Recall 08V156000: Potential Vehicle Fires

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

Volkswagen/Passat 1999-2005

MANUFACTURER: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: April 04, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V156000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 412000

SUMMARY:
Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 M/Y 1999-2005 Passat (5TH Generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after June 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8T engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4Motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture.

CONSEQUENCE:
A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.

REMEDY:
Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8T engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8T vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4Motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about May 30, 2008. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

NOTES:
VWOA recall No. R5. Customers may contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.