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    Volkswagen Recalls More Cars to Fix Faulty Takata Airbags

    Beetle and Passat models are in this latest recall

    2018 Volkswagen Beetle driving along water Photo: Volkswagen

    Volkswagen is recalling 114,000 Beetle coupes and convertibles and Passat sedans and wagons to replace their potentially dangerous Takata driver-side airbags. Because of a defect, these airbags could eventually rupture in a crash and spray metal fragments that could injure or kill vehicle occupants. Volkswagen previously recalled some older Beetle models for the same problem.

    MORE ON RECALLS

    The recalled models: 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedans, 2007 Volkswagen Passat wagons, 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat sedans, and 2017-2019 Volkswagen Beetle coupes and convertibles

    The automaker says it’s not aware of any warranty or field claims relating to this problem.

    The faulty airbags are made by Takata, the now-defunct company responsible for an ongoing recall campaign that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has called “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.” Takata airbags installed in over 42 million vehicles from 19 different automakers have caused at least 27 deaths and 400 injuries in the U.S. so far.

    According to documents provided by NHTSA, the driver-side airbags in these vehicles—known as Takata SDI-D frontal inflators—could become more dangerous as they age. As a result of an agreement made with the agency, Volkswagen dealers will replace the airbags now with newer versions, free of charge, before they become a more serious safety concern.

    VW Airbag Recall Details

    Vehicles Recalled
    • 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedans
    • 2007 Volkswagen Passat wagons
    • 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat sedans
    • 2017-2019 Volkswagen Beetle coupes and convertibles

    The problem: Takata SDI-D airbag inflators could become dangerous over time, potentially spraying metal fragments at occupants.

    The fix: Volkswagen dealerships will replace the faulty airbags with newer models that don’t have the same risk. 

    How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may call VW at 800-822-8987.

    NHTSA campaign number: 24V834

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    Keith Barry

    Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.