Autoblog reports, "If you are one of the nearly half-million Americans driving a 1999-2005 Volkswagen Passat, your dealer will be expecting a visit." VW has issued a recall on all gasoline-powered Passats sold during those years. Volkswagen dealers will install new underbody heat shields in the vehicles, free of charge.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explains: "About 410,000 Passats with automatic transmissions are eligible. A damaged heat shield that comes in contact with the exhaust system 'could create risk,' the Wolfsburg, Germany-based company said in a statement."

According to CanadianDriver: "Additionally, some vehicles equipped with 1.8T engines have a fuel line that requires inspection and potential replacement. A small number of vehicles equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive will be inspected for potential damage to a fuel tank ventilation valve."

VW says no injuries have been reported as a result of the defect. The automaker will begin notifying owners of the recall by May 30. Owners who notice a fuel smell are encouraged to contact their dealer as soon as possible.

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