Volkswagen Canada has announced a recall of over 86,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles due to a potential fire risk. The recall affects models including the 2015-20 Audi A3 sedan, the 2019-20 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and the 2015-19 Golf SportWagen, primarily due to an issue with jet pump seals in the fuel tanks.
The defect allows fuel to leak into the emission systems via charcoal canisters, posing a fire risk. Despite the potential danger, Volkswagen Canada reported no incidents of fire, crashes, or injuries related to this issue. The company estimates that less than 1% of the recalled vehicles contain the defect but is taking precautionary measures to ensure customer safety.
Affected Vehicles:
- Canada: 86,308 front-wheel-drive Audi A3 sedans (2015-2020), Volkswagen Jetta GLI (2019-2020), and Golf SportWagen (2015-2019).
- US: Over 260,000 similar models, including Golf, GTI, and Jetta.
Vehicle owners will be notified to replace the suction jet pump at no additional cost once replacement parts become available. Volkswagen advises customers experiencing fuel system problems to contact their dealer immediately.
In addition to the Canadian recall, Volkswagen is also recalling more than 261,000 vehicles in the United States for the same problem, as stated by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The U.S. recall includes various models made between 2015 and 2020, all equipped with front-wheel drive.
Special Notes:
- Not all model years or all-wheel-drive versions are affected.
- This is an extension of a previous recall for some models.
- Contact your dealer or manufacturer if you have questions.
- Check for recall updates on the NHTSA website.
- No known fires or injuries were reported.
The recalls were initiated following investigations by U.S. safety regulators, which began last year after 79 complaints of fuel leaks were reported. Despite 1,410 warranty claims related to this issue since May 2016, no fires have been reported in connection with the defect.
Volkswagen plans to start the recall process by mid-April, mailing letters to vehicle owners and advising them to visit dealerships for a no-cost repair. This action includes some models that were previously recalled in 2016 for the same issue, indicating the replacement fuel pumps did not fully resolve the problem.
Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website or contacting Volkswagen and Audi customer service directly for assistance.
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