Audi recalls over 10,000 2006-2010 A3 and TT models over potential fuel leak
2009 Audi TT – Click above for high-res image gallery
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.
Gallery: Audi TT 2.0 TDI
Gallery: 2009 Audi A3
[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 .
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gary 7:03PM (10/05/2009)
There seem to be a lot of import-branded recalls lately... I guess the more market share you get, the more bad press you get...
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Luis 7:23PM (10/05/2009)
That's because there's nothing left on domestics to break.
zamafir 8:53PM (10/05/2009)
Are these V6s? this sounds just like what' affected the R32
Clippy 8:34AM (10/06/2009)
VW Golf R32 indeed...
Audi is definitely not a rebadged VW, not by a small chance. Even the problems are same... Oh wait!
Ligor 9:28AM (10/06/2009)
@ Clippy: +1
Dude i'm always hammered here wheever I bring up the quality issues with VW (then in teh same sentence include Audi) adn everyone gets upset tht I think Audi is the same as VW.
heheehahahaha
click_playaz 7:18PM (10/05/2009)
Yes, I think so.
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audi_arena 12:15PM (10/06/2009)
Unfortunately, I agree. The TT is a blast though... so underrated...
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Rev 7:30PM (10/05/2009)
Well, you can't knock that Audi build quality!
Just a little fuel leak...
"IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR."
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300istheno. 8:25PM (10/05/2009)
audi is getting more disappointing everyday......
they still can't find the reason why my dad's q7 battery runs down in a day to 2 days, and several other minor problems...
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Coco 8:55PM (10/05/2009)
not just audi, bmw X5 will "magically" run down your battery as well
vespid82 9:00PM (10/05/2009)
I'll tell you the reason. It has a Volkswagen AG electrical system. That's the reason... :-X
impr 9:26PM (10/05/2009)
you should see if its your alternator. I had the same problems in my WRX. One day I was driving along and suddenly my car acted like I was getting attacked by a UFO.
Matt 8:46PM (10/05/2009)
LMAO. Its the same for Australia as well
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zamafir 8:49PM (10/05/2009)
i know several, though i wager they're few and far between.
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Kristanna 11:41PM (10/05/2009)
Wow...This is such a hot stuff here.
Pretty cool post. I just came by your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your posts.I have 09 WRX and it is fast enough to feed my hunger for danger, but I'll admit this would be an amazing ride.
Geschenke
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Richard Warren 10:05AM (10/06/2009)
"audi is getting more disappointing everyday......
they still can't find the reason why my dad's q7 battery runs down in a day to 2 days, and several other minor problems..."
Electrical draws are so easy to find---get a different dealer.
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David 11:58AM (10/07/2009)
I cant believe they actually sold 10,000 of them. Thats one ugly car and I totally agree with Javanese comment.
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