Volkswagen Group of America has issued a voluntary recall urging owners of gasoline-powered 1999-2005 Passats to take their vehicles into the dealership immediately, especially “if a fuel smell exists.” The recall involves up to 410,000 vehicles.

The reason official reason for the recall was stated as such: “Some vehicles equipped with 1.8T engines have a fuel line that requires inspection and potential replacement,” “A small number of vehicles equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive will be inspected for potential damage to a fuel tank ventilation valve.”

VW also said that some Passats with an automatic transmission may have an underbody heat shield that could be “subject to damage.” “A damaged heat shield, in contact with the vehicle exhaust system, could create risk,” the automaker said. “These heat shields will be inspected, and an additional heat shield will be installed.”

VW said it has received no reports of accidents or injuries concerning the Passat’s problems. Formal notification of the recall will begin by May 30, but the company has already taken affarmative action to notify it’s customers of the potential problem.

This is a serious safety issue. If you believe you are affected or smell fuel inside your vehicle contact your local Volkswagen dealer immediately.

Above: Is this what you drive? Then contact your local VW dealer ASAP!!