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Volkswagen Recalls 281,500 Vehicles In USA Because of Fuel Leaks

The Volkswagen Group will recall approximately 281,500 vehicles it sold in the United States of America. Three recall actions target separate issues that might lead to a fuel leak, which is how we came up with the number.
2016 Volkswagen Golf (US model) 4 photos
Photo: Volkswagen
2016 Volkswagen Golf (US model)2016 Volkswagen Golf (US model)2016 Volkswagen Golf (US model)
Volkswagen’s recall action will also include Audi models, and the units involved are as old as MY2007 and as new as MY2016. The oldest model recalled is the gasoline version of the 2007-2012 Audi Q7, followed by the gas-powered 2009-2012 Audi Q5.

Newer models from Audi, like the gas-engined versions of the 2012-2013 A6 and A7 models are also affected. The recall notice for these cars can be viewed in the Press Release section found at the bottom of this article.

The MY2015 and MY2016 vehicles recalled by the Volkswagen Group include all engine types of the Volkswagen Golf, SportWagen, GTI, and Audi’s A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet models. You can view the recall notice for these cars in the PDF attached below.

A Volkswagen spokesperson has specified that no injuries or accidents related to this potential problem. Furthermore, no fires have been reported, even though the possible fuel leaks could increase the risk of a fire even without an accident taking place.

The representatives of the German corporation have not said if this recall will affect the cars sold by the company outside the United States of America, Automotive News reports.

We would not entirely exclude this possibility, but the issue could be linked to one or multiple suppliers, which might not be the same for all markets.

In the case of the Q5 and Q7 SUVs from Audi, the recall targets the fuel pump cap flange, which may crack. In the event of this fault, fuel may leak through the crack, and the risk of fire is increased, but it still needs an ignition source to trigger it.

The issue is only manifested on vehicles with gasoline engines. Audi technicians will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect it from damage, and the part will be replaced at a later date.

Audi’ A6 and A7 models will be recalled because a fuel hose in the engine compartment may degrade and spring a leak. If there is an ignition source in the area, a fire could break out. The hose and the under hood fuel pump will be replaced.

Meanwhile, the shared recall for the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 models in multiple body styles focuses on a problem of the suction pump inside the fuel tank, which may lead to fuel flowing into the EVAP System (evaporative emissions system).

If enough fuel accumulates in the reservoir, it might leak through the charcoal canister filter. The leak could lead to fire if an ignition source is present.
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 Download: One of the recalls filed by the VW Group on the issue (PDF)

press release
About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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