The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has added the 2010-2012 Audi A3 TDI to the previously announced 2010-2012 Volkswagen Golf and 2009-2012 VW Jetta and Jetta SportWagen recall. These diesel-powered cars are at risk for a potential fuel line leak that could lead to fire. The recall action now involves 168,275 cars.
In the common-rail diesel engine, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of an injector line, causing stress during certain driving conditions. Consequently, injector line number two can develop small cracks that may leak fuel.
The recall affects 159,884 Jetta TDI sedans and SportWagens manufactured from May 2008 through September 2011 and VW Golf TDIs manufactured from May 2009 through September 2011. The Audi A3s in question were manufactured from September 2009 through September 2011.
Audi and Volkswagen dealerships will install an improved fuel line for the injector at risk and a damper to quell the vibrations.
Both brands will contact owners, and the recall campaign will begin in November.
Given the severity of risk, and that VW itself has notified dealerships to temporarily halt sales on new models until a fix can be implemented, we recommend consumers considering buying one of these models wait. Current owners should contact their local dealership to schedule an immediate inspection, and ask for a loaner if necessary.
Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/10/audi-a3-joins-volkswagen-golf-jetta-in-tdi-recall-for-fire-risk.html
