NHTSA Complaint #11470094 — 2013 AUDI Q7

I had the Fuel Filter flange crack and leak fuel into an area where an electronic plug exists. This leak was part of NHTSA recall #17V298 from 2017. I took my vehicle into the dealer and had it inspected per the letter sent to me. The dealers repair included placing a rubberized butyl tape over the flange that they claimed would prevent it from ever developing a leak of fuel. When I discovered the fuel leak and found it was leaking at the flange (Thru the butyl tape) I phoned the dealer who would not take the car in for inspection for five days (their earliest appointment). I have one vehicle and being without one for five days was not a viable option for me. I purchased the part from the Audi dealership and replaced it myself correcting the fuel leak. I phoned Audi North America to file for re-imbursement of the 340 dollars I paid for the part and it was rejected as they claimed they had repaired my vehicle under the recall. I was able to locate on the internet where Audi was re-notifying owners of vehicles to have the part replaced after the tape had been installed as the tape was found to be a temporary non lasting band aid to a serious problem. I was never notified of the secondary letter and was told by Audi that my vehicle was not included in the secondary callback for repairs. The fuel leak occurs underneath the rear passenger seat with a thin aluminum cover over the Fuel Filter Flange. When the flange began leaking, it fills up with fuel right under the seat causing a major safety issue considering it is installed on the top of the fuel tank. It was, a part that needed to be corrected immediately, and the Audi dealership left me no other option but to repair it myself. I feel that Audi failed to repair the vehicle correctly when I took it in for the recall repair in November of 2017. The put a band aid on a problem hoping the leak would never occur, but, when the leak occurred they failed to remedy the issue. Thank you.