2003-2005 Volkswagen Beetle recall: sensor/control module-inactive

Volkswagen Of America, Inc reported this safety recall on April 17, 2008. It covers about 76,900 vehicles.

vehicles affected: 76,900
reported: Apr 17, 2008
owners notified: Jul 31, 2008
related complaints: 164

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 08V178000

Affected vehicles

Volkswagen Beetle 2003-2005 2003 2004 2005

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 164 complaints about airbags problems.

2003 Volkswagen Beetle 2004 Volkswagen Beetle 2005 Volkswagen Beetle

Questions about recall 08V178000

Is there a recall on the 2003-2005 Volkswagen Beetle sensor/control module-inactive?

Yes. Recall 08V178000, reported on April 17, 2008, covers about 76,900 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 08V178000?

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.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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