Volkswagen Recalls 260,000 Compact Cars Over Fire Risk
Volkswagen has issued a recall for over 260,000 compact cars in the United States due to a potential fire risk associated with a pump located inside the gas tank.
The affected vehicles include various models such as Volkswagen Golf, Golf GTI, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, and Audi A3s spanning from the model years 2015 through 2020. However, not every model year is impacted for each of these models, and only front-wheel-drive versions are included in the recall.
The recall is prompted by concerns over an improperly installed seal around a suction pump near the gas tank, which could result in fuel leakage within the system designed to trap gasoline vapours. If fuel accumulates and comes into contact with an ignition source, it poses a risk of fire. Volkswagen has clarified that there have been no reported incidents of fires related to this issue thus far.
Starting in mid-April, VW will begin mailing letters to owners of the affected vehicles, instructing them to take their cars to a dealership for a free replacement of the pump.
It’s worth noting that some of these models were previously subject to a recall in 2016 for the same issue. However, documents in VW’s recall filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest that the replacement fuel pump installed during the previous recall did not completely resolve the problem.
Vehicle owners can check if their car is included in the recall by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safecar.gov website or by contacting Volkswagen and Audi customer service for assistance.
