Volkswagen and its China ventures recall 1.8 million vehicles over fuel pump issue

The latest recall will deal a blow to the Germany company as it struggles to recover from a massive emissions scandal that broke in 2015

Volkswagen reportedly became aware of the latest fault after an investigation by Chinese authorities launched back in April 2016 (Reuters)

Germany’s Volkswagen and two of the company’s joint ventures in China are recalling more than 1.8 million vehicles because of an issue with fuel pumps, according to China’s quality watchdog.

In a statement online, the country’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said that the call-back applies to the 2007-14 Magotans and 2009-14 Volkswagen CCs, produced domestically by FAW-Volkswagen joint-venture, as well as the 2011-15 Passat, which is domestically produced by SAIC Volkswagen. Finally, the recall also includes around 19,000 imported models.

Volkswagen reportedly became aware of the latest fault— which can cause the engine to stall as a result of electronics in the full pump failing – after an investigation by Chinese authorities launched back in April 2016.

It follows Volkswagen recalling around 680,000 Audi cars in China in March this year, over defects in coolant pumps.

The latest recall will deal a blow to the car company as it struggles to recover from a massive scandal that broke in 2015 over its use of so-called defeat devices to evade emissions tests in its diesel cars.

Around 11 million of its vehicles were affected worldwide by that scandal, including almost 1.2 million in the UK. In March, the company pleaded guilty to fraud, obstruction of justice and falsifying statements as part of a $4.3bn settlement with the US Justice Department.

Additional reporting by wires