2015-2020 Audi A3 Fuel Leak Investigation & Recall

NHTSA's Findings So Far

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated investigation RQ23007 on December 12, 2023. This inquiry focused on the effectiveness and scope of a previous recall, 16V-647, which was issued on September 2, 2016. Recall 16V-647 targeted a defective suction jet pump (SJP) within the fuel tank of certain 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. The original remedy involved replacing SJP Version 1.0 with an improved Version 1.1.

However, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) received complaints from consumers regarding SJP failures in vehicles that had already undergone the 16V-647 repair. These failures manifested as a "fuel leak", "refueling spit back", "refueling shutoff", and "fuel odor". Similar complaints were also reported in vehicles outside the initial scope of 16V-647, including 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 models. The 2019 Audi A3 investigation highlighted these ongoing concerns.

Scope of the Issue

The initial recall, 16V-647, covered specific 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. The suction jet pump is crucial for purging fuel from the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. Damage to the SJP, potentially occurring during assembly, could allow fuel to directly enter the EVAP system. Over time, this accumulation could lead to a "fuel leak" from the charcoal canister filter element.

The subsequent consumer complaints expanded the scope of concern to include 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 vehicles, encompassing models like the 2019 Audi A3. This broader issue prompted Volkswagen to issue a new recall, 24V-110, on February 14, 2024.

Status and Resolution

NHTSA's investigation RQ23007 has been closed. This decision was made because Volkswagen has taken action by issuing recall 24V-110 to address the issues with both SJP Version 1.0 and Version 1.1. The new recall remedy involves replacing the problematic SJP with an even further improved Version 2.0.

Recall 24V-110 covers a wider range of vehicles, including certain 2015-2020 VW Golf (including Golf GTI), 2015-2020 Audi A3, and 2019-2020 VW Jetta GLI vehicles. This includes vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 16V-647.

What This Means for Owners

Owners of affected 2015-2020 Audi A3, S3, and RS3 models, as well as other listed VW vehicles, should be aware of recall 24V-110. Volkswagen notified vehicle owners of this recall in April 2024. The manufacturer's projected date for owner notification regarding the availability of the recall remedy is August 2024.

If you experience symptoms such as a "fuel leak", "refueling spit back", "refueling shutoff", or "fuel odor" in your vehicle, especially if it was previously repaired under 16V-647, it is important to contact your dealership. The new recall aims to permanently resolve the suction jet pump issue.

NHTSA reserves the right to take further action if future circumstances warrant it, but for now, the 2019 Audi A3 investigation is resolved by the new recall.

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Source: NHTSA RQ23007