Audi recalls over 10,000 2006-2010 A3 and TT models over potential fuel leak

If you've got an Audi A3 or TT and like to drive it hard, you may want to check in with your local dealer, because a recall notice has been issued that is directly focused on enthusiastic drivers.

The action concerns a spring that holds the fuel tank ventilation valve closed. Under "extreme driving conditions", the spring in question might not be strong enough to prevent gasoline from leaking out. And since that could start a fire, this recall strikes us as rather important.

The vehicles in question include some 10,200 A3s, TT coupes and TT Roadsters built between September 29, 2005 and August 26, 2009. Volkswagen of America will be contacting vehicle owners to notify them of the recall, and Audi dealerships will replace the faulty ventilation valves with an improved design free of charge. Full details in the recall notice after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
AUDI / A3 2006-2010
AUDI / TT 2008-2010
AUDI / TT ROADSTER 2008-2010

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC Mfr's Report Date: SEP 30, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V377000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

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.

Remedy:
VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUDI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-253-2834.

Notes:
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 .