The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·12V146000·Announced 2012-04-05

Volkswagen Recalls 2012 Passat Vehicles for Fuel Leak Fire Risk

Volkswagen is recalling 2012 Passat vehicles because a defective diesel fuel filter may leak fuel, creating a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fuel leak that may lead to a fire, which constitutes a significant injury/property-damage risk under the rubric for vehicle recalls.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012 Passat vehicles manufactured between January 18, 2011, and June 1, 2011. The recall involves a defect in the diesel fuel filter element, which may not seal correctly during assembly.

Over time or after certain driving distances, the improper seal can lead to fuel leakage. If the leaking fuel comes into contact with an ignition source, it may result in a fire.

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the diesel fuel filter elements free of charge. The safety recall began on April 27, 2012. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Brand
VOLKSWAGEN
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Category
Vehicle — Fuel System
Hazard
Affected units
153

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • PASSAT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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