The NHTSA has revealed that Volkswagen Group of America has issued a recall of 261,257 front-wheel-drive vehicles due to a potential fuel leakage hazard that could elevate the risk of a fire. This recall is an extension of a previous one from September 2016.
The concern stems from a seal on a suction jet pump that may have been assembled with excessive force. In the event of seal failure in the pump, gasoline may seep into the evaporative emissions system (EVAP), which is intended to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping the fuel system into the atmosphere. A compromised seal could lead to fuel leakage into the EVAP, subsequently leaking through the charcoal canister meant for filtering fuel vapors. The leakage occurs in close proximity to an ignition source, potentially resulting in a fire. This is the reason behind the current recall.
Vehicle owners may detect the scent of gasoline and notice premature clicking of the fuel tank nozzle while refueling before the tank is completely filled.
There have been no reported fires associated with this issue by Volkswagen Group. Following the initial 2016 recall, the manufacturer started utilizing an improved variant of the suction jet pump. However, in January 2024, it was discovered that the new suction pump had a higher failure rate. Consequently, the original recall of 110,042 vehicles from the 2015-2016 model years has more than doubled in the current recall, encompassing subsequent model years.
The expanded recall pertains to the following front-wheel-drive models:
– 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan
– 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet
– 2015-2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI
– 2015-2020 Volkswagen Golf
– 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen GP
– 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
– 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Interestingly, the original recall did not specify between front- or all-wheel-drive vehicles, while the extended recall now specifically mentions only front-wheel-drive cars. Of the initial recall batch, only the Audi A3 was available with all-wheel drive; in the expanded recall, the Audi A3 and VW Golf Sportwagen (2017-2019) models were also offered with all-wheel drive but are not part of the recall.
Vehicle owners and lessees can anticipate receiving notification through mail starting April 12 to visit a VW or Audi service center for a complimentary replacement of the suction jet pump. Those who have already paid for this service can request reimbursement.
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