NHTSA Recall 12V540000: Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 2,471 vehicles. It affects 2012–2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
| NHTSA campaign | 12V540000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 69i9/W6 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE |
| Report received | November 15, 2012 |
| Owner notification | January 9, 2013 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
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.
Safety 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.
Remedy
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.
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 12V540000
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.