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.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
