VW recalls Chattanooga-made Passats for diesel fuel filter problem

photo Dozens of new Passats made at the Chattanooga Volkswagen assembly plant are parked outside the plant. The cars will be used as demos for testing, internal quality control and press test drives.

Volkswagen is recalling 153 of the first Passats made at its Chattanoga plant because of a problem with the diesel fuel filter element that may lead to a risk of fire.

In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, VW said that its dealers will replace the diesel filter element on the 2012 Passat vehicles.

"During assembly, these vehicles were built with a diesel fuel filter element that may not seal correctly," VW said in its filing with the NHTSA . "The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2012."

Volkswagen said the vehicles were manufactured from Jan. 18, 2011 through June 1, 2011.

"During assembly, these vehicles were built with a diesel fuel filter element that may not seal correctly," VW said in a report to the NHTSA.

Volkswagen also said today it is recalling 15 of its 2012 Routans because of a problem with the rear suspension that may lead to wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash

"Over time, of after certain driving distances, these vehicles are susceptible to fuel leakage," VW said. "Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire."

Volkswagen told federal safety regulators it is not aware of any fire, crash or injury linked to the Passat or Routan recalls.

Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

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