March 7 (Reuters) - Volkswagen will recall

177,493 crossover SUVs in the United States over concerns

related to a loose engine cover, the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration said on Friday.

The engine cover may have been improperly installed after

vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot

engine surfaces, potentially increasing the risk of a fire, the

U.S. auto safety regulator said.

The recall includes certain Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

vehicles from model years 2024-2025.

Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge, to

remedy the issue, the NHTSA said.