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🩹 Injury riskNHTSA 08V178📅 Apr 18, 2008

2003–2005 Volkswagen Beetle recall: airbag

⚠️ What's 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.

💥 The 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.

🔧 The fix

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 fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
NHTSA campaign
08V178000
Manufacturer recall #
R6
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected
76,900
Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Owner phone
1-800-822-8987
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Jul 31, 2008
Built
Jul 30, 2002 – Oct 31, 2004
Recall started by
ODI
Notes
Volkswagen recall no. R6.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 08V178 recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 08V178?

2003–2005 Volkswagen Beetle. 76,900 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Volkswagen dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-800-822-8987.