ABU DHABI // Almost a thousand Audi vehicles are being recalled in the UAE to repair a fault that could cause a possible fuel leak.
The move affects Audi A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, Q7 and A8 models manufactured between April 2011 and 2012. Of those under recall, 545 were sold in Dubai and 356 in Abu Dhabi.
The Ministry of Economy’s Department of Consumer Protection said it was coordinating with Audi AG and Al Nabooda Automobiles for Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah and Ali & Sons for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain on the process of withdrawing the vehicles starting on Monday.
“Audi carry out regular checks on their products and discovered during in-house tests and simulations that under certain circumstances a fuel leak could occur from the fuel rail pipe due to a bracket not being sufficiently rigid,” Janice Hinson, head of PR at Audi Middle East, said on Monday. “This may cause tension at the connection of the bracket and fuel rail, whereby the fuel rail cup is not straight when it is installed.
“The chance of a leak in actual vehicle operation is incredibly small, and if by chance did happen, the customer would notice immediately as they would smell fuel.”
Audi AG has asked the two UAE dealers to inspect all potentially affected vehicles and replace the affected parts.
“The pipe can be replaced within one working day and there will be no charge to the customer,” Ms Hinson said.
Customers are being asked to call the customer care team of Al Nabooda at 04 347 5111 and Ali & Sons at 02 502 6564 to arrange an appointment.
“There is absolutely no danger in driving these cars and customers should continue to use them normally until such time as the repair has been carried out,” she said.
Vehicles manufactured after 2012 are not affected.
rruiz@thenational.ae
