2011 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta SportWagen TDIs Probed by Feds

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary safety probe into an estimated 40,000 2011 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta SportWagen TDIs after receiving seven complaints alleging leakage from the fuel line.

"The Office of Defects Investigation has received seven complaints alleging leakage from the fuel line to the #2 fuel injector in 2011 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter TDI common-rail diesel engines," said NHTSA in its defects investigations summary. "The common-rail fuel system in the subject vehicles operates at extremely high fuel-injection pressure. The incident mileages range from 2,470 to 7,764 miles. The Office is also aware of a single complaint alleging leakage from the #2 fuel injector line in a Volkswagen Golf equipped with a 2.0-liter TDI engine."

Volkswagen of America spokesman Mark Gillies told Inside Line on Monday that the automaker is cooperating with NHTSA and that there have been no injuries or accidents associated with the complaints.

NHTSA has opened a preliminary evaluation into the complaints, which is sometimes the precursor to a recall.

Inside Line says: If you own a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta or Jetta SportWagen with the 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine, be aware that the feds are investigating consumer complaints about fuel leakage.