The new Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia postpone their delivery due to problems with the emergency systems

It is no secret that each new generation of cars far surpasses its predecessor almost exponentially in terms of systems and new-generation technology. From propulsion units to connectivity, information and entertainment equipment, cars are increasingly ‘digital’, as is the case with the new Volkswagen Golf and the Skoda Octavia.

So much so that one of the key points in development, manufacturing and marketing is the software that manages and controls the car’s computer systems. That is why, even though cars have sometimes left the assembly line and are waiting to be loaded and unloaded on their way to their future owners or users, last-minute problems arise that delay their delivery, as is the case with this pair of ‘distant cousins’ from the Volkswagen Group, the famous eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf and the fourth-generation Skoda Octavia.

As our colleagues at Auto Bild report, both models will see their arrival at dealerships delayed due to software problems. Specifically, according to what our colleagues report, the problem would stem from an incorrect operation of the system that controls the emergency call.

It seems that the mandatory eCall system does not affect the general operation of either model as such, but malfunctions have been detected in the OQ3 control unit, which appears in the German compact and the Czech saloon as well as other models in the Group.

The unit controls this safety system which comes into operation once the vehicle assesses and considers that a risk situation has occurred in which roadside rescue systems must intervene.

It seems that this fault has been detected routinely in production units already delivered to customers but, in no case, would these be units destined for the Spanish market, where we are still awaiting the first deliveries.

The solution to the problem, as is usual with these software problems, involves a system update, which will take place next June.

Problems with the eCall on the Volkswagen Golf extendable to more models

As the information from the outlet points out, their contacts at Volkswagen have confirmed that the problems have been detected in the new Volkswagen Golf. Likewise, in contact with spokespeople at Skoda, they have acknowledged that this problem with the eCall has been detected in the new Skoda Octavia, a vehicle whose deliveries should have begun last April but which, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have been delayed until July, so they understand the software issue will be resolved before reaching customers.

Since this is a technological system common to several models of the Volkswagen Group, it cannot be ruled out that it could affect other models that also incorporate that OQ3 unit, such as the Seat León or the Audi A3.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €

HatchbackSkoda Octavia24 versions · from 35,200 €