Even though fuel prices have precipitously dropped in recent months, no one wants to waste their gas because of a fuel leak. For that reason, and because a fuel leak could lead to a vehicle fire, Volkswagen is recalling nearly 26,000 sedans and SUVS in the U.S. and 80,000 worldwide.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports [PDF] that Volkswagen has issued a recall for 26,008 vehicles in the United States after receiving reports of small fuel leaks in a number of models.

Affected vehicles include the 2012 model year Audi A6 and Volkswagen Touareg hybrid, model year 2012 to 2013 Audi A7 and the model year 2011 to 2012 Audi Q7, S4 and S5.

According to a notice [PDF] from Volkswagen, which owns the Audi brand, vibration during driving, and production issues can cause small leaks in the vehicles’ fuel injection system.

Officials say that a leak – no matter how small – in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

While Volkswagen says it is unaware of any fires or injuries caused by the issue, reports received by NHTSA detail consumers’ concerns regarding the leaks.

In one report, the consumer claims fuel fumes appeared under the hood and through the air conditioner vents in their 2012 Audi A6. A local dealer determined the vehicle had a fuel leak.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified in March and dealers will replace fuel rails and corresponding seals.

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