Volkswagen Recalls 281K Cars for Possible Fuel Leaks

Volkswagen has announced three separate recalls affecting a total of 281,505 vehicles in the U.S.

The recalls are not related to diesel engines, but rather possible fuel leak issues with the affected vehicles. The first recall affects the 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI models that require partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) modifications, as well as the front-wheel-drive Audi A3 with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. Those vehicles have faulty evaporative emissions systems, with rubber seals within suction pumps inside the gas tanks that were assembled with too much tension. As a result, gas can collect within the evaporative emission components instead of being pumped out, causing the charcoal filter to get flooded and leading to a continuous gasoline smell inside the car. The condition can also cause gas station nozzles to stop prematurely due to fuel splashing back or a fuel leak. The first recall affects a total of 110,042 cars.

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The second recall involves the 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 models. According to Volkswagen, part of the fuel filler flange can crack, causing fuel to leak. The German automaker hasn’t found the cause of the issue yet, but dealers will install rubber bands around the flange to protect the fuel pump and replace any damaged flanges. That recall involves a total of 143,214 vehicles.

The third and last recall affects the 2012-2013 Audi A6 and A7 models, featuring fuel pump hoses that can leak for unknown reasons. The problem was first discovered by Audi following warranty claims for fuel leaks last November. A total of 28,249 cars affected by the third recall and currently Audi dealerships do not have a schedule on when they will replace the fuel pump and hose in affected vehicles.

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