Emissions Recall
Code: 26N6
Subject
Release Date
REVISION SUMMARY
Affected Vehicles

REVISION

Catalyst
February 24, 2021
Updated claiming instructions, part information and work instructions with latest
catalyst information. Removed part ordering restrictions.

Country

Beginning
Model
Year

Ending
Model
Year

Vehicle

USA
CAN

2018
2018

2018
2018

ATLAS
ATLAS

Vehicle
Count
42,932
7,260

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.

Problem Description

Corrective Action
Code Visibility



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.

Over time and mileage, the factory-installed catalyst may not perform as required. If the
effectiveness of the catalyst is reduced, this may result in increased tailpipe emissions and the
vehicle could fail an emissions (IM) inspection.
Replace catalyst and update ECM software.
On or about May 19, 2020, the campaign code was applied to affected vehicles.

Owner Notification

Owner notification will begin in June 2020. Owner letter examples are included in this bulletin
for your reference.

Emissions Campaigns
Requirements
(CALIFORNIA ONLY)

The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require
emissions-related campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When
campaign work is done you must provide the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall –
Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). Order certificates online via the
Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.vwhub.com.

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.
February 2021
Form No. F_3.4_AHQ-CP-C_048 Rev. 1.0

26N6 Page 1 of 19

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.

Parts Control Type:
Free Order

Parts will be managed by Free Order

Initial Allocation:
YES

Dealers were 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.
No additional allocations will take place.

Repair Projection Tool:
(right click to open)

Criteria

ALL

Part Number

P.O.C. Part Description

Ordering Method
(see descriptions
above)

1

3QF-254-500-KX

Exh. Pipe (Catalyst)

UOL

2

3C0-253-115

Gasket

Free Order

6

N -102-861-08

Nut

Free Order

1

5Q0-253-141

Clamp

Free Order

3

WHT-000-729-A

Bolt

Free Order

1

N -038-549-4

Rivet

Free Order

Quantity

NOTE
The specified part numbers reflect the status at the start of this service 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 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.
February 2021

26N6 Page 2 of 19

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

26N6

Damage Code

0099

Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

WWO
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner

Mark catalyst* as causal part
U.S.A.: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. However,
loaner/rental may be covered under the mobility program. Please refer to section 3.30
in 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
the Volkswagen Service Loaner Program to determine loaner eligibility.

ONLY claim criteria 01, 02 or 03. DO NOT claim criteria M* if assigned to the vehicle.
Criteria M* (M1, M2, etc.) will be added to vehicles that were mailed an official Volkswagen campaign notification.
Criteria I.D.

01 or 02 or 03
LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

2673 55 99

260

2706 89 50

10

2470 25 99

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol
(Up to 50 T.U.)

Description
Replace catalyst
Connect battery charger
Update ECM software

PARTS

Continued on next page

Quantity

Part Number

Description

1.00

3QF253059PX
-or3QF254500KX

Exh. pipe (Catalyst)*

2.00

3C0253115

Gasket

1.00

5Q0253141

Dual clamp

1.00

N 0385494

Rivet

6.00

N 10286108

Shouldered hex. nut, self-locking

3.00

WHT000729A

Hex socket head bolt (combi)

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.
February 2021

26N6 Page 3 of 19

-AND-

Add ONLY if exhaust manifold stud(s) break during the repair
LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

2625 01 99

20
(for each broken
manifold stud)

Replace broken manifold stud
PARTS

Quantity

Part Number

Up to 6.00

N 0445203

Description
Stud

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.
February 2021

26N6 Page 4 of 19

Customer Letter Example (United States)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Recall 26N6 - Catalyst
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, we are informing
you of our decision to conduct an emissions recall on certain 2018 model year Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Our records show
that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

Over time and mileage, the factory-installed catalyst may not perform as required. If the
effectiveness of the catalyst is reduced, this may result in increased tailpipe emissions and the
vehicle could fail an emissions (IM) inspection.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will replace the catalyst and update the ECM software in
your vehicle. This work will take about four (4) hours 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.
IMPORTANT! If the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or otherwise
modified from original factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or
software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to original factory
specifications is NOT covered under this action.

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-a-dealer.

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.

Important information for
California Vehicle Owners
– California Regulations

California regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to the time you renew your
vehicle registration. Therefore, please make sure that this campaign is completed prior to
the renewal of your vehicle registration, and that you furnish proof of completion to the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the form of a copy of the dealer’s repair order, including
a signed “Proof of Correction” certificate. You obtain this from your dealer after the campaign
has been completed. Please retain the signed “Proof of Correction Certificate” with your vehicle
records. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested.

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.
February 2021

26N6 Page 5 of 19

Customer Letter Example (CANADA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Recall 26N6 - Catalyst
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Volkswagen has determined that a defect, which relates to a prescribed emission standard, exists in certain 2018 model
year Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

Over time and mileage, the factory-installed catalyst may not perform as required. If the
effectiveness of the catalyst is reduced, this may result in increased tailpipe emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will replace the catalyst and update the ECM software
in your vehicle. This work will take about four (4) hours 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.
IMPORTANT! If the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or otherwise
modified from original factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or
software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to original factory
specifications is NOT covered under this action.

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. On or about May 19, 2020 the
necessary repair instructions and parts will be available to your authorized Volkswagen
dealer.

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.
February 2021

26N6 Page 6 of 19

Repair Overview

•

Replace catalyst and update ECM software.

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.

NOTE
Criteria M* (M1, M2, etc.) will be added to vehicles that were mailed an official Volkswagen campaign notification. This
can be seen in the Campaigns/Actions section in Elsa.

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.
February 2021

26N6 Page 7 of 19

Required Special Tools

Elbow Assembly Tool
-T10118-

Ring Wrench 7-Piece Set
-3337(or equivalent)