The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·22V945000·Announced 2022-12-21

Volkswagen Recalls 2015-2016 Beetles for Driver Air Bag Defect

Volkswagen is recalling 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles because the driver's side air bag inflator may explode, posing a risk of serious injury or death.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect may result in 'serious injury or death,' which aligns with the rubric criterion for a score of 4 (Severe) involving significant injury reports or potential for serious harm.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The recall involves the driver's side air bag inflator module, which may explode due to propellant degradation caused by long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. The recall affects approximately 37,558 vehicles.

Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.

The recalled product

Product
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
Brand
VOLKSWAGEN
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
37,558

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 (2)

  • BEETLE
  • BEETLE CONVERTIBLE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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