A bit of unfortunate news for owners of enthusiastically driven Audi A3 and TT models: Audi is recalling 10,200 of the vehicles for a potential fuel leak under "extreme driving conditions." Specifically, the recall involves model year 2006 through 2010 Audi A3 models and 2008 through 2010 Audi TT and TT Roadster models.
According to Audi, the fuel leak stems from an internal spring in the fuel tank ventilation valve. Apparently, the spring's force may not be enough to keep the valve shut during sprited driving, potentially causing fuel to leak -- and ignite, should it come into contact with an ignition source. The recall begins this month and affected fuel tank ventilation valves will be replaced by Audi dealers free of charge.
The full recall release is below, courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 10200
Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AUDI A3, TT, AND TT ROADSTER PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 AND AUGUST 26, 2009. THE CLOSING FORCE OF AN INTERNAL SPRING OF THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IS NOT ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE VALVE CLOSED UNDER EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
VOLKSWAGEN'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 20Q3/J3. 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 .
Thanks to: Motor Trend
