My airbag light is on, steering wheel controls don’t work, and my horn doesn’t work. Safety is put at risk because the airbag won’t deploy if needed, won’t be able to think in case someone can’t see me.
2013 Volkswagen Passat: airbag warning light
75 of the 749 complaints about the 2013 Volkswagen Passat describe airbag warning light.
- owner complaints
- 75
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical repair cost reported
- $610
- typical mileage
- 73,300
- recalls
- 5
Airbag warning light by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was unexpectedly illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,770.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
We just purchased this vehicle for my daughter and when I called the manufacturer about scheduling to perform Recall # 24V834 they said the parts were on back order. I asked when they may have the parts and they claimed they didn't know, but the recall wasn't something I would have to worry about unless the air bag light came on. I asked what if in an accident and the air bag deploys would it cause harm and they said it wouldn't. I am not so sure considering the safety risk was an inflator explosion that may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or occupants resulting in serious injury or death. The manufacturer claimed that they type the recalls up in a scary way to scare you into getting the recall done. This is not enough for me when it comes to my young daughter or any passengers safety in the car. I contacted the VW dealer in Fate TX and that is the best place for us to get the recall done. I am requesting that something to be done to expedite this part or parts for my daughters vehicle to get this recall completed in a timely manner before something bad happens. Thank you!
Failed clock spring. Airbag light was present and a rattling noise, when turning, was noticed. Less than 72 hours later, the buttons on the steering wheel, including horn, stopped working, and a louder crack/pop was heard.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side low beam light and the driver's side taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where the contact was informed that the light bulbs did not need to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was related to the wiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
I received a safety recall leather from Volkswagen on December 2024. the federal safety agency: 24V834 Subject: Safety recall 69E6 - Driver frontal airbag inflator Since November 2024 my airbag light on my dashboard came on, I checked for recalls and there was none at that time. It said airbag error on the dashboard. A month later I received the above mentioned recalled letter and took immediate action. ( Please keep in mind the light was on at all times, it didn't make any sounds, it wouldn't turn off at all) I schedule the recall service repair online on the Volkswagen website and came to my appointment on [XXX]. At the dealer I had to wait for 4 hours for the repair to be done and once they gave me my car back the air bag error and icon on my dashboard kept turning on and off every few minutes. Keep in mind the light was on before but it was solid on at all times but now it has a beeping sound that goes on and off while driving it multiple times a day and makes me think the repair was made with another faulty airbag inflator or there is another manufacturer problem with the air bag system of the car. I am [XXX] is my only car, I have to drive 45 minutes every week for my doctors appointments. The sound of the air bag going on and off is very annoying but my biggest concern is that being [XXX] with a faulty air bag system is a very scary situation to be in. I would like for the dealer to inspect all my airbags and make sure they are all working fine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Airbag light is on dashboard indicating system is not operating
While making a U turn the clock spring broke, the air bag light came on and the steering wheel controls no longer function. This is the third time it has broken in this vehicle.
On 5/4/24 I was reverse parking & heard a clunk as I was turning my steering wheel then immediately noticed the airbag light come on. Attempted to check any error messages using the only menu control for the vehicle on the steering wheel that did not work. That led me to attempt to test all other controls on the steering wheel which also did not work. During these attempts, I identified that my horn was also not working. Due to the large safety concern this caused, I quickly searched on Google what the cause may be then immediately made an appointment at an auto shop (Greulich's Automotive Repair) with the first available I could find. I did not know this issue was previously recalled as I was too concerned with my safety on the road, specifically not trusting other drivers, not having enough time to research, & the auto shop did not mention the recall either. Spent $1,000 on labor, diagnostic, & the clock steering part. When researching the history of my vehicle, I do not find that this recall was performed. I will be calling VW customer service for reimbursement. After the part has been replaced, the next day, I come to find out that the menu setting control on the steering wheel continues to not work which I have brought attention to the auto shop. Waiting for a call back about why all other controls on the steering wheel works now except the vehicle menu which might be the most important control on the wheel. In addition, the cruise control option does not work either because of this replacement which I come to find out it’s a separate part that needs to be replaced, hence, additional out of pocket costs. Not okay.
I didn't know about the recall until now. The dealership where I bought the vehicle did not. let me know about no recall other than he did all the service himself and come to know nothing was done I'm still waiting on my registration . I was turning into my driveway when I heard a strange clicking noise coming form the steering wheel column. As soon as I heard the clicking sound the airbag indicator light started flashing on my dashboard and the buttons on my steering wheel stopped working. Did some research on the airbag sensor which lead to learning about the clock spring malfunction. Not only I’m I at risk of my airbag not deploying, my HORN does not work. The horn malfunction came to knowledge when a car pulled out in front of me causing me to run off the road. I spoke with Auto Plus Dealership about the malfunction recall. I was told since my car is over 155k miles it could not be replaced under the recall extended warranty. I has just purchased my 2023 VW in October of 202.. I have only owned the car for a less than a month. Yes, the car is available to be inspected upon request. But nothing was done. because he said they found nothing wrong they just reset the light and gave it back to me. as soon as I turned my vehicle back on the light came back on I have not fixed my car I dont have money for parts
I was turning into my driveway when I heard a strange clicking noise coming form the steering wheel column. As soon as I heard the clicking sound the airbag indicator light started flashing on my dashboard and the buttons on my steering wheel stopped working. Did some research on the airbag sensor which lead to learning about the clockspring malfunction. Not only I’m I at risk of my airbag not deploying, my HORN does not work. The horn malfunction came to knowledge when a car pulled out in front of me causing me to run off the road. I spoke with Volkswagen manufacturer about the malfunction recall. I was told since my car is over 120k miles it could not be replaced under the 10 year recall extended warranty. I purchased my 2013 VW CC in October of 2022. I have only owned the car for one year. Yes, the car is available to be inspected upon request.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Inquiries
- The federal safety agency has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators...
- This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for...
- Grinding noises can be heard from the area of the steering wheel/driver airbag or steering column when...
- Installation of accessory alarm added instead of referring out to another website.
- In conjunction with the Massachusetts DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder...
- In conjunction with the New Mexico DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices...
- In conjunction with the Colorado DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to...
Related recalls
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Recall number 24V834000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298 or Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
Recall number 19V862000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V‑078.
Recall number 18V148000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834.
Recall number 16V078000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
- Risk
- A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 15V483000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2013 Volkswagen Passat airbag light
Is airbag warning light a common problem on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
75 of 749 owner complaints about the 2013 Volkswagen Passat (10%) mention airbag warning light. The model year with the most reports is 2012.
How much does it cost to fix airbag warning light on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $610 (median of 12 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
There are 5 recalls and 82 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
Headlights 48Check engine light 47Loss of power 33Fuel pump 30Stalling 27Door locks 24Steering noise 18Won't start 17Coil spring 16No deployment 10Engine failure 10Knocking 8Whining noise 8Backup camera 7Jerking 7Won't shift 7Grinding brakes 6Key fob 6Overheating 6Tire blowout 6Wipers 6Misfire 5Sunroof shattered 5
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