Recall 08V178000: 2003–2005 Volkswagen Beetle

Report received

Apr 17, 2008

Manufacturer

Volkswagen of america, inc

Potentially affected

76,900vehicles

Model years

2003–2005

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

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.

Possible consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

• 2003 Volkswagen Beetle314 complaints
• 2004 Volkswagen Beetle349 complaints
• 2005 Volkswagen Beetle261 complaints