NHTSA Recall 20V785000: Air bags: frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 105,652 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Volkswagen Beetle.
| NHTSA campaign | 20V785000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 69BC |
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL |
| Report received | December 16, 2020 |
| Owner notification | March 19, 2021 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Safety risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
Notes
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 20V785000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Beetle | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Volkswagen Beetle Convertible | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
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.