Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
What Happened
Your vehicle's fuel tank has a problem with the fuel gauge not working correctly due to a chemical reaction between the fuel and the fuel gauge components. This can cause the gauge to show a false reading, leading to a potentially serious safety issue.
Risk if Unfixed
You could run out of fuel without warning, which can lead to safety problems, such as being stranded or getting stuck in a situation where you can't get help.
Free Fix
You should take your vehicle to the dealership at no cost to you, where a technician will replace the faulty fuel gauge components with new ones made of a special material that won't react with fuel. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →