Make / Model /Build Year : VOLKSWAGEN / PASSAT 1999-2005
Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 412000
Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE HEAT SHIELD MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, IT MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4 MOTION ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES ONLY) THAT MAY LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH THE 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY 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.
