Volkswagen is reportedly recalling about 573,489 vehicles (this is the updated figure after the earlier report of 281,505 vehicles) from the U.S. alone. Unfortunately, three various issues on fuel leak have led to the recall including models of Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A6, A7, Q5 and Q7.
According to the filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half a million vehicles from Volkswagen have been found to have fuel leak issues. This figure accounts for the number of affected vehicles in America alone.
Unfortunately, three issues on fuel leak were reported. The first issue was found on the component of the fuel filler flange, which is expected to crack and leak fuel. The affected models were the 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and the 2009-2012 Audi Q5.
The report mentions that Audi has begun its investigation in July 2015. Unfortunately, the brand still has not figured out the root cause of the problem. Audi commits to replace any damaged flanges or install rubber bands around the undamaged flange to secure the fuel pump.
A total of 435,198 units has been listed for recall due to the defective flange issue, including the recently added 291,984 units. The automaker will contact the unit owners via mail before parts become available in November.
The second fuel leak issue refers to the faulty evaporative emission systems. The affected models are the 2015-2016 front-wheel-drive 1.8T variant of Audi A3, and the 2015-2016 Golf, GTI and Golf SportWagen units that require partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) modifications. A total of 110,042 units has been reportedly affected by this issue but no diesel TDI models were affected by it.
The automaker details that the suction pumps in the gas tank contain the defective rubber seals. Apparently, the seals were assembled with excessive tension that resulted in the collection of gas within the evaporative-emission components. Technically, the gas should be pumped out instead of being collected.
With this condition, the gas will flood the charcoal filter that will result to a continuous stinking of the gas inside the car or a fuel leak. Volkswagen said that dealers will replace the defective suction pumps once stocks are replenished.
Furthermore, the report mentions that the issue was already determined in July 2015. In November 2015, the automaker has actually ordered its supplier to rectify its assembly process to correct the issue. However, Volkswagen was then forced to announce a massive recall as more complaints were received regarding gas odors and leaks.
The last issue has affected the 2012-2013 Audi A6 and A7 models. CarAndDriver reports that a total of 28,249 units will be recalled.
The third issue is linked to the fuel-pump hose of the affected models. Audi determined a problem in the fuel-pump hose under the hood that will possibly leak. The cause of the leak is still unknown as of this time.
Unfortunately, the company has not announced the schedule for the replacement of the defective fuel-pump hose. Meanwhile, you may check the official Volkswagen service and parts link here to check if your vehicle is included in the recall.
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