2017 Volkswagen Jetta

The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall was done and therefore not their issue. The issue was confirmed with the new mechanic. There was one EFC light on the night it started leaking fuel.

My Volkswagen Jetta shut off driving down interstate 99 due to major fuel leak (fuel rail bolt broke) I saw Volkswagen had a recall for fuel rail bolt coming loose after time. I called Volkswagen states recall was completed in May 2021 I bought the car May 2025. I asked Volkswagen rep if they would repair it as this is the same issue as the recall obviously it isn’t corrected. This could have been very bad with fuel leaking along a major highway one thing ignited and car would have went in flames. My son could have been seriously injured or even killed! EPC light came on as this was happening. The car is at my local mechanic who advised me to call Volkswagen due to an open recall for this issue. Volkswagen rep states I could take it to Volkswagen dealer to have it looked at but advised it would be at my expense. The only way anything would be done or reviewed if the car caught on fire or someone died. I would like this looked into as I believe vw should pay for my car to be fixed. Since the known problem was not fixed. I don’t have any documentation as my car is still in the process of getting fixed.

My mother owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. Recently, the car has developed a strong and constant smell of gasoline, both while driving and when parked. This is extremely concerning, as it appears to be a fuel leak, which poses a serious fire and safety hazard. Upon researching, I discovered NHTSA Recall 20V648000, which affects certain 2016–2018 Jetta vehicles due to loose fuel rail bolts that may cause fuel to leak. My mother’s car is experiencing the exact same symptoms, yet her VIN is not included in the recall, and Volkswagen has refused to help because the recall does not technically apply to her vehicle. We spoke directly with VW Customer Care, and despite clearly describing the fuel smell and matching the recall symptoms, they told us the repairs would be out-of-pocket. My mother does not speak English and relies on me for help — and she cannot afford the cost of repairs for something that is clearly a known defect. The vehicle is undrivable due to the risk of explosion or fire, and we are desperate for help. I’m submitting this complaint in hopes that NHTSA will investigate and expand the recall to include additional VINs. There is no reason a vehicle with an identical issue should be excluded simply because of a VIN batch.

EPC light came on and I could smell a strong odor of gas. The car immediately began to de-accelerate and I could no longer use the gas pedal. I was on a highway road with lots of curves and limited shoulder, this could have been deadly. The vehicle also could have started a fire. The same exact issue occurred with this vehicle in September of 2022 where a safety recall was issued for fuel rail bolts. It has been less than two years and the issue has occurred again.

The fuel rail system came loose, causing fuel to spray in engine bay, as well as loss of power to propel vehicle forward. Original recall for 2016-2018 Volkswagens Jetta’s fuel rail coming loose due to bolts loosening over time was opened in April 2020. Car was taken to Brandon Tomes Volkswagen of McKinney as soon as recall was received. A few years later, the fuel rail system still came loose and the car now is at my personal mechanic shop due to Brandon Tomes saying the had seen the car for the recall. I do not trust Brandon Tomes with my vehicle at this point in time to do fix the issue, if they even actually did anything when the car was in for the recall when the recall was initiated. If they did, and the bolts still came loose, then the original recall may need to be investigated and to see if there are multiple more units affected by the recall that have been seen for the recall and put as recall completed, only to have the issue arise at a later time.

The EPC light and Check Engine light came on while driving, major car throttling, problems with acceleration, stronger throttling occurred with more acceleration. Car was immediately towed to nearest VW dealership service. Me and my son had to stop on the expressway far from home. Problems were confirmed at inspection by VW dealership on same day of incident. No symptoms or warnings occurred of problems before incident.