Risk of Electrical Short in Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen is recalling 91,000 Passat vehicles because a manufacturing defect can create a fire hazard. The recall includes certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines.

The problem is caused by improperly assembled wire seals in a connector of an underbody sensor. Water can corrode electrical terminals, which in turn could lead to an electrical short with the possibly of overheating at the electrical connection. In rare cases, this could result in a fire underneath the vehicle. Volkswagen dealers will replace any defective connectors free of charge.

Source: NHTSA | Image by Vernon Chan