The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] has released a recall notice for certain model year 2001-2004 Audi A6, 2002-2003MY S6 and 2003MY RS6 vehicles equipped with 4.2-liter V8 engines and manufactured from June 19, 2001, through June 8, 2004. Overall, 5,992 A6, S6 and RS6 models are being recalled in the States over a potential problem with a part described by the company as the rollover valve nipple.

Audi told the NHTSA that, “the aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve combined with bending stress from the aluminum ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple may lead to cracking of the nipple”. The German automaker added that this issue could result into a fuel leak and possibly lead to a vehicle fire if there’s an ignition source.

The recall is expected to begin in June, 2011, with Audi planning to deal with the problem by reinforcing the nipple on the rollover valve and if necessary, repair any cracks.

*EU-Spec Audi S6, RS6 shown in photo gallery