The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·12V540000·Announced 2012-11-15

Volkswagen Recalls 2012-2013 Beetles for Airbag Sensor Defect

Volkswagen is recalling 2012-2013 Beetles with leather sport seats because a wet seat may prevent the airbag from turning off, increasing injury risk for children.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the source text explicitly states an 'increased risk for serious injury' to children, but does not report any actual injuries or fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured between February 2012 and August 2012. These specific vehicles are equipped with leather sport seats. The recall involves the front passenger airbag control module.

The defect occurs if the right front passenger seat gets wet. In these conditions, the occupant control module may fail to properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat. If the module does not detect the child seat, the front passenger airbag will not turn off. In the event of a crash requiring airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.

Volkswagen will notify owners and replace the control modules free of charge. The recall was expected to begin in January 2013. Owners can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
Brand
VOLKSWAGEN
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Category
Vehicle — Airbag / Occupant Restraint
Hazard
Affected units
2,471

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • BEETLE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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