Thus far no fires or the need for water, but VW is cautious in a post NHTSA fining Toyota environment.
Volkswagen is initiating a recall of hundreds of thousands of Mexican built Jetta, Beetle and Rabbit models for fuel leaks that could lead to underhood fires. Model years 2006-2010 are affected.
The affected models all have 2.5-liter engines with design defects that cause either the windshield washer fluid reservoir or a power steering line to rub against a fuel line and cause gasoline leaks.
No fuel leaks have been found according to a Volkswagen filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nonetheless over time the chafing could cause a fuel leak.
VW is being cautious here, the result of a new U.S. regulatory environment that comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s record fine of Toyota for failing to report safety defects after critics accused NHTSA of being the “lapdog” of the auto industry.
Dealers will inspect and if needed replace the underhood fuel line. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove a plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the power steering fastening clamp. This service will be performed free of charge, as is required by U.S. law.
The safety recall is expected to begin on or before 31 January 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 about Volkswagen safety recall 20I4/UL.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov and search NHTSA number: 10V621000.
