Amid fears that faults could cause the vehicles' engines to catch fire, Volkswagen has recalled more than 228,000 vehicles in the United States. The company carmaker recalled Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf and Rabbit models manufactured between 2007 and 2009 due to a small plastic tab that could cause a leak in the fuel pipe, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
VW further recalled the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines made between 2006 and 2010, which have a clamp in the power steering system that could also pierce the fuel supply line.
"If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in fire," the NHTSA said.
Some 228,236 cars could be affected by the recall.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2010