January 15, 2011 re: Defective investigation PE08008 Audi 2003 A6 leaking fuel from gas tank assembly attached, please find evidence I reported my fuel tank leaked fuel to a los angeles Audi dealer. I bought the car in 2006 with 66,000 miles and remains with no damage history. In 2008, fuel began dripping at the lower driver side vacuum nipple flange which shifted off the rim of the fuel tank. When the tank was filled passed half full, it would drip onto the ground. There is a valid recall for most 2003 sedan models and the 4.2L off-road quattro. This model is a 2003 sedan with the 4.2L engine size and should certainly be included in these two related recalls. Due to no fault of my own, the nature and severity of the defect, I questioned the problem was a manufactures defect warranting repair and potential recall. They disagreed, said it was out of warranty and quoted me a repair. Valentine asserted the condition was noted to my VIN in their system. Later that year, la Audi made different repairs and the fuel leak condition was again put on the work order. Finally in June 2010, a neighbor wrote note the car was leaking fuel. It tank was pouring fuel after filling to the three-quarters mark and parking in our subterranean parking garage. Repair could not be avoided. Based on la Audi's position, a local mechanic replaced the entire tank with a salvage one he found. Attached are photos, work repair orders, a hazard note from neighbor of the fuel leak, and signed declaration these item as authentic and all assertions above are truthful. I appreciate assistance obtaining recovery from Audi for the repairs as they refused to when presented twice. Your assistance in this matter is appreciated. Updated portable 02/18/11

- Beverly Hills, CA, USA

2003 Audi A6. Consumer writes in regards to fuel level sensor damaged due to recall repair the consumer stated he complied with the recall and took his vehicle to the Audi dealer. The dealer filled the gas tank; in Accord with the letter from Audi. Unfortunately, as the consumer drove the 70 miles back home, the fuel level decreased to less that 1/4 and the warning light came on. Since then, the warning light comes on and goes off without regard to how much fuel is in the tank. The consumer also stated he smelled gasoline particularly in the morning time when he went to his garage. He stated he was not able to rely on the fuel gauge because it sometimes showed full when it was less than 1/4 of a tank. The consumer stated he has ran out of gas twice, on a country road in mid-winter. After making dozens of frustrating calls to Audi, they finally arranged to have the problem looked at. The dealer stated they didn't have the part they needed to repair the defect and they would call when the part arrived. They estimated the repair at $483.64. The consumer stated he still has not heard from the dealer. The consumer stated he took his vehicle to the dealer with no fuel gauge problems and it was returned to him with problems.

- Brattleboro, VT, USA

Aoa has failed to take responsibility for a safety related defect in my Audi A6 fuel system. Given a NHTSA product safety gas storage tank recall, I believe aoa are liable for this safety related defect. On June 26th, 2009 hoffman Audi, East hartford ct, service manager jim orman orally informed me that aoa will take no further action in this matter, the reasons provided were: 1) recall was on other side of the tank - this particular valve was not part of the recall and they've seen only a few others with issues. "there was no possible way this could occur during the recall repair." 2) fuel tank was out of 4 year, 50000 mile warranty. 3) aoa disregards the unsafe condition caused by fuel vapor/fluid leaks resulting from the defective/worn out valve. In discussion it was referenced that "there were only four other instances of this problem" and cited age of the vehicle. I was told that after reviewing images of my claim, the final decision was made by karl krug, new england regional service manager aoa. Background: In late 2008 I was made aware of a safety recall regarding the potential for fuel tank leakage resulting from cracked nipples on this plastic gas storage tank. A reinforcement repair was performed on my vehicle in December 2008 (NHTSA campaign id number:08V157000). Roughly one month later the check engine light illuminated and the diagnostic fault code related to the tank ventilation system was identified. Last week I isolated the P0456 16840 tank ventilation system pinhole leak code to the fuel tank. Given the complexity of the ventilation system in the fuel tank area, I decided to get the system tested by a dealer. A cracked valve nipple atop the gas storage tank was identified by a Volkswagen service center. I have filed a complaint with the ct attorney general and asked they forward to the appropriate state and federal agencies for further investigation.

- Glastonbury, CT, USA