Bosch fuel pumps spark recall of 2015 Golf, GTI and Audi A3

Tue, Apr 28 2015

A few weeks ago, BMW and Nissan both issued recalls for some of their vehicles to replace Bosch-supplied fuel pumps. The pumps had nickel plating that could flake off and cause a failure. Volkswagen Group is the latest automaker to be affected by the problem and has a campaign for the 2015 Audi A3, VW Golf and GTI. In total, 6,204 units of these models are in need of repair.

The problem with the VW Group vehicles is identical to the previous recalls. It's possible for the pump's nickel plating to come off and cause increased friction. Eventually, this can result in the component's failure. According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (as a PDF, here), there are no reports of accidents or injuries from this issue in the VW Group models.

Bosch spokesperson Linda Beckmeyer tells Autoblog that these vehicles don't all necessary share an identical fuel pump, but the parts all use the same plating process. The problem also prompted repairs of the 2014 Ford Escape several months ago, she indicated. When asked if the issue could prompt more campaigns, Beckmeyer said that she "can't speak to that" because automakers decide on the recalls.

Owners should receive notice of the problem soon, but according to the NHTSA documentation, there currently aren't enough pumps to fix all of these vehicles. "Bosch is working closely with automakers regarding replacement parts," Beckmeyer said. When available, dealers will replace the components free of charge for affected customers.

Related Video:

RECALL Subject : Improper Plating may cause Fuel Pump to Fail
Report Receipt Date: APR 17, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V229000
Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,204
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
AUDI A3 2015
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2015
VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2015
Details

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and Audi A3 vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at 1-800-253-2834.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Featured Gallery 2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI

View 15 Photos

Related Gallery 2015 Audi A3 Sedan

View 19 Photos

News Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [1], [2]
Image Credit: Volkswagen, Audi

Recalls
Audi
Volkswagen
Safety
Hatchback
Sedan

By Chris Bruce