Vehicle recall R/2002/049

Volkswagen Lupo and Volkswagen Polo recall: Brake vacuum supply pipe concern

DVSA recall R/2002/049 names the Volkswagen Lupo and Volkswagen Polo. It was launched 6 July 2002. It covers vehicles built 1 May 1997 to 31 December 1999.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2002/049
Launched: 6 July 2002
Issued by: VW
Manufacturer reference: 47H2
Vehicles: DVSA lists 120,978 on each model line

What can go wrong

On Polo and Lupo vehicles in the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the connections of the pipes because of a manufacturing fault. If a vacuum pipe leaks the brake servo loses its function. Without the servo assistance a lot more force must be used on the pedal. But this will not lead to a total failure of the brake system.

The fix

The fitted vacuum pipes will be checked and if necessary replaced.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. DVSA lists the same vehicle number on each line: 120,978. It may be a figure per line or for the whole recall.
Model	Built	Vehicles
Volkswagen Lupo	1 May 1997 to 31 December 1999	120,978
Volkswagen Polo	1 May 1997 to 31 December 1999	120,978

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2004/092 Clutch operation may be affected 29 June 2004, Volkswagen Polo
R/2004/201 Tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the servo 11 February 2005, Volkswagen Caddy, Volkswagen Polo
R/2004/211 Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break 3 March 2005, Volkswagen Bora, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen Golf and others
R/2007/050 Seat may catch fire 30 April 2007, Volkswagen Polo
R/1996/108 Loss of tyre pressure 18 December 1996, Volkswagen Polo
R/1992/066 Brake pipes may chafe on other components 18 January 1993, Volkswagen Polo

Found one you might buy?

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources