Recall 08V-178: 2003–2005 Volkswagen Beetle
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC recall for air bags, reported to NHTSA on Apr 17, 2008, covering about 76,900 vehicles.
The problem
Volkswagen is recalling 76,900 my 2004-2005 new beetle and my 2003-2005 new beetle convertibles equipped with an advanced (Dual-stage) air bag system. This system may have air bag frontal crash sensors that contain a solder joint on the circuit board that may crack under certain high temperature conditions. If this occurs, the air bag indicator light will illuminate and the fallback algorithm will ensure that the front air bags always deploy in a frontal crash in which the vehicle's deceleration is high enough to activate the frontal air bags.
The risk
In low-severity frontal impacts, the front air bags may deploy more forcefully than designed, increasing the possibility of injury to out-of-position front seat occupants.
The fix
Dealers will inspect each vehicle to determine that the specific defect crash sensor is present on one or both sides of the vehicle. All of the defect crash sensors will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before july 31, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Notes
Volkswagen recall no. R6.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC |
|---|---|
| Component | Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 08V178000 |
Vehicles in this recall
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 08V-178?
Volkswagen is recalling 76,900 my 2004-2005 new beetle and my 2003-2005 new beetle convertibles equipped with an advanced (Dual-stage) air bag system. This system may have air bag frontal crash sensors that contain a solder joint on the circuit board that may crack under certain high temperature conditions. If this occurs, the air bag indicator light will illuminate and the fallback algorithm will ensure that the front air bags always deploy in a frontal crash in which the vehicle's deceleration is high enough to activate the frontal air bags.
How is recall 08V-178 fixed?
Dealers will inspect each vehicle to determine that the specific defect crash sensor is present on one or both sides of the vehicle. All of the defect crash sensors will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before july 31, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.