— Volkswagen is in the news, but at least this time it isn't because of illegal emissions. This time it's because VW and Audi vehicles can catch on fire from gas leaks. The automaker says three separate recalls will be used to repair more than 283,000 cars and SUVs.
Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 Recall
VW says more than 143,200 model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5 and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 SUVs are recalled because the gas cap flanges can crack and allow fuel to leak.
Audi says the problem goes back to 2015 when it became aware of complaints about occupants smelling gas odors in Q5 and Q7 SUVs. The automaker found small cracks in the fuel pump flanges but couldn't determine the root cause, but engineers found that adding butyl rubber bands fixed the problem.
However, Audi doesn't have the rubber bands ready, so an interim recall notice will be sent in November and a second notice will be mailed once parts are available.
Affected Audi owners who have questions should call 800-253-2834 and refer to recall number 20W9.
Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet Recall
VW says about 110,000 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles have problems with the suction pumps inside the gas tanks that can allow fuel to enter the evaporative emissions systems.
Recalled are the 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet at risk of fires if the gas leaks out through the charcoal canister filter.
The problem occurred during manufacturing when seal rings inside the suction pumps were assembled with too much force, damaging the seals that could then allow fuel to leak into the evaporative emissions systems. VW says a driver may notice problems when putting gas in the vehicle, namely fuel nozzles that stop while refueling or fuel that flows back out of the car.
Owners must wait for repairs because VW doesn't have the parts that are needed to fix the problem. The automaker says it will mail an interim notices in November describing the recall, then a second notice will be sent once parts are available.
Volkswagen is using two recalls for this recall: 20Y5 and 20Y6. Owners of the recalled Volkswagen vehicles may contact customer service at 800-893-5298, and Audi owners may contact customer service at 800-253-2834.
Audi A6 and Audi A7 Recall
Another 28,249 Audi cars have problems that can cause the cars to turn into ash because of fuel leaks. The 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 are recalled because they have fuel hoses that can degrade and leak gas, not something you want because those hoses are in the engine compartments.
Audi saw an increase in warranty claims related to leaking fuel hoses and the automaker opened an investigation, finding the hoses showed an abnormal aging due to the porous structures of the hoses. Engineers at first couldn't duplicate the problem, but then they determined hose damage mostly occurs by restarting the engine.
When restarting, the pressure hold function of the fuel pump fails and the fuel hose becomes porous and damaged from the inside. However, the automaker never determined exactly what was causing the damage to the inside of the hose.
If the problem occurs, Audi says vehicle occupants will be able to smell gasoline.
Audi doesn't know when the recall will begin, but dealers will replace the fuel pumps and the fuel hoses.
Owners of the 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 who have questions should call 800-253-2834 and ask about recall number 24BZ.
