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Audi recalls A6, A7, Q5, Q7 to fix fuel leaks: 170,000 owners affected

Both Audi recalls issued Friday stem from potential fuel leaks--and therefore, potential fire hazards.

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Tony Ding/AP/File
An Audi A6 is introduced at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Yesterday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued two recalls for Audi vehicles, both of which stem from potential fuel leaks--and therefore, potential fire hazards. More than 170,000 cars and crossovers in the U.S. are affected.

RECALL #1: 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2007-2012 Audi Q7
UNITS AFFECTED: 143,214

In its official defect notice, NHTSA says that "The filter housing of the fuel pump (part of the fuel cap flange) may develop fine cracks/fissures resulting in a fuel leak or fuel smell." The faulty component was supplied by Continental Automotive.

Curiously, NHTSA hasn't come to a firm conclusion about what might be causing those fissures. There's some suggestion, though, that corroded flanges are to blame, and that liquid from outside the fuel pump is causing the corrosion.

The recall is limited to Q5s and Q7s that run on gasoline, and unfortunately Audi doesn't have an adequate supply of parts to fix those vehicles. The company plans to send out preliminary recall notices in November, followed by a second notice when parts become available. The fix includes cleaning the aforementioned flange and installing a butyl rubber band, which should provide adequate protection for the fuel pump.

If you own one of these vehicles and have further questions, you're encouraged to call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 and ask about recall #20W9. You can also call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline and inquire about safety campaign #16V660000.

RECALL #2: 2012-2013 Audi A6 and A7
UNITS AFFECTED: 28,249

This recall is due to a dodgy fuel pump hose in the engine compartment that may degrade over time. That, in turn, can lead to a fuel leak and potentially a fire.

The repair process will include replacing the hose in question, as well as the under-hood fuel pump, though Audi hasn't yet notified NHTSA when it plans to mail recall notices to owners. 

For further details, call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 and ask about recall #24BZ. Or, if you prefer, you can contact NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline and ask about safety campaign #16V646000.

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