Volkswagen will also install dampers on all of the fuel lines, since it can’t be sure that technicians will always replace the number two line.
A Volkswagen recall is now active for leaking fuel lines on Jetta, Golf and Audi A3 vehicles from the 2009-2012 model years. The 2-liter TDI diesel engine used on those cars is susceptible to a resonance that cracks the number two cylinder fuel line. The resonance is caused by the operation of the EGR system, which decreases emissions of nitrous oxides, a particular problem with diesel engines.
More than 168,000 VW and Audi cars are affected by the safety defect, which because of a high pressure fuel system makes them susceptible to fires if the fuel line fails.
In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just made public, Volkswagen said it will install an improved fuel-injection line for the number two cylinder. Volkswagen will also install vibration dampers on all of the fuel-injection lines, since it can’t be sure that service technicians will always replace the right line. The supplier for the Mexican-built engine was not identified in the required filing.
The Volkswagen safety recall is expected to begin during November 2011, although the large number of engines involved might cause a delay because of parts shortages. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 about recall campaign number 23J9/V5. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
