The Littlest VW SUV Could Be The Biggest New-Model Deathtrap

An important recall warning is in effect for 16,737 of the latest new model Taos SUVs sold this year that has a high potential of becoming one of the worst ways to die from a vehicle accident---or even while just cruising down your neighborhood street.

Leaking Fuel Problems

Recently we learned that a cracking fuel outlet flange in a range of Land Rover models from 2010-2016 led to a recall of approximately 111,000 vehicles. Today, we learn that VW’s 2022 Taos---dubbed as “The Littlest VW SUV”---is also now under a serious recall alert due to a strong possibility of a vehicle fire resulting from a detached fuel line.

Consumer Reports announced the recall stating that:

Volkswagen has issued a recall for 16,737 Taos SUVs from the 2022 model year because of a problem with the lines that supply fuel to the engine. A quick-connector, which makes it easy to attach and detach hoses, may detach from the fuel supply line. If this happens, fuel will leak in the engine compartment.

What makes this recall especially remarkable is their description of a scenario where if the engine fuel line were to disconnect in traffic, at the very least the engine would stall to a stop. However, stalling in traffic could easily lead to a vehicle crash resulting in the leaking fuel igniting and turning into a catastrophic fire.

Volkswagen reportedly states that the reason(s) for the for the fuel line’s quick-connector to detach include:

• Improper tolerances between the fuel line and the quick-connector
• A deformation of the quick-connector during production
• Problem with the size of the fuel line

No deaths or fires are known reportedly known to have resulted from the fuel line defect, but that the problem was discovered via a warranty claim last June from an owner.

Who This Recall Applies To and What To Do

Due to the incredibly dangerous condition of a fuel leak in ANY vehicle, dash warning lights, gasoline odors, and fluid pooling under your vehicle should be taken care of immediately.

New owners of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos are advised to immediately contact their dealer or Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen dealers are instructed to inspect the connection and, if necessary, replace the connector and fuel supply line free of charge for Volkswagen customers.

Although information is listed as available through the NHTSA via campaign number 21V651 and/or the Volkswagen website under recall 20DB, neither sources appear to be updated with the info as of this writing.

For more about vehicle recalls, be sure to bookmark Torque News to stay updated with the latest automotive news that includes---but is not limited to---vehicle safety as well as car performance, car reviews, and car care.

For more about SUVs, here's an informative article about What Popular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and Which to Buy Instead.

Photo by Flavio Gasperini on Unsplash

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily automotive-related news.