VW recalls 410,000 Passats in U.S. market

DETROIT (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG is recalling some 410,000 Passat sedans sold in the United States due to potential problems with heat shields and fuel line components, the German automaker said on Friday.

Europe's largest carmaker said it would voluntarily recall all gasoline-powered Passats it had sold from the 1999 through 2005 model years for inspection and possible repair.

The wide recall marks a setback for VW at a time when it has set ambitious targets for growth in the U.S. market and is considering building a new auto plant in North America.

Volkswagen said some Passat vehicles with an automatic transmission have an underbody heat shield that could be subject to damage, creating a risk if it touches the exhaust system. Other vehicles will be inspected for potential damage to a fuel tank ventilation valve and a fuel line, VW said.

Volkswagen said no accidents or injuries have been reported because of the defects.

VW advised owners and drivers of the Passat sedans covered by the recall to go immediately to the nearest dealership or certified repair shop if they smell gasoline.

VW will issue recall notices to Passat owners by the end of May, it said.

(Reporting by Soyoung Kim, editing by Richard Chang)