Golf

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
Hatchback

The Volkswagen Group of America must be quite tired of investigations into its products forcing recalls. We're pretty sure than if anyone at the company utters the word 'recall' in any of the company's offices they'll need to put some cash in the Swear Jar. This recall is set to affect a potential 218,505 cars divided over Volkswagen and Audi models, and oddly enough all of them are linked to the fuel system, but not in a Dieselgate kind of way, rather a leaking kind of way.

In any situation, leaking fuel is bad; one little spark from the ignition system or even just from static electricity can be disastrous.The NHTSA released three recall statements. The first involves 28,249 Audi A6 and Audi A7 models from 2012-2013 that could have a degraded fuel hose in the engine compartment, causing a leak. Dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose free of charge. The second release involves an estimated 110,042 cars including the Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 and droptop Audi A3 models made during 2015-2016. On these cars there's a potential problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank. Fuel may accumulate in the EVAP system and leak through a charcoal canister filter element.

Owners will be notified twice; first about the problem and second when the out-of-stock parts are in stock to perform the repair. The last release pertains to 2009-2012 Audi Q5 models and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 models with gasoline engines; an estimated 143,214 models are affected. The fuel cap flange may crack causing a leak. Leak = fire. There are also no parts available for this fix, but when they do have them, dealers will clean the fuel pump flange and fit a butyl rubber band that will protect the pump. So far there is no plan of action by the manufacturer but indications point to notifying owners and fixing these fuel system problems by November. If you drive any of these models, keep an eye on your fuel gauge.