WASHINGTON — Volkswagen is recalling 10,200 vehicles, including the 2006-'10 Audi A3 and 2008-'10 Audi TT and TT Roadster with the Quattro transmission, because of a problem with the fuel tank ventilation valve that could lead to performance issues such as vehicle jerking or fire in the presence of an ignition source, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"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," said NHTSA in its recall summary of the problem. "In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur."
The problem was explained more thoroughly in other documentation the automaker filed with the federal government.
"During dynamic driving maneuvers, liquid fuel may enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon canister," it said. "Should this occur while driving, the vehicle may experience performance issues (vehicle jerking) and the malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster could illuminate. In rare cases, fuel could leak from the evaporative system leak detection pump filter. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire."
Audi dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve for free. The recall is expected to being later this month. Owners may contact Audi at (800) 253-2834.
Inside Line says: If you own any of the aforementioned Audis, have it checked out ASAP with your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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