NHTSA Recall 08V178000: Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 76,900 vehicles. It affects 2003–2005 Volkswagen Beetle.
| NHTSA campaign | 08V178000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | R6 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE |
| Report received | April 17, 2008 |
| Owner notification | July 31, 2008 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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.
Safety 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.
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 covered by recall 08V178000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.