Volkswagens, Fords, Toyotas Recalled

[JV]

DETROIT - Volkswagen AG is recalling nearly 40,000 Jetta sedans in the United States because fuel could leak and start a fire, federal safety regulators said Thursday.

Jettas from the 2005 model year are involved in the recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a fuel supply line clamp may not be properly positioned, which could lead to a leak.

Volkswagen said it knows of no deaths or injuries related to the defect, which was reported to the company by a small number of owners.

"We don't know of any fires whatsoever because of this, but we think it is important to act quickly and reassure new Jetta owners about our commitment to their safety and satisfaction," Len Hunt, Volkswagen's executive vice president, said in a statement.

NHTSA also announced two additional recalls Thursday.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling the 2006 Ford Expedition and 2006 Lincoln Navigator because the left-side tires may have tread damage caused by a sharp piece of steel they may have encountered during manufacturing. There are 10,061 vehicles involved in that recall, NHTSA said.

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 11,592 Tacoma pickup trucks from the 2005 model year that have bench seats. NHTSA said the seat-belt buckle sensor may not function as designed, which could cause the air bag to deploy improperly in a crash.

Owners will be notified of the recalls this month. Dealers will repair the defective parts for free.