Berlin, Germany — October 06, 2015 — Several different models of Volkswagen cars are being recalled due to an airbag failure concern across North America. While the manufacturer has yet to discover any actual occurrences, the affected vehicles could suffer from a steering wheel clock spring” problem that will interfere with the system responsible for airbag deployment. The recall will include popular models such as the Passat and Jetta.
As Reuters reports, more than 420,000 of the recalled vehicles are in the United States, as opposed to the 41,300 in Canada subject to the same source. Model years for the recalled vehicles fall between 2010 and 2014.
The Part 573 Recall Safety Report available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration details the specific conditions which could lead to airbag failure in these vehicles. Although the spring itself won’t keep the airbag from inflating, it is susceptible to contamination from outside debris, leading to a lost electrical connection.
“Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate,” the source says. “In a crash that warrants a driver front airbag deployment, the airbag may not deploy, leading to a risk of driver injury.” The source also says that such contamination can be caused by “long hair or long fibers” displacing the guide loops.
As of July 30, the nature of the remedy for this condition as well as a timeline for its implementation had yet to be determined. However, drivers can refer to the airbag monitoring indicator light, which should correctly alert them to problems with the clock spring.
