Volkswagen Jetta Recall Issued Over Fuel Leak, Fire Risks

Russell Maas

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More than 200,000 Volkswagen Jetta’s are being recalled over problems that may result in a fuel leak, which increases the risk of vehicle fires.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  announced the Volkswagen Jetta recall on October 27, following reports that suggest the fuel rail bolt may loosen over time, resulting in a fire of there is an accident or ignition source.

Volkswagen first learned about the fuel leak risk in April 2018, after receiving a non-collision warranty claim. The manufacturer opened an investigation and began to review field parts collected from the impacted vehicle.

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According to the investigation, Volkswagen determined the fuel rail bolts which deliver gasoline to the engine’s fuel injectors may have been tightened under different torque specifications, allowing them to become loose over time. In the event of the bolts loosening, fuel may leak from the fuel rails, increasing the risk of a fire.

The recall includes approximately 218,192 model year 2016 through 2018 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles manufactured from June 18, 2015 through December 09, 2017. Volkswagen indicates the impacted models will be marked with engine code CZTA and vehicle identification number (VIN) ranging between 3VW267AJ4GM201962 and 3VW2B7AJ6JM264032.

The vehicles were manufactured by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and were distributed throughout the United States to licensed dealers.

Volkswagen is still developing a repair remedy that will include tightening the fuel rail bolts. The recall is expected to begin on December 20, 2020. Customers will be notified by mail of the recall and are being asked to remain cautious of the smell of fuel or fuel leak marks under the vehicle.

Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall are being asked to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289 and reference the recall number 20V648.

Customers may also use the updated NHTSA SafeCar app, which allows consumers to register their vehicles and safety equipment, and enter their VIN so that they receive automatic notifications about vehicle recalls or potential risks associated with infant car seats, tires and other equipment.

Written by: Russell Maas

Managing Editor & Senior Legal Journalist

Russell Maas is a paralegal and the Managing Editor of AboutLawsuits.com, where he has reported on mass tort litigation, medical recalls, and consumer safety issues since 2010. He brings legal experience from one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms and oversees the site’s editorial strategy, including SEO and content development.

Tags: Auto Recall. Car Fire, Fuel, Volkswagen

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15 Comments

Jennifer
No loaner cars available and no compensation for a rental so I can continue to get to work?! NEVER WILL I BUY A VW EVER AGAIN. This company is criminal, cheap and unsafe.
Nicoliah
Had the same issue. I called months ago to get into my local VW and they stated they had to “order” the parts. They continued assuring me they would contact me once parts arrived. Dozens of calls and 2 months later I have an appt to fix it. Who wouldve thought fixing your OWN mistake would be so hard>? This jetta will be my last VW purchase.
Jason
I got the recall notification on 4/7/21 and the car started spraying fuel into the engine bay on 4/11/21; had to be towed to dealer and it sat there until 6/8/21. No parts available to fix it, and no car for 2 months; no loaner; no rental offered, nothing. I had to buy another car when I couldn’t use OR SELL my Jetta (because it was “unsafe” and couldn’t be fixed.) I’m in for a class action …
May
I went to my VW dealership to get the recall fixed. I left it with them for the weekend and picked it up on a Monday morning. Very easy at first. As soon as I drove off their lot my car started stalling and jerking whenever I would accelerate. I immediately took it back and they said there was no issue at first. I made the tech drive it around on the road while I rode along. He finally acknowledged there was an issue. They did took the fuel rail work apart and redid it. My Jetta was fine for about a day and then it started jerking around again. I’ve taken it back to the dealership and they said it has nothing to do with the work they did and that it will be a $75 charge to get my car checked. My car never had any issues until I took it to them. Worst experience!!! And they don’t want to take responsibility. They just want money at this point.
Matt
I do have the same issue. Letter came in for recall. 3 days later the car broke down – it stopped and was immediately not drivable anymore. Extreme Gas smell – called tow truck. Then at the dealer ship – I was told parts are on back order. It has been now almost 3 month and they still don’t know when they will have the parts. I contacted Customer service and they weren’t helpful. No loaner car. The dealership pays for a smaller rental car but DOES NOT cover insurance. My insurance covered 30 days only. So I have had expenses so far but VW does not want to pay for it. I would be gladly joining a class action lawsuit. VW needs to do better!!
Tawnya
Got my letter in the mail. I have been smelling fuel on and off at random times. The letter states, not specifically, but not to drive the car if you smell fuel. I called the dealer, they said because I was past my 30k warranty that it was on me to tow my own car. A safety recall, should not have anything to do with a faded warranty. It’s their problem, their fix. I having no money do to the time off work was unable to pay the fee for a 38.6mile tow cost of 325.00. plus loading. I had no choice but to risk loosing everything to drive it in. a huge risk and something that I should not have been forced to do. I have driven vw for thirty years and I decided, this is my last one. Customer service was useless and blew me and I’m sure many others off.
Clarissa
Slow to get the recall fixed or a plan on how to fix it. VW sent recall notices in Oct 2020 and said by first quarter of 2021 vehicles would be able to be fixed. Well, scheduling to get it taken care of wasn’t available till the very end of the first quarter 2021. Scheduling with VW dealership’s has been a nightmare! I was turned away on my scheduled appointment day because “they didn’t have a loaner car.” I was told I would get a call back to reschedule. I called and left messages quite a few times. It took nearly a month to get anywhere with the VW dealership. Finally, nearly a month later they’re wanting to finally take action. This isn’t a recall VW can keep pushing off. It is serious and can potentially cause death! I am extremely disappointed in VW and frustrated is the least I could describe how I feel.
Nancy
I am having similar issues with the smell of gas and worried my car is going to go on fire. I called VW too and no idea when they will have the solution to the recall. I am not sure how fair that is to VW owners that now drive in fear.
Lisa
I have a 2018 that is part of the Jetta recall. I agree it is very frustrating that VW is moving very slowly in handling this matter. I had planned to trade my Jetta in for an SUV because I miss having one and in the process of researching a new vehicle, I received my recall letter….so great, now I have been in limbo since getting the notification early January and do not want to travel to far with my car.It is not saying much for VW that is taking so long to handle the issue.
Chyra
I called volkswagen and asked what I’m expected to do with my now oversized paper weight. I cant sell the car unless the recall is “repaired” however they said they do not have an ETA of when or how they plan to fix it. So I’m stuck making a payment on a vehicle I can not and should not drive and they basically said not their problem.
Shiva
I called VW dealership and they still have no repair available. I asked them when it will available, they be like they don’t know. We are driving very risky car.
Claudia
Hi all, I am not okay with VW refusing to take responsibility. I called VW dealership and they still have no repair available. We are meant to drive a car that can light up on fire at any time. Tightening bolts won’t fix it because the defect is they will loosen. Please, reach out to me via Twitter at @mead-wannabe We should get together and file a Class Action lawsuit against them. We cannot be expected to drive these fire hazards for cars. That is VW’s responsibility. We can go to media which will lead to losses in profit as many won’t trust them to buy cars after learning about their poor handling of this issue. I have a 2017 VW Jetta.
Amy
Sonia and Vika, could you PLEASE reply with how many miles are on your Jetta? I haven’t encountered a problem yet but they’re doing NOTHING to try and resolve it at the dealer where I purchased, or with VW America. My intent was to buy the car at lease end, which was six months ago. Now my lease is up, I invested 10K in the car and now have no car to drive.
Vika
I have literally the same story as the other commenter.. Just recently I was driving home and my 2017 Jetta started to slow down and would not respond to the accelerator. I coasted to a stop, the car inside smelled so badly of fuel. Turned the car off, got out and checked a few things and saw a puddle of gas underneath the engine. Had to call a tow truck to take it to the VW shop. They called back to confirm it was a fuel rail leak. Hopefully it’s part of this recall, otherwise I’ll be out +$1k.
SONIA
My car started to slow down then it would not accelerate.. I smelled gas it was very strong I pulled over and when I looked under the cat there was a puddle of gas. The dealership had no loaner car and wasn’t really interested in helping me. The service attendant that helped me was irritated as I took him away from the game he was playing on his phone..I’m really frustrated with this.. I am now out a vehicle and have to rent one to get to work…I’m also out the tow bill..

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