The German automotive giant, Volkswagen, has recently announced the recall of an estimated 261,000 vehicles due to a mounting problem with the fuel tank. The company has officially released a statement acknowledging the potential safety hazard impacting several of its popular models which was a forefront in the industry news over the past week.
Notably, the models affected by this widespread recall include many Volkswagen vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2012. The particular models are Jetta, Jetta SportsWagen, Golf, Rabbit and the New Beetle. It is these specific vehicle designs that reportedly had raised the concern in terms of potential leaks from the fuel tank.
The cause of the issue lies in the fuel tank strap bracket, an essential component that secures the fuel tank to the vehicle. Volkswagen discovered that under certain conditions, the fuel tank straps could fray and potentially detach from the vehicles. This could lead to the displacement or complete detachment of the fuel tank, posing a significantly high risk of a fuel leak. Consequently, this could act as a fire starter, endangering vehicle occupants and others nearby. However, no related accidents or injuries have been reported yet in relation to the said issue.
The information concerning this recall was released on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s website. According to the NHTSA safety recall report, Volkswagen’s recall is set to begin on May 17, 2022. Owners of the affected models have been assured that Volkswagen will be notifying them personally via first-class mail.
The corrective measures to be taken have also been laid out. VW asserts that the faulty fuel tank strut brackets will be replaced at no cost to the owners. The company also intends to inspect the vehicles for any resultant damages and complete any necessary repairs, also free of charge. This measure is part of Volkswagen’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and customer satisfaction.
In addition to this, Volkswagen has recommended that all owners of potentially affected vehicles contact their local Volkswagen dealership or the Volkswagen customer service hotline to book an appointment for the required servicing. Necessary instructions will be given by the company officials to guide the owners through the timeline and process of the recall. Moreover, for customers’ queries and concerns in relation to this recall, Volkswagen has opened a specific recall helpline to assist and expedite the process.
This recall adds to a series of major recalls completed by not just Volkswagen, but several manufacturers in the automotive sector, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to prioritizing consumer safety. While recalls can negatively influence brand reputation in the short term, they exemplify the responsibility and dedication of auto companies towards their patrons’ safety and well-being. Consequently, recall actions can foster trust among consumers in the long run.
To summarize, this extensive recall issued by Volkswagen of over two-hundred sixty thousand vehicles underlines the importance that the company places on safety. While it may pose a significant inconvenience for a multitude of owners, it is undeniably vital in ensuring vehicle safety and maintaining public trust.
