Volkswagen Jetta, Passat Recall Issued Due to Fuel Leak, Vehicle Fire Risk

Roughly 38,000 newer Volkswagen Jetta, Passat, GTI, Golf, and Beetle vehicles have been recalled, due to a risk of fuel leaks that could result in fires if there is an ignition source. 

The Volkswagen recall (PDF) was announced by the U.S National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on December 30, after recognizing the potential for a sealing cap located at the fuel rail to become unsealed, potentially allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

Although no fires or incidents have been reported to date, this may pose a potential fire hazard if an ignition source is present near the leak.

The recall includes 2014 through 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured from March 28, 2014 to November 24, 2014, certain 2014 through 2015 Passat vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2014 to November 18, 2014, certain 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured from July 1, 2014 to November 20, 2014, and certain 2014 through 2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2014 to November 27, 2014.

In the event fuel begins to leak from the fuel rail in the recalled vehicles, customer may be able to identify the leak by noticing a gasoline smell inside the vehicle. The EPC warning light may also illuminate on the dash as pressure continues to drop. Customers who experience either of these indicators should proceed immediately to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or qualified workshop.

The recall is at least the second fuel problem linked to some of these Volkswagon vehicles within a year. On April 8, Volkswagen Group of America Inc. received a government-issued mandatory stop-sale from the NHTSA for roughly 25,000 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with1.8T engines and torque converter automatic transmission, due to possible transmission oil cooler leaks.

The government-issued stop-sale led to Volkswagen recalling nearly 27,000 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles three weeks later. During the investigation, the problem appeared to stem from a faulty O-ring seal between the cooler and transmission. The automaker concluded that a mechanical gasket connecting the automatic transmission cooler was defective and could allow oil leaks.

Volkswagen has not announced an official notification schedule to date but plans to begin notifying dealers and owners in January 2015 with instructions on how to schedule an appointment at a local authorized dealer to have the fuel rails inspected and if necessary replaced free of charge. Customers with further questions may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987 and refer to recall code 24Bi.