The rear hatch area where the hybrid battery tray is located does not sufficiently drain. Because of this, any water entering this area remains below the hatch floor cover in the battery tray and is not easily visible to customers. If too much water collects in this area, it could cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in late February 2016.