Volkswagen Airbag Recall Impacts Nearly 115,000 Beetles and Passats

A decade after tens of millions of vehicles were recalled due to defective Takata airbag inflators, additional cars are still being pulled from the market due to a risk that their airbags may explode under certain conditions.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a Volkswagen recall on November 6, indicating that more than 114,000 older-model Passat and Beetle vehicles still contain Takata inflators in the driver’s side airbag, which could shower vehicle occupants with deadly shrapnel when the airbag is deployed.

Takata Airbag Problems

The recall is the latest in a long series of problems linked to defective Takata airbags, which have affected more than 100 million vehicles sold worldwide since 2014, including about 67 million sold in the U.S. by more than 20 automobile manufacturers, making it one of the largest and most intricate recalls in U.S. history.

Officials indicate the issue with the Takata airbag inflators stems from the manufacturer’s use of the chemical ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbags when an auto accident occurs. This chemical can react to heat or humidity. Once exposed to these factors, the ammonium nitrate may begin to breakdown inside its metal enclosure, which can result in an explosion of metal debris.

At least 35 people have died worldwide and more than 400 have been injured due to the recalled Takata airbags.

According to NHTSA, this latest recall includes Volkswagen vehicles from the following years, which are believed to still contain Takata driver’s side airbag inflators that could explode, posing a serious risk of injury or death:

• 2017 to 2019 Beetles and Beetle Convertibles
• 2012 to 2014 Passats
• 2017 Passat Wagons
• 2006 to 2007 Passat Sedans

A Volkswagen communication to dealers was issued on November 1, indicating that repairs are not yet available.

“Until the recall remedy becomes available, dealers should diagnose customer vehicle concerns and perform repairs, if needed, following existing repair procedures,” the notice states. “This work cannot be billed/claimed against the recall.”

Notifications to affected owners will be sent out on December 27, at which point dealers will replace the front side airbags free of charge.

Owners with questions can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. They can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.