With the new year just a few hours away, Volkswagen announced this morning that it is recalling approximately 38,000 vehicles due to a fuel leak that could pose an engine fire hazard.
The recall covers 37,979 examples of the 2014 and 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, Jetta, and Passat, and the 2015 Golf and GTI. No injuries, crashes, or fatalities have been reported in conjunction with the defect, but the issues do pose a clear fire hazard should drivers smell gas inside their cars; this is due to a faulty sealing cap that may spring a leak. According to Volkswagen, drivers who smell gas or notice the electronic power control warning light on should immediately take their vehicles to a Volkswagen dealer for inspection. Repairs will be conducted if necessary at no extra cost to the owner.
No official schedule has been announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but owners will be notified if it is determined that their cars may be affected by the fuel leak issue.