WASHINGTON — After receiving one complaint from the owner of a 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has opened a preliminary evaluation to look into allegations that the engine coolant fan cut an automatic transmission fluid line in the car, resulting in the risk of an engine compartment fire or vehicle disablement. Such an evaluation could lead to a vehicle recall.
"NHTSA has received one complaint," said the federal watchdog in its certified letter to Volkswagen of America. "In the complaint, automatic transmission fluid reportedly sprayed in the lower regions of the engine compartment after being cut by the engine coolant fan. The sudden loss of transmission fluid results in diminished vehicle performance. Flammable automatic-transmission fluid may be ignited by hot surfaces within the engine compartment, resulting in a vehicle fire."
The Office of Defects Investigation of NHTSA also said it identified field report data related to the alleged defect in early warning information submitted by Volkswagen.
The preliminary evaluation involves "all 2009 Passat CC vehicles manufactured for sale or lease in the United States," said NHTSA.
Inside Line says: Owners should sit tight until the feds complete their preliminary evaluation on the 2009 Passat CC. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »