Volkswagen Recalls 260K Cars Over Fuel Leak Concerns

Volkswagen has issued a recall for more than 260,000 compact cars in the United States due to a potential fuel leak hazard. The recall encompasses various models, including Volkswagen Golf, Golf GTI, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, and Audi A3s from 2015 through 2020.

The problem stems from a pump located inside the gas tank, where an improperly installed seal around a suction pump could lead to fuel accumulation in the vapor trapping system, ultimately resulting in fuel leakage. While no fires have been reported thus far, the leaked fuel could pose a fire risk if it comes into contact with an ignition source.

It’s important to note that not all model years of the affected vehicles are included, and only front-wheel-drive versions are impacted. Audi, as Volkswagen’s luxury brand, shares closely related models with the affected vehicles.

The recall specifically involves front-wheel-drive models of the following vehicles:

• 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan
• 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet
• 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
• 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP
• 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7
• 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen
• 2015-2020 Golf GTI
• 2015-2020 Golf A7

Beginning in mid-April, Volkswagen will initiate the recall process by mailing letters to owners of affected vehicles. These owners will be advised to take their vehicles to a dealership where the faulty pump will be replaced at no cost.

Some of these models were previously involved in a 2016 recall for the same issue. However, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the replacement fuel pump installed during that recall did not fully resolve the problem.

If owners need to check if their vehicle is affected, they can all visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website at Safecar.gov. They can also reach out to Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 800-253-2834 for further assistance.