Audi Will Recall 1.2 Million Vehicles for Fire Hazard

Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit is preparing to recall nearly 1.2 million vehicles worldwide to replace electric water pumps that could cause a fire. Nearly 343,000 of the cars are in the U.S.

The campaign involves certain 2012-2015 model A6 large sedans, 2013-2016 model A4 sedans and wagons, and 2013-2017 model A5 sedans and convertibles and Q5 crossover vehicles. All targeted cars are powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged engines.

The pump circulates engine coolant. The device can become clogged with debris from inside the cooling system and overheat. Or, moisture inside the pump can cause a short circuit. In either case, the unit could overheat and start an underhood fire.

The campaign follows up on previous recalls in the U.S. and China to minimize the same problem. In January 2017 Audi recalled 582,800 vehicles in the U.S. to install software that turns off the pump’s power supply if the pump becomes clogged. Three months later it called back 680,000 vehicles in China to perform a similar update.

Audi reports no injuries related to the defect. The company doesn’t yet have enough replacement pumps to begin the recall but says it will notify U.S. owners about the problem in June.