2003 Volkswagen Beetle Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 08V178000Apr 17, 200876,900 vehicles potentially affected
  Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
  Covers: Volkswagen Beetle 2003–2005

  Reported issue: 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…

  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.

  Full campaign details →

• 07V063000Feb 20, 20071,002,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
  Covers: Volkswagen Beetle 2001–2007, Golf 1999–2006, GTI 1999–2006 +3 more

  Reported issue: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

  Possible consequence: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

  Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not…

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• PE08012Front air bag crash sensor failureClosed · Feb 15, 2008

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