Volkswagen is recalling 114,478 vehicles in the U.S. due to safety issues with their airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects certain 2006-07 Passat Sedans, 2012-2014 Passat models, and 2017 Passat Wagons, as well as specific 2017-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible models.
The problem involves airbags on the driver’s side, which may pose a risk of exploding after prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity.
The NHTSA recall report, issued on October 30 and made public on Thursday, warns that the driver’s side airbag inflator could explode due to propellant degradation from prolonged exposure to high humidity.
Volkswagen will replace the affected airbag free of charge at their dealerships. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by December 27, according to the NHTSA.
In June, Volkswagen issued a recall for 271,330 Atlas SUVs due to issues with faulty passenger-side airbags.
Customers with questions about recalls can reach the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
The Volkswagen models affected by the recall include:
- 2017-2019 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2017-2019 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
- 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
- 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat
- 2017 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Driver’s side airbag issues
The NHTSA notice explains that the 114,478 recalled vehicles are equipped with a driver’s side airbag inflator that contains a propellant which can deteriorate over time due to prolonged exposure to high humidity, extreme temperatures, and temperature fluctuations. This degradation can cause the inflator to explode, sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle, posing a serious risk of injury or death to the driver or passengers.
Volkswagen and the safety administration have stated that no incidents related to this potential airbag defect have been reported. However, the recall was initiated as a precautionary measure.
The recalled vehicles are equipped with Takata SDI-D driver frontal airbag inflators. Takata airbags have been involved in a massive recall spanning over 15 years, affecting tens of millions of vehicles, and have been linked to at least 28 fatalities due to malfunctions.
How to get your Volkswagen fixed
Dealers will replace the driver’s side front airbag module at no cost to the owners. Affected vehicle owners will receive notifications by mail and can also contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 1-800-893-5298, referencing recall numbers 69EG and 69GQ.
Car owners can check the status of their vehicles by entering their details into the NHTSA recall check tool or by using the recall database for vehicle recalls.