Audi A6: Fuel Tank Rollover Valve Cracking (2001–2004)

What the evidence shows

Transport Canada recall 2008116 and NHTSA recall 08V157 cover specified 2001–2004 Audi A6/A6 Quattro configurations in which aging of the plastic fuel-tank rollover valve, combined with bending stress from the aluminum ventilation line, may crack the valve nipple and allow fuel leakage.

What this means

A cracked nipple can allow fuel vapor or fuel to escape, which is a fire risk.

What may be happening mechanically

The plastic rollover valve becomes more brittle with age; combined with ongoing mechanical stress from the attached ventilation line, this can eventually crack the connection point.

What owners may notice

• A fuel-vapor smell around the vehicle

What to check first

If there is any fuel-vapor smell around the vehicle, have the fuel tank rollover valve inspected, and confirm with a dealer whether this recall was completed for the specific VIN.

What this does not prove

A safety recall confirms an identified defect and a required remedy for the specific vehicles covered by Transport Canada recall 2008116. It does not establish how many vehicles ever actually experienced the described failure, and any symptom listed above can have other causes — a qualified inspection is still the way to confirm the cause on a specific vehicle.

For owners and buyers

If you own or are considering a 2001–2004 Audi A6, check the VIN against Transport Canada recall 2008116 (through the manufacturer or the relevant national recall lookup) to see whether the remedy has already been completed. An open recall is normally repaired by the dealer at no cost to the owner.