NHTSA Recall 12V540000
Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.. Component: Air Bags. Reported 2012-11-15. An estimated 2,471 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
Risk
If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
What the manufacturer will do
Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Manufacturer campaign number: 69i9/W6
Notes
Volkswagen's campaign recall number is 69i9/W6.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.