Volkswagen is recalling 68,240 Audi A6 vehicles due to faulty gas tanks. Specifically the recall affects 2001-'04 Quattro models with the 2.7-, 2.8- or 3.0-liter engines and 2001-'05 Allroad Quattro cars with the 2.7- or 4.2-liter engines.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank combined with bending stress from the aluminum ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple "may lead to cracking of the nipple, and a fuel leak may result." If that happens, the agency stresses that a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to the worst case scenario of a possible vehicle fire.