After receiving seven complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to open an investigation into fuel line leaks in some 2011 Volkswagen Jetta and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportswagen vehicles. Drivers complained about leaks at the fuel line to the number two fuel injector on Jetta vehicles equipped with 2.0L TDI common rail diesel engines. Because these engines operate at extremely high fuel injection pressures, the NHTSA’s wants to do a preliminary evaluation to assess the frequency and potential safety consequences of the defect.
Category Archives: Volkswagen
VW Recalls Vehicles For Tire Monitoring System
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2012 CC model vehicles for failing to comply with the Federal motor vehicles safety standards for tire pressure monitoring. Certain vehicles that had their factory installed wheels and tires replaced with accessory wheels and tires may not have the proper tire pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS) installed. With the incorrect sensors, the driver will receive inaccurate warnings for the inflation of the tires. Improper tire pressure can lead to premature wear and eventual failure of the tires. Volkswagen will replace the sensors with the proper part for the accessory wheels. Owner wanting more information on the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Audi Cars Recalled For Fuel Problems
Volkswagen is recalling Audi model vehicles for a problem with the fuel system that could lead to a fuel leak and a potential vehicle fire. The problem is being blamed on aging plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve. Stress from the ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple could lead to cracking of the nipple resulting in a fuel leak. The vehicles involved in this recall are equipped with 4.2L engines and include:
Owners receiving the recall notice can take their vehicles into their local dealer to have the rollover valve nipple replaced or reinforced. For more information, contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
VW Recalls 2011 Jetta For Wiring Problems
Volkswagen (VW) has issued a recall for certain 2011 Jetta cars, built between March 2010 to March 2011, for problems with the electrical wiring. According to VW, a fuse shared between the anti-theft alarm and the converter box could short circuit causing the light and wipers to stop working. Under the recall, dealerships will reconfigure the wiring so that each system has their own fuse. Any Jetta owners wanting more information on this recall can contact VW customer service at 1-800-822-8987
NHTSA Investigates VW And Audi Diesel Vehicles
Last February the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up an investigation into failing fuel pumps in some Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars. Today, the NHTSA announced they will be intensifying the investigation after receiving over 150 complaints. The vehicles involved in this investigation include the 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 2010 Volkswagen Golf and 2010 Audi A3 vehicles. If the investigation should lead to a recall, nearly 100, 000 vehicles could be involved.
Last may, VW issued a service bulletin telling dealers to inspect the diesel fuel requiring fuel system service associated with fuel pump failure, suspecting the problem is with contaminated fuel. According to VW, even small amounts of gasoline in the diesel may disrupt lubrication, leading to fuel pump failure. They told the NHTSA that they were unable to find a defect related to motor vehicle safety with relation to the TDI clean diesel fuel system.
VW Passat Ignition Coil Fire Problems Escalate
Last August, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up an investigation into failing ignition coils in some Volkswagen vehicles, the automobile maker offered an emission service program to inspect and replace ignition coils installed in some 2001-2007 vehicles. The NHTSA has intensified their investigation because of possible fire problems that could affect almost half a million Volkswagen Passats with four cylinder turbo engines. Additional consumer complaints and records from Volkswagen show that the problem could involve a greater number of vehicles and may lead to a recall.
The NHTSA reported that they have received 14 complaints of fires and another 21 complaints of ignition coil failures that caused vehicles to suddenly lose power. Volkswagen reported another 199 complaints, although it is not clear how many of those involved fires.
Vehicle Safety Picks For 2011
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has come out with their annual list of top safety picks for the 2011 model year vehicles. This year they recognized 66 vehicles, more than double that of last year. Hyundai and their affiliate Kia as well as Volkswagen and their affiliate Audi lead the insurance industry’s list with nine vehicles on the safest new vehicles list. Below are some of the automobile manufactures and their vehicles that made the list.
- Audi – A3 sedan, A4 sedans, Q5 SUV
- BMW – 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)
- Buick – LaCrosse, Regal
- Cadillac – CTS, SRX
- Chevrolet – Malibu, Cruze, Equinox
- Chrysler – 200 4-door
- Dodge – Avenger, Journey
- Ford – Taurus, Fusion, Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010, Explorer, Flex
- GMC – Terrain
- Honda – Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control, Element
- Hyundai – Genesis sedan, Sonata midsize, Santa Fe, Tucson
- Infinite – M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)
- Jeep – Grand Cherokee, Patriot with optional side torso airbags
- Kia – Optima, Forte, Soul, Sorento built after March 2010, Sportage
- Lexus – RX
- Lincoln – MKS, MKZ, MKT
- Mercedes – C class, E class coupe, E class sedan, GLK
- Mitsubishi – Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
- Nissan – Cube
- Scion – tC, xB
- Subaru – Legacy, Outback, Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX), Tribeca, Forester
- Toyota – Avalon, Corolla, Sienna, Highlander, Venza
- Volkswagen – Jetta sedan, Jetta SportWagen, Golf 4-door, GTI 4-door , Touareg, Tiguan
- Volvo – C30, S80, XC60, XC90
Consumer Reports Top Automobile Picks For 2010
Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.
Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.
Family Sedan
Nissan Altima:
The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.
Small Sedan
Hyundai Elantra SE:
Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.
Sporty Car
Volkswagen GTI:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.
Small SUV
Subaru Forester:
The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.
Best Overall Car
Lexus LS 460L:
Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.
Family SUV
Chevrolet Traverse:
Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.
Sports Sedan
Infiniti G37:
The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.
Family Hauler
Mazda5:
The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.
Green Car
Toyota Prius:
The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.
Pickup Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.
