Audi Recalls A6, S6 & RS6 Over Fuel Leak Issue

Do you have your mind set on cruising the American highways from behind the wheel of a classy Audi? If that model has a ‘6’ in its designation, you might want to have a look at its valve... nipples, because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says there is something wrong with them.

Silly jokes aside, the safety organization has just released a recall notice for certain model year 2001-2004 Audi A6, 2002-2003 model year S6 and 2003 model year RS6 vehicles, all equipped with 4.2-liter V8 engines and manufactured from June 19th, 2001, until June 8th, 2004.

A total of 5,992 Audis bearing the number ‘6’ in their title are affected and will be recalled in the States over a potential problem described as the rollover valve nipple.

“The aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve combined with bending stress from the aluminum ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple may lead to cracking of the nipple,” the official NHTSA press release reads.

As a result, a fuel leak may happen according to Audi, which could eventually lead to a fire if an ignition source is nearby. It’s nice to know that the German carmakers make mistakes too - it lets us now that they are human as well.

The recall is expected to begin during June 2011. To fix the problem, dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the nipple crack. It’s highly recommended that you leave your cracked nipples to be inspected by a professional and not do it yourself.