The Volkswagen Group 2.0-liter clean-diesel TDI engine has been fitted to quite a number of VW vehicles over the years, as well as the Audi A3 TDI.

Now the company has announced a voluntary safety recall that applies to both Golf TDI models built from May 2009 to September 2011, and the more numerous Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI models built between May 2008 and September 2011.

Volkswagen has also temporarily pulled its Jetta TDI and Golf TDI models off sale until new vehicles at dealers can be inspected and repaired if necessary. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, however, uses a somewhat different installation and is not affected by the recall.

A similar NHTSA recall notification has been issued for those Audi A3 TDI models built from September 2009 to last month.

2010 Audi A3 TDI named Green Car of the Year, 2009 LA Auto Show

2010 Audi A3 TDI named Green Car of the Year, 2009 LA Auto Show

The problem is a potential fuel line leak at the second fuel injector. The problem may be exacerbated by the fact that the natural pulse frequency of the high-pressure fuel pump can lead to vibration which may produce additional cracking in the number-two fuel line.

Obviously fuel squirting into the engine compartment poses a fire risk, although the company says it's unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect.

Dealers for both Audi and Volkswagen will inspect and replace the fuel line in question and fit a vibration damper to prevent future problems.

A total of almost 160,000 Volkswagen models are affected by the recall, with a much smaller number of Audis.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Repairs will begin in November once Volkswagen and Audi dealers have received supplies of the needed parts. The company plans to notify owners of the affected vehicles via e-mail.

Owners who have questions or concerns can reach Volkswagen’s customer service hotline at 800-822-8987, or Audi’s customer service representatives at 800-367-2834. Alternatively, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline can provide up-to-the-minute information at 888-327-4236

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