On April 4, 2008, Volkswagen Group of America Inc. announced a recall of about 410,000 gasoline powered 1999 to 2005 Passats because of potential heat shield damage, though the company noted no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Some Volkswagen Passats with automatic transmissions may have an underbody heat shield that could be subject to damage, and some have 1.8T engines with fuel lines that require potential replacement.

Recalled Passats may also be inspected for potential fuel tank ventilation valve damage.

Volkswagen intends to notify owners of the Passat recall. Drivers who smell fuel should take their Passat to a Volkswagen dealer or authorized repair shop.

Source: ?Volkswagen recalls 410,000 Passats,? Abc11.com, April 5, 2008.