may no longer have a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (-$375) |
| Golf R | Golf R may no longer come with a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (-$375). Affected models will receive a replacement seven-speaker unit from the Golf GTI. |
| Jetta | S, Sport, and SE models may not have a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (-$450) |
| Taos | S and SE models may not have a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (-$450) |
| Tiguan | S, SE, and SE R-Line Black models may not have a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (-$450) SE and SE R-Line Black may be missing a hands-free tailgate (-$300) |
Which models aren’t affected?
According to Edmunds, if you’re buying a Passat, Arteon, ID.4, or Jetta GLI, the production changes won’t impact these vehicles. At least for now, these models are safe to buy without fear of missing features. That begs the question, does the automaker tell you about the missing features?
In short, the salesperson will probably avoid talking about missing features. It isn’t a good selling point, after all. However, every Volkswagen missing features will come straight from the factory. Therefore, it should wear a window sticker noting the changes. Above all, it should show the credit due, and buyers will be able to purchase most VW models at a slightly discounted price.
Almost every Volkswagen model lost key features
Volkswagen isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last automaker to lose key features in vehicles. Unfortunately, without the proper components for building the cars, it’s easier to leave out certain items. This speeds up production and allows the automaker to continue selling. If VW wanted to keep all of these features, it would likely take far longer to make enough of these models to keep consumers supplied. Instead of missing features, you’d have an indefinite wait time for your new Volkswagen.
