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Air bagsPart report

2012 Volkswagen GTI Air bags Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
13%of 40 total for the year
Median mileage
60,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 13% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The clock spring in my steering wheel has broken/quit working, Volkswagen refuses to replace it under the recall because my VIN number was not flagged during the recall, the airbag light, ABS light, brake light, and traction control light are all on, my mechanic diagnosed it to be the clock spring causing the issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11287820, filed 2019-12, 60,000 miles

“Today, while buying a new car I was informed of an open pending recall on the steering wheel clock spring. I have had no notification on this and, as a result I lost about $2000 on my trade-in. Aren't companies required to resolve issues quickly? I understand that the part affects release of the air bag and therefore could be serious. I believe vw should compensate me for at least part of the lost value.”

NHTSA complaint #10776477, filed 2015-09, 12,600 miles

“My Air bag light came on. Plus all the controls on my steering column do not work, including the horn. I called the VW dealer. They knew exactly what it was. The Clock Spring. This happened in early May. I was told the part has been on back order for 6 months. The dealer does not have any cars to give me until the part comes in. I was told 6 other cars have the same problem This to me is a major safety issue. I HAVE to drive my car, and I am not comfortable with that.”

NHTSA complaint #11482092, filed 2022-08

“The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen GTI. Upon starting the vehicle and while driving, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel clock spring failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty repairs for general failures expired at 36,000 miles. The failure mileage was not available.”

NHTSA complaint #11088908, filed 2018-04

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201724%
201657%
201533%
2014110%
2013412%
2012513%
201135%
201024%
200942%
200834%
20071114%
2006716%
2005113%
2004457%
20031834%
20022319%
20011926%
200049%
1999113%
1998220%

Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen GTI

Engine
13 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Electrical system
4 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology