You can get VW and Audi ignition coils replaced. (Recalls & Safety Alerts).

We reported in the May Recalls column that Volkswagen would replace the ignition coils in some 530,000 VW and Audi vehicles. Several readers complained that dealers weren't following through. Volkswagen of America says it has also heard complaints. A spokesman says that owners use of the word recall" instead of "customer-service action" confused some dealers. The automaker tells us that it has instructed dealers to replace the coils on all affected cars, even if the coils have not failed. VW will notify car owners in writing. Owners who believe they're still getting the runaround should call the carmaker at 800-822-8987 and ask for the Volkswagen area executive, or go to: www.vwcom/VwSFB/index. Here are the cars involved and the action to take:

Models: 530,000 '0l to '03 model year vehicles, including Audi TT and A4, Volkswagen Golf/GTI, Jetta, New Beetle, and Passat, all with 1.8-liter engines. Action also extends to Volkswagen Passat with W8 (8-cylinder) engine, all Volkswagens with 2.8-liter VR6 engine, and all cars with Audi 3.0-liter V6. But V6 2.8-liter Passats are not subject to action.

What to do: All owners of affected vehicles should contact their Volkswagen dealer to make an appointment to have the coils replaced. Dealers were notified in early March to replace all coils if a consumer came to them because of an actual problem.

VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

'00-02 BMW X5 sport-utility vehicles

Brake hose could rub against tire and leak.

Models: 84,000 vehicles made 8/99 to 4/02.