2012 Volkswagen Passat

I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with the service advisor. When I returned to retrieve the car the following day, the service advisor informed me the car would not start. Their explanation shifted within the same conversation — first that someone had shut it off and it would not crank, then that it would crank but would not start. They claimed they had to pushed it into the service bay, replaced the airbag, and "code the computer for the clock-spring." The dealer refused to repair the no-start condition that occurred in their custody. I towed the car home at my own expense - $161. I performed my own diagnostic work using VW scan tools. The vehicle exhibited a textbook immobilizer or component protection rejection pattern: it would crank, start briefly for 1–2 seconds, then shut off, with three instrument cluster chimes and the coolant fan activating. The scan tool could not communicate with all vehicle modules, consistent with a failed module programming. After contacting the dealer's service manager, I towed the car back to the dealership [$64]. The dealer kept it from December 2025 through April 7, 2026 — approximately four months. During this time, they replaced the battery (charging me) and replaced the engine control module with a used unit they sourced and reprogrammed (charging me a total of $804.38). On April 7, 2026, I drove the car home. The vehicle was driven less than 35 miles after pickup before failing again. On April 27, 2026, my daughter — who had just undergone a serious medical procedure — was driving the car home and was stranded on the side of the road in 90+ degree Texas heat when the car suddenly stopped running with no warning or indication of impending failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The tire size is 235/45r18 and the tread is coming off, we just noticed it and there has not been any accident nor incident

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Sunroof shattered without warning

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

We would have been in a life threating situation (very cold) if we would have not walked down highway to get internet service to look up the issue. What happened. We drove up from Phoenix to the mountains in Arizona. When starting the car after a stop (to look at a heard of Elk in a pasture) the car would not start. It would briefly start for a second then die. The dash lit up with many errors. We were stranded with no cell phone service with night approaching. We walked down the road and got cell service again and called family. Found out from online video while waiting for family to arrive you could disconnect the battery and reconnect to get the car started. We did this and it worked but engine light still was on. Car would not start again next morning and dash lit up. We would have been in a really bad situation (very cold) if we would have not walked down highway to get internet service to look up the issue. More internet research shows thousands of people have this problem.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bags warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I received a a notice of recall from Volkswagen for my airbag. In my 2012 Passat. I made an appointment with AutoNation Mall of Georgia Volkswagen service department for repair. I brought my car in on my appointment date and was informed upon my arrival that there is a back order of these airbags. Their recall says that the airbag May deploy at any time due to temperature and or humidity changes. I was not given a solution for repair, just told" the tariffs have impacted the arrival of the airbags for this recall. " This is not the first time this has happened to my vehicle. I've even had to pay out of pocket to get the airbag replaced because Volkswagen did not have the part in stock. At this point I'm frustrated and feel that my safety is being put at risk.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS). The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts not being made available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that soon after an unknown air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jun 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I noticed a fuel smell in the cabin area that continued to get worse. After pulling the back seat I was able to visually see the fuel pump that had lots of micro cracks which was causing a fuel leak. The leak was very dangerous and caused major foam damage to my rear seat and was a major hazard had anything caused an ignition in the cabin, it certainly would have burned the vehicle. I saved the fuel pumped after having a local shop replace it.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have contacted VW repeatedly to have recall service and I have been advised that no parts, due to tariffs..even prior to tariffs.. I can’t inspect my car and my registration will be suspended.. I am also concerned about my safety..

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable, and was on national backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was on a national back order. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Mar 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Hello, I received a letter in the mail in December about safety recall 69E6 Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator. I contacted two separate VW dealers since then and both said they would get back to me and now we are almost in June and it is my family's main transportation vehicle and I have two babies under [XXX] and with the temperatures rising more and more it's extremely stressful when my wife and daughters are in the car with me. If we can please resolve this problem as soon as possible I would be so grateful. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Received Important Safety Recall letter dated December 2024 from VW. NHTSA: 24V834. Safety Recall 69EG. Today is May 16th, 2025. Dealers have no parts, BUT this is a safety recall. How can this be remedy asap, before accidents occurs? No ETA as to when parts are available according to 2 dealership I've contacted. Thank you for your help.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. After contacting other dealers in the area, the contact was informed that parts were not available for the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I've repeatedly tried to contact manufacturers about this recall in which they state they will call back and never due , i feel this is a immediate problem and should be fixed due to it may cause harm or death

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have recall on my vehicle for driver frontal airbag. I contactes both my local dealerships and VW USA. I have been told that the part needed in on backorder and they have no ETA for availablity. I feel extremely unsafe driving a car with malfunctioned driver airbag which may explode any time and cause fatal injuries. I asked VW to provide me a loaner or to reimburse me for rental but they didn’t accept.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The manufacturer and their authorized dealer have been unable to fix this for me. VW Customer Care has no answers, and my local dealer (Southpoint Volkswagon) will not have the parts until May. Basically everyone is saying there's nothing to do but wait, while there's a part of my car that could explode causing injury or death.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The fuel pump design to last the life of the vehicle exploded this is a 10k fix they ( extended the warranty to 120000 miles instead of replacing the bad pumps im at 1290000 miles i don’t understand how this is acceptable given the amount of issues and occurrences the fuel pump has exploded

Reported

Apr 2024

Incident date

Apr 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the clock spring was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) in 2022; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated while driving. Additionally, the steering wheel made an abnormal click sound, and the horn was inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a diagnostic testing fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Stop on middle of the freeway twice and one on the road. Be replace the hoof 24 months ago now again dealer claim need to change the whole fuel system it’s 2012 Passat to modification done 2017. For another 6900 dollars this consumer ripoff by be. Car now is in the dealer. It’s dirito brothers volkswagon. 2020 n main st Walnut Creek. Scary to stop on [XXX] with this at night with a dog onboard. Very confused vw customer who 2 other vw. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Volkswagen Passat 2012 Passat key won't go into ignition - Trying to fit my key into ignition will not go in and or Turn [XXX] [XXX] Removing the plastic steering wheel shroud, (T25 x3) then remove VW ignition switch, Black plastic piece under spring pressure needs to come out, this piece is the piece that pushes the white plastic piece infront of the key. When this is removed, re-assemble. This same problem plagued my wife’s car, and me as I was dispatched to rescue her. There is a chance replacing all of this with new might fix the issue but removing the un-needed part accomplishes the same end goal, reliability for no cost, and no spray into ignition. [XXX]  Volkswagen ignition switch repair and diasssembly See [XXX] for full details. Volkswagen ignition switch repa... [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Any time it rains and the car goes through a deeper than surface level puddle/wet area where the nose of the car has to dip down (think by railroad tracks, high water retention areas with lack of drainage, etc) as soon as the car dips down into the water, the steering wheel will lock up and I am unable to turn. It's severely dangerous as there is no give at all to the wheel as it is solidly locked and if you happen to be taking a curve or changing lanes etc, you will not be able to turn the car. My husband and myself have narrowly escaped severe car accidents as this is random and there is nothing you can do except try to force the wheel to turn. When I say the wheel is locked, it's a good 15-20 seconds of desperation trying to turn the wheel before it finally unlocks and I am able to correct the direction of the car. Living in FL with high rainfall chances, including sporadic downpours that unfortunately leave situations like this to occur often, it is a severe safety risk for myself and for other drivers. I have been lucky so far that when this has occurred I have been able to eventually correct the steering, however there have been several severe near misses that are completely out of my control. Please help find a solution, as there doesn't seem to be a fix for this anywhere that I've looked. I do not want to spend money I don't have taking it from dealership to dealership for them to be just as stumped as we are. I have two young kids and not only do I not feel safe letting them in the car, I seriously dread any time it rains because of this issue. I'm not talking about driving through deep bodies of water, but normal rainy weather situations on everyday roads that are otherwise uneventful. Unfortunately I am in an area where water seems to gather quite a bit on the everyday roads I need for work and this situation is truly unavoidable. I put one date below as when it occurred, but it has happened several times in the last week alone due to heavy rains

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking sound was coming from the steering column. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, with the cruise control feature inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the clockspring was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the failure was repaired on two previous occasions. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Reported

Apr 2023

Incident date

Apr 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The electrical system failed. It has been to numerous mechanics many refusing to do the work. The car cuts off while driving randomly. When ignition is turned off and then turned back on car starts again. No light on dash alternator ecu fuel pump fuses all replaced in effort to try to find the issue with no avail. Car cuts off in mid traffic and then stalls .This is life threatening and should be addressed . No mechanic wants to work on this particular year and model car. Car has been inspected by Volkswagen dealer. No warning lights sounds or dashboard notifications.

Reported

Feb 2023

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer who informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Reported

Dec 2022

Incident date

Dec 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My airbag light is on. Had a test done and it also indicated airbag problem. My car was supposedly repaired of this defect some time ago, but here we are. Also when entering my VIN for any recall; it lists defective light. Previous work done by Audi/VW of Jackson, Ms. On 12/9/22 the airbag indicator light and service light is on.

Reported

Dec 2022

Incident date

Dec 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Bought in July and had 38461 miles and only put 3000 miles since bought. Driving down the road and it started raining and had 2” of water in my drivers side floor board. Took to jack Morris auto glass and they looked at it and said the pan on the driver’s side of the sunroof was cracked. He told me that driving it was risky as it could catch fire and cause electrical issues. Please advise.

Reported

Dec 2022

Incident date

Dec 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking an unknown fluid underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vacuum pump, oil pan, and the gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 193,211.

Reported

Oct 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Clock spring was replaced then went out again. Daughter now has a car with no air bag, no horn and none of the electrical working on staring wheel. We are told it will take 6 months for the part, but reading online seeing people waiting over 10 months now for the part. Dealer has no solution and says VW needs to take care of it.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Mar 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My car has had previous airbag recalls and on 09/07/22 the airbag error is now populating on my dash and is tripping up other lights on dash. I believe the same airbag issue is reoccurring again and needs immediate attention to ensure drivers lives are safe and protected.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Error airbag message

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

CLOCK SPRING FAIL AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON HORN IS NOT WORKING DANGEROUS TO DRIVE CAR LIKETHIS

Reported

Aug 2022

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

This car has had the clock spring recall fixed a few years ago. The replaced part has since failed (confirmed by the same dealership that replaced it). Dealership indicates this is a free warranty repair but Volkswagen has had this part on backorder for 3 months now since I've had it looked at. How are they getting away with a recall part on backorder for such an extended period of time?

Reported

Aug 2022

Incident date

May 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

-I was parking my car in 95 degrees a hot day and an error air bag light came on on my 2012 Passat my car has never involved in a car accident I bring my car to the mechanic and it said passenger occupant detection system control module. -This is very risky to others because if the air bags fail I could have an accident I have 2 small child I don’t want my air bags deploy. This is the first time it happen to me before. 2 year ago the dealer replace a harness but the car under warranty am very scare that the air bags can deploy and have an accident.

Reported

Jul 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Car needs new clock spring. When parking vehicle and turning, hear a crack sound and airbag light came on, horn wouldn't work and none of the buttons on steering wheel work. Part is backordered and has been for a very long time. Don't know what to do as this is my son's car (age 19) and it's unsafe to drive. Also, don't want to pay a dealer $165 to run diagnostics when we are certain of the problem and know the part is not available ( was told there are over 8000 people ahead of me waiting for the part). It is unlikely we could sell the car with this problem. VW needs to do something (buy back the cars?).

Reported

Jul 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Back in August of 2015, there has been a repair/recall for the clock spring for Volkswagen Passats. I have had it fixed and it has a warranty on it until 2027. The part has failed 4 times with the most recent failure occurring at the beginning of April. The Volkswagen dealership has had the car since 4/7/2022 and I have been driving a rental that the dealership has been paying for. I received a call earlier today from the dealership telling me that they were having to release the car back to me by EOD 6/10 because the ETA for them receiving the part is unknown. This is incredibly unsafe that Volkswagen is having the dealerships release the cars back when the issue still has not been fixed. I understand that it’s not cost effective for them to keep covering the cost of rentals, but they should not be releasing unsafe vehicles back to their owners. I spoke to the general manager of the Volkswagen location my vehicle is currently at and the only really solution I was given is to have them evaluate the condition of the car to give me a trade-in value to buy a new vehicle, which I can’t afford right now. I understand that the manufacturer has issues but this seems like a huge liability and that Volkswagen does not seem to care about the safety of those who drive their vehicles.

Reported

Jun 2022

Incident date

Apr 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated after the recall. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the previous repair had failed and the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was no longer under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Reported

Jun 2022

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space at approximately 3 MPH and turning the steering wheel, she heard a loud clicking noise coming from the wheel. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated along with an error: air bag message on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn ceased functioning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the clockspring was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

Nov 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I heard a loud crack while turning my steering wheel and now I have an "Airbag Error" message and the controls on my steering wheel do not work. Is this related to the Airbag recall? Is it the Steering Wheel Clock Spring?

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

May 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Although this site has my car listed with ZERO unfixed recalls, that is not true. I received a recall notice for the clockspring on this vehicle, called my local dealership and was told it was no big deal, just to have it fixed when I brought my car in for 80k mile servicing. At that time, the clockspring had not yet broken and my car only had 50k miles on it. Late last October, my clockspring broke and I took it to the dealership. They ordered the part but said it was on backorder and it is STILL on indefinite backorder. I have now been driving more than 6 months with NO airbags, NO horn and NO hands free steering wheel controls. The dealership will not give me a loaner until my vehicle is made safe to drive. I have reached out to VW headquarters, the consumer product safety commission and the NTSB. I am on an online chat site where it is apparent there are thousands of us who cant pass state safety inspections and have had to park our vehicles or are driving them out of necessity, like myself. I am a widow who works full time and cant just buy another vehicle so easily. I believe VW should either buy our vehicles from us or give us loaners until they can be made safe to drive. People will have accidents and VW will wish they had done something. It should not get to that point! My local dealership told me the VW clockspring is made in Ukraine - so obviously this is not getting resolved by VW anytime soon. Please help! Thank you for your time. The failure of these parts leaves the vehicle with no airbags, horn or hands free controls on the steering wheel. Consumer stated there are thousands of us out here with unsafe and disabled vehicles and we can get no response at all from VW. Dealership stated the part is on indefinite backorder and consumer has already been without airbags, horn, etc for more than 6 months now. Consumer believes VW should authorize loaner vehicles until ours can be made safe to drive or purchase the vehicles to get them off the road. Right now, consumer can’t sell them, can’t pass state safety inspections and are unfortunately left to take a chance and drive them.

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Lost power reconnect batter n steering locked

Reported

Apr 2022

Incident date

Apr 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The Air Bag warning light turned on and i called the VW Queensboro dealership in Queens NYC. They told me they have the clock spring part to repair the open recall on my car. However, when i came in on August 31 2021 they inspected the car for 4 hours and then told me they don't have the part on hand. I returned to the VW Queensboro dealership on September 2nd 2021 to replace the clock spring. Within 6 weeks of the clock spring replacement, the airbag sensor turned on again. I scheduled an appointment at the VW Queensboro dealership on October 26 2021, and they replaced the clock spring again. In middle of March 2022 the air bag sensor turned on again, and i have an appointment at the VW Queensboro dealership on March 21 2022. In preparation for this appointment, the dealership told me that they do not have the clock spring in stock (appointment was scheduled over a week before the appointment itself) and they refuse to order the replacement clock spring until they do an inspection. This will lead to a 5th appointment to repair the clock spring, as well as forcing me to drive without an air bag for at least 2 weeks.

Reported

Mar 2022

Incident date

Aug 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving this particular day through a busyfour way stoplight intersection around time school was dismissing so 3:30ish PM. And I lost all power to my vehicle with just the battery light flashing once. I barely made it out of the i intersection and to the shoulder of the road as there was no power steering and i had to pump my breaks to stop. I called the local police and let them know it would be towed tomorrow morning. The tow bill was 100 dollars and i had replaced the battery thinking it was the problem. The brand new battery drained in two minutes tops after install alternator was tested and fuses were in working order all except for one that went to my12 volt charging port which was replaced as well as serpentine belt was replaced with alternator test. The battery still drains instantly and when speaking with volkswagon suntrup in sunset hills st. Louis which is the nearest Volkswagen dealership about 30 minute drive my car still is under a dealership warranty for the national emissions recall that was just fixed after i purchased the vehicle. The dealership refuses to come get/ fix/ diagnose or rectify vehicle although admitting to knowing this year has parasitic draws instally killing a brand new battery even while driving was/is a very dangerous situation for me and my family. This car has been sitting in my drive way now for 6 months while nothing is being by vw and i am without safe or working transportation for my family. Ive also been told by vw. That they cant find some parasitic draws and are confused as me!

Reported

Feb 2022

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The clock spring has went out on my 2012 VW Passat, but VW does not have them in stock, nor do they know when they'll have them in stock. This means that the drivers air bag will not work in the event of an accident. They are not doing a recall, but are doing an "extended warranty". They are knowingly putting unsafe vehicles out on the road.

Reported

Feb 2022

Incident date

Feb 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. 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.

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's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.

Risk: If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY.

Risk: OVER TIME, OR AFTER CERTAIN DRIVING DISTANCES, THESE VEHICLES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.

Risk: A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.