Volkswagen Recalling Taos SUVs for a Potential Fuel Leak
Newly introduced model has an underhood connector that may detach, increasing the risk of fire
Volkswagen has issued a recall for 16,737 Taos SUVs from the 2022 model year because of a problem with the lines that supply fuel to the engine. A quick-connector, which makes it easy to attach and detach hoses, may detach from the fuel supply line. If this happens, fuel will leak in the engine compartment.
If the fuel supply lines detach, one of two scenarios could take place: The Taos could stall, which may lead to a vehicle crash, and leaking fuel could be ignited and result in a fire.
The automaker says that owners whose vehicles have this condition may notice a fuel odor inside the cabin or the SUV may stall. Owners who experience this should immediately contact their Volkswagen dealer.
According to Volkswagen, there are three different reasons for the quick-connector to detach:
- Improper tolerances between the fuel line and the quick-connector
- A deformation of the quick-connector during production
- Problem with the size of the fuel line
This problem was first reported as a warranty claim in June of this year. The issue was brought to the attention of VW’s Mexico product safety committee, because the Taos is built in Puebla, Mexico. Between late July and mid-August, Volkswagen identified the vehicles affected by the problem.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 16,737 Volkswagen Taos SUVs from the 2022 model year.
The problem: The underhood fuel supply quick-connector may not be secure and could detach from the fuel supply line. If this happens the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash, and/or leaking fuel could ignite, which could lead to a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen dealers will inspect the connection and, if necessary, replace the connector and fuel supply line free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Volkswagen expects to notify owners by mail beginning Oct. 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298.
NHTSA campaign number: 21V651. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 20DB.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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