VW recalls 281K vehicles for fuel leaks

Washington – Volkswagen is recalling 281,000 vehicles that are at risk of catching fire due to gas leaks.

The company issued three separate recalls for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that have problems with their fuel systems. Among the problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are the possibility that gas caps rims may crack, fuel may flow into evaporative emissions systems and fuel hoses in the engine compartment may degrade and leak gas.

Recalled are:

■2009-12 Audi Q5 and 2007-12 Audi Q7 for the gas cap problem. The recall includes 143,214 SUVs.

■2015-16 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet for the suction pump problem that is causing the potential leaks into the evaporative emissions system. The recall includes 110,042 cars.

■2012-13 Audi A6 and Audi A7 for the fuel hose issue. The recall includes 28,249 cars.

Volkswagen said parts are not yet available for its its dealers to fix most of the recalled cars, with the exception of the Audi A6 and Audi A7.

Interim notices would be sent to drivers of the recalled cars that can not immediately be fixed in November, and second notices will be sent when parts become available.

klaing@detroitnews.com

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Twitter: @Keith_Laing