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Volkswagen is recalling approximately 114,500 Beetles and Passats due to the potential risk of driver-side airbag inflators exploding.
The side front airbag inflator on the driver's side of the recalled 2017-2019 Beetle, 2017-2019 Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles has been Explosions are possible due to propellant degradation that occurs over the course of “–long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycles,'' the automaker states.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said such an explosion “could result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, causing serious injury or death.”
Volkswagen is recalling approximately 114,500 Beetles and Passats due to the potential risk of driver-side airbag inflators exploding. (Photo credit: Friso Gentsch/picture Alliance via Getty Images / Getty Images)
According to the recall, all vehicles are equipped with Takata SCI-D driver front airbag inflators.
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Volkswagen said in a statement to FOX Business that it recalled the vehicles “out of an abundance of caution.”
“The Takata SDI-D driver front airbag inflator installed in the recalled vehicles does not pose an unreasonable risk to vehicle safety for the driver of the affected vehicles at this time,” the automaker said. Ta. “Based on previous conversations with NHTSA, Volkswagen understands that NHTSA is concerned that over time, airbag inflators may no longer function properly in the event of a crash.”
Volkswagen said in a statement to FOX Business that it recalled the vehicles “out of an abundance of caution.” (Christopher Evans/Media News Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The automaker says there have been no known accidents, injuries or fatalities due to problems with airbag inflators.
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According to the NHTSA report, recalled vehicles must be fitted with a replacement driver-side front airbag module to resolve the potential issue. The service will be available free of charge to affected customers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said such explosions “could result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, causing serious injury or death.” (Toyo Image/Reuters Photo via Reuters Connect)
Owners of the recalled Beetles and Passats will receive notices by mail late next month.
The NHTSA report notes that the recalled vehicles are no longer in production. Volkswagen hasn't released a Passat in the U.S. market in recent years. However, the automaker does have a Passat variant in Europe.
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Volkswagen has not produced the Beetle since 2019.
