VW Recalls 114,000-Plus Beetles, Passats for Exploding Takata Airbags
In January 2023, model-year 2015-16 examples of the Volkswagen Beetle joined the running list of vehicles affected by the massive Takata airbag recall. Now, VW is adding more Beetles to the list as well as some examples of its Passat sedan and wagon, totaling 114,400 vehicles.
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Affected vehicles include model-year 2017-19 Beetles and Beetle convertibles, as well as model-year 2006-07 Passat sedans, 2012-14 Passats and 2017 Passat wagons. The driver-side airbag in these vehicles may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high humidity, high temperatures and high temperature cycling. As a result, sharp metal fragments could be sent into the cabin, resulting in serious injury or death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 400 people have allegedly been injured by the defective airbags and 28 people have been killed in the U.S. The increasing age of these vehicles is increasing the likelihood of occurrence.
To resolve the issue, dealers will replace the driver-side front airbag module for free. Volkswagen will notify owners Dec. 27, but those with further questions can contact the automaker at 800-893-5298 (VW’s numbers for this recall are 69EG and 69GQ), NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit its website to check your vehicle identification number and learn more.
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