VW recalls 261K Jetta, GTI, Sportwagen, Audi A3 for fuel leak

Volkswagen Group of America has recalled 261,257 front-wheel-drive cars for a potential fuel leak that could increase the risk of a fire, the NHTSA disclosed on Monday. This is an expanded recall as well as a fix of a previous recall enacted in September 2016. 

The issue arises from a seal on a suction jet pump that may have been assembled with too much force. If the seal in the pump fails, gas can flow into the evaporative emissions system (EVAP), which essentially is designed to do the opposite in preventing gasoline vapors to escape from the fuel system into the atmosphere. A busted seal would let fuel flood the EVAP, then leak through the charcoal canister designed to filter fuel vapors. The leak occurs near an ignition source, which could cause a fire. That scenario prompted this recall.

Owners and operators may notice a gas smell, and when filling the gas tank, the nozzle might click prematurely before the tank is full. 

Volkswagen Group knew of no fires related to the issue. After the first recall from 2016, the automaker began using an improved version of the suction jet pump, but in January 2024, it was found that the new suction pump had an increased failure rate. The initial Sept. 2016 recall of 110,042 cars from the 2015-2016 model year has more than doubled in the current recall and encompassed subsequent model years.

The expanded recall includes the following front-wheel-drive vehicles:

2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan

2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet

2015-2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2015-2020 Volkswagen Golf 

2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen GP

2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Curiously, the original recall didn’t specify front- or all-wheel-drive vehicles, but the newly expanded recall specifies only front-wheel-drive cars. Of the original recall population, only the Audi A3 could be optioned with all-wheel drive; in the expanded recall, the Audi A3 and VW Golf Sportwagen (2017-2019) models could be optioned with all-wheel drive, yet they’re not a part of the recall.  

Owners and lessees can expect notification by mail as early as April 12 to come into a VW or Audi service center to have the suction jet pump replaced at no cost. Owners who have paid to have the work done already will be eligible for reimbursement. For more info, contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 or visit VW Group’s recall page here.