Volkswagen Recalls 377,286 Vehicles for Possible Fuel Leak

Just the Facts:

• Volkswagen is recalling 377,286 vehicles for a possible fuel leak.
• They include the 2006-'10 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, 2006-'10 Volkswagen New Beetle, 2006-'10 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible and 2006-'10 Volkswagen Rabbit.
• The recall will begin on January 31.

WASHINGTON — Volkswagen is recalling 377,286 vehicles for a possible fuel leak, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They include the 2006-'10 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, 2006-'10 Volkswagen New Beetle, 2006-'10 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible and 2006-'10 Volkswagen Rabbit.

All of the affected vehicles are equipped with 2.5-liter engines.

"The Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, and Rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "The New Beetle and New Beetle Convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.

"If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire."

In other documentation filed with the federal government, Volkswagen said it "has not identified any reports or allegations of actual injury, crash or fires resulting from this condition."

The German automaker said the recall affects approximately 228,236 Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles, 38,700 Golf and Rabbit vehicles and 110,350 New Beetle and New Beetle Convertible vehicles in the U.S.

Volkswagen dealers will replace the underhood fuel line in the recalled cars. Additionally, depending on the model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position.

The recall will begin on January 31.

Volkswagen owners can contact the company at 800-822-8987.

Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned Volkswagen vehicles, have it checked out ASAP with your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent