Volkswagen Expands U.S. Fire Risk Recall to Almost 300,000 Porsche and Audi SUVs

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Volkswagen Group is adding another 292,000 Porsche and Audi vehicles to an earlier recall relating to a fuel-pump defect that could result in fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an alert concerning specific models of the Porsche Macan, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 sport-utility vehicles.

The problem stems from a flaw in the fuel-pump flange, manufactured by Continental AG, that could create a leak and potential fire hazard.

The affected Audis include Q5s built between July 2012 and March 2017, and Q7s between May 2012 and July 2015 — accounting for 240,487 total units. Dealers will replace the unit or apply a protective film that should prevent it from cracking free of charge. The recall doesn’t officially begin until June 2nd, by which time owners should be notified by mail.

Of the roughly 51,500 Porsches included in the recall, the majority are Macan S and Macan Turbo vehicles from model years 2015 to 2017. However, GTS models from 2017 are also affected. The fix is identical and Porsche customers should be contacted about the same time as affected Audi owners.

Volkswagen AG hasn’t claimed any injuries related to the defect but stated the new recall was necessary as the result of “an ongoing analysis.” The earlier recall, issued last October, covered 2007 through 2012 Audi Q7 and 2009 to 2012 Audi Q5 models for the same problem.

Concerned owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov and plug in their VIN.

[Image: Audi]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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