NHTSA investigates 2011 VW Jetta TDI for fuel leaks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a preliminary investigation into 2011 Volkswagen Jetta diesel models over several reports of a leak in the high pressure fuel supply system – a problem that could certainly lead to a new Jetta recall should the NHTSA find a defect in the system.

This new NHTSA investigation of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI comes after 7 owners filed complaints about experiencing a fuel leak where the fuel supply “rail” meets the fuel injectors. The mileage of these vehicles ranged from 2,470 to 7,764 miles so it was not an issue of wear and tear during the life of the vehicle and because of that, the NHTSA is looking into the problem more closely. This New Jetta investigation affects around 40,000 vehicles and according to the NHTSA, they have also received one complaint about a 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI with the same engine experiencing the same problem, although those vehicles are currently not involved in this investigation. However, should the feds find a defect in the high pressure fuel delivery system in the 2011 VW Jetta TDI – and parts are shared with the VW Golf TDI – the compact Vee-Dub could be subject to a similar recall if one is issued.

One of the common features of these new clean-burning diesel engines like the 2.0L TDI found in the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is a fuel system that is under incredible pressure. For instance, the common rail diesel setup found in the new Jetta TDI has fuel pressure in the range of 26,000psi at the fuel injectors and, unfortunately, that is where these complaints allege that the leak is occurring. The complaints and the NHTSA bulletin don’t explain whether the fuel is leaking at the seam between the fuel rail and injector or if there is some other failure but in any case, the highly pressurized fuel could cause a significant fire risk if the high pressure fuel system leak in the 2011 VW Jetta TDI is left unfixed.

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