OCTOBER 2011 -- Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from May 2008 through September 2011, model year 2010-2012 Volkswagen Golf vehicles, manufactured from May 2009 through September 2011, and model year 2010-2012 Audi A3 vehicles, manufactured from September 2009 through September 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0L TDI common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line. Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire. Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2011.   11V-490

NEWS:   VW recalls 168,000 cars for fuel leaks, Jetta, Golf, Audi A3

YAHOO NEWS -- October 6,  2011 – Volkswagen is recalling 168,275 cars equipped with diesel engines because of a defect in the fuel injection system that could cause fuel leaks and fires.

The recall affects certain 2009-2012 Jetta midsize cars, and some 2010 through 2012 Golf small cars, as well as some Audi A3 models from the 2010 through 2012 model years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday on its website. All are equipped with 2-liter TDI diesel engines.

Cracks can develop in the fuel injection system and cause fuel to leak, possibly causing fires, VW said in documents filed with federal safety regulators.

However, the company said in the documents that it doesn't know of any fires, crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

Fuel injectors squirt fuel into the cylinder, where it is ignited. The resulting explosion pushes the pistons, which move to power the cars. On some of the VW diesels, a vibration given off by the injectors can cause stress that eventually can lead to cracks in the injector fuel lines, VW said.

Volkswagen will replace a fuel injector line in some models and install dampers to cut the vibrations on all of them. The repairs will be made free of charge. The recall is expected to start in November, NHTSA said.

The recall includes 161,144 Golf and Jetta models and another 7,131 Audi A3s.

The Jettas, including SportWagens, were made from May 2008 through September of 2011, while the Golfs were made from May of 2009 through September of 2011. The A3 models were made from September of 2009 through September of 2011.

About 20 percent of the cars built during those time periods will need to have fuel lines replaced, and all will the vehicles will get the vibration dampers, VW said.

More than 20 percent of the Volkswagens sold in the U.S. have diesel engines.

MORE RECALL INFO:

• Volkswagen Jetta
• Volkswagen Golf
• Audi A3

NEWS:   Volkswagen recalls more than 228,000 cars in US

YAHOO NEWS -- December 15,  2010 –  Volkswagen has recalled more than 228,000 vehicles in the United States amid fears that faults could cause the vehicles' engines to catch fire.

The German carmaker recalled Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf and Rabbit models manufactured between 2007 and 2009 due to a small plastic tab that could cause a leak in the fuel pipe, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a statement.

VW further recalled the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines made between 2006 and 2010, which have a clamp in the power steering system that could also pierce the 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 fire," the NHTSA said.

Some 228,236 cars could be affected by the recall, it said.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Volkswagen Jetta
• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen Rabbit

NEWS:   Volkswagen recalls nearly 800,000 cars

Defective brake lights on Golf, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle and R32 are a potential safety hazard and should be replaced.

February 26, 2007 - NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Around 800,000 Volkswagen vehicles have been recalled Monday because of faulty brake lights, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The 790,000 vehicles include Jettas, New Beetles, Golfs, GTIs and R32s...all in the United States.

The specific years and models affected are:

• 1999-2005 Jetta sedans
• 2001-2005 Jetta wagons
• 1998-2007 New Beetle
• 2003-2007 New Beetle Convertibles
• 1999-2006 Golfs and GTIs
• 2004 R32

The malfunctioning brake lights and brake light switches could fail to come on or remain stuck on.

This recall expands on one announced by Europe's No. 1 carmaker last year, when 362,000 Jettas and New Beetles were recalled due to the same defective part.

Volkswagen said that dealers will immediately be prepared to accept service appointments to perform the repair at no charge, but the notification process isn't scheduled to begin until April.

NHTSA did not say if any injuries had been reported linked to the defective brake lights.