2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Air Bags Problems

I live on Hawaiʻi Island and my 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (VIN [XXX] ) has an open federal airbag safety recall. Volkswagen informed me there is no authorized VW dealer or recall facility on Hawaiʻi Island, and that I must ship my vehicle to Oʻahu at my own expense to complete this federally required safety repair. VW has only offered to reimburse 25% of the inter-island shipping cost, leaving me responsible for the majority of the expense. Because VW does not maintain an authorized recall facility within reasonable driving access, this places an unreasonable burden on me as the owner and effectively restricts my ability to obtain the free remedy required under federal law. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance to verify whether Volkswagen is meeting its obligation under 49 U.S.C. §30120 to provide reasonable access to a free safety recall remedy for owners who do not have a local authorized facility. I am willing to provide documentation of VW’s response and the shipping quotes required to complete the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part had been on back order for 3 months. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that the air bag needed for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called two other dealers, Volkswagen Jackson Service (5320 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd), and Harper Volkswagen Parts & Service (9901 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922), who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000(Air Bags). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The airbags deployed on their own on 7-4-2023 in my daughter’s 2013 VW Beetle. My daughter and her friend were both injured (physically/mentally) as a result of both front airbags (steering wheel and dashboard airbags) deploying on their own causing over $10,000 USD damage to the beetle and injury to my daughter and her friend who was a passenger in the front seat. Volkswagen never sent out a recall notice to us even though we have owned the car since 9-13-2019 and the airbag recall notice was determined on 12-16-2020 by NHTSA and announced on that date. I only became aware of this recall through investigation, after the accident happened and during repairing of the car. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, or police, or insurance even though Progressive Insurance paid out over $20,000 in damages to the parked cars that were struck after the airbags deployed causing the vw beetle to crash into two parked cars in a residential neighborhood. There was a sparse accident report that was filed by Colorado State police. There were not any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the Tatanka airbag failure and recall.

I’m filing this complaint regarding the Takata airbag recall on my 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. I took my vehicle to the dealership, but they informed me that the replacement part is on national backorder with no clear timeframe for availability. I called Volkswagen Customer CARE on April 3, 2025 and spoke with a representative named Dawn (Case #[XXX]). I was told that no loaner vehicles or rental assistance are being provided to customers, and that I should continue driving my vehicle despite the recall. While the representative did not explicitly say the car is unsafe to drive, I expressed concern about the risk, and was told the recommendation is to drive it anyway. I feel this response is inadequate and potentially dangerous, especially considering the known severity of Takata airbag failures. I am unable to afford a rental on my own, and I believe Volkswagen should offer temporary transportation or accommodations to affected owners until parts are available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Had the Takata Air Bag Recall completed at VW dealership in CC, Tx. Shortly after the Air Bag kept giving Errors and then it would include Low Air Pressure, ABS and Anti Skid Warnings.. Contacted the dealership, had the system check with no issues.. Had the system checked locally at repair shop with no issues.. went to leave and Air Bag Warning stated Error,, they rechecked and found no Issues.. Computer showed no Errors.. I was informed that apparently the only issue is "Possibly" the Air Bag needs to be replaced again but the dealership refuses to without a Recall Requests.

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL.

Air bag explodes D/S No notice from VW !!!!! or dealer

I have been trying to get the airbag recalled fixed for over a year now, and the dealer im bought the car from told me to try another dealer, and neither one seems to want to fix my car. It’s been over a year I’ve been on a waiting list and I haven’t heard anything. The dealers act like they don’t even want to fix it.

NHYSA: 20V785 Volkswagen RECALL 69BC - Driver Front Airbag

I have been contacted by VW of America several times since the beginning of the year regarding the aircall recall on my vehicle. In March of 2021 I received the initial notice that I needed to "contact my dealer without delay" to schedule the recall repair. I was able to set up an appointment in late April, but upon arrival at the dealership, was told that they had no parts available and didn't know when they would get them, but they would contact me. I have checked back several times in the last 3 months and they still do not have parts. Last week I contacted another area dealership and they informed me that the parts are on national backorder and no one knows when they will be coming in. Early this week I spoke to a regional case manager with VW who reiterated that the parts are on national backorder and no one knows when they are coming in, but the dealer will call me to schedule service once the parts are available. My concern is that in their communications VW is saying that this is an "urgent safety recall" and I should "schedule a free service appointment right away", yet seems to be doing nothing to address the matter with any urgency. My car is 8 years old with 150K miles and spent its first 5 years in the heat and humidity of Florida, so I'm sure you understand my concerns when the recall notice says that "the driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling." My hands are tied - I have done my due diligence to get this recall fixed, to no avail, and I don't know how to move forward to resolve the issue. Is my vehicle even safe to drive? I can't sell it with a major recall, can I? Any guidance that you can provide would be appreciated.

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was added to a waiting list for parts. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the recall and the contact was alerted that the parts that the dealer had received for the air bag were faulty, and that the recall repair could not be performed. The dealer further notified the contact that due to the latest updated information; the parts may never become available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Contacted Heritage VW 9215 Harford Rd Suite 2, Parkville, MD 21234, for a safety Recall 69BC of Driver Frontal Airbag and set up an online appointment for the recall for 6/5/2021. I received several confirmation emails and when I arrived at their service center at the appointment date, they informed me that the part for the recall was not in stock and that they would have to order it, which would result on another 2-3 weeks delay. 3 weeks later I still haven't received a notice. This constitutes an issue for me, since I am obliged to drive a car that is not safe due to the lack of organization and luck of professionalism from their side, since they were unable to verify that the required part is in stock before allowing for an online appointment.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact's husband contacted the dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that they did not have the part for the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 20V785000(air bag) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer to make them aware of the issue but have not been able to speak with an actual agent. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

I was notified by Volkswagen in February 2021 that the airbags in my vehicle were recalled and to expect the parts to be in by March. When I called the dealership I was told there was a delay in obtaining the parts and I was also instructed by the service department that my car was not safe to drive. I have been without a vehicle since February of 2021. I do not believe this is being taken care of in a timely manner

TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED FAIRFIELD VOLKSWAGEN (6065 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (513) 874-6980) WHERE 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

VW RECALL: 69BC, DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG, NHTSA: 20V785 4/16/21: TODAY I CALLED LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP, (SOUTHPOINT VOLKSWAGEN, 13940 AIRLINE HWY., BATON ROUGE, LA 70817, 855-498-0983) TO SCHEDULE REPAIR OF THIS RECALL. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME THAT THEY ARE ONLY SCHEDULING (1) RECALL REPAIR PER DAY AND THE SOONEST TIME I COULD SCHEDULE IS 6/01/21 (@45 DAYS). THIS SEEMS VERY UNREASONABLE GIVEN THE POTENTIAL DANGER/THREAT THAT THIS RECALL PRESENTS. BECAUSE THE RECALL INVOLVES THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG, THE ONLY (2) OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE OWNER IS TO: 1). CONTINUE TO USE THE CAR, KNOWING THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF "SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH" IT PRESENTS TO SELF (& THEREFORE PASSENGERS AS WELL) OR 2) IN ORDER TO ENSURE MY PERSONAL SAFETY, I CAN "CHOOSE" NOT TO USE THE VEHICLE (AND DO WHAT? RENT A CAR?!) SECOND CONCERN: THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER (ANALOG) SPONTANEOUSLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN @3MONTHS AGO (1/03/21) FOR NO APPARENT REASON (CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT; NO POT-HOLE, ROAD HAZARD, UNUSUAL WEATHER, ETC. AT THE TIME THAT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING OR DURING RECENT USE; & VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. SINCE THE CAR CANNOT PASS LOUISIANA'S ANNUAL "SAFETY STICKER" INSPECTION WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING SPEEDOMETER, I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY VW CARS.

Mileage: 47,700

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (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 NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

A RECALL HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR AN ISSUE ON THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION SENDING METAL FRAGMENTS INTO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. WHILE THE REMEDY HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAGS, VOLKSWAGEN HAS YET TO OFFER A SOLUTION TO THE RECALL, AND A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF TIME HAS PASSED SINCE THE ISSUE WAS IDENTIFIED. THIS IS PROBLEMATIC AS IT IS ENDANGERING TO MANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING MYSELF AS I LIVE IN A HOT CLIMATE, WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS POSING A HIGHER RISK FOR THIS AIRBAG ISSUE.

Mileage: 22,000

2 RECALLS ARE ON MY BUG FIRST ONE SAYS THE AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY EXPLODE.CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. I CALLED VW THEY SAID IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT. I CALLED THEM AND I TOLD THEM I CAN'T SELL MY CAR LIKE THAT, AND THEY WON'T BUY IT BACK,OR PROVIDE A RENTAL UNTIL THEY COME UP WITH A FIX. IS THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY GRAND KIDS OR NOT AND WHAT DO I DO..I HAVE LET THE CAR SIT UNTIL I HERE FROM SOMEONE

WE GOT A LETTER SAYING THE AIR BAGS COULD GO OFF AT ANY TIME AND IT IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION AND WE CAN'T GET IT FIXED FOR WEEKS. I CAN'T DRIVE MY CARE UNDER THIS KIND OF WARNING. WHAT IS THE AGENCY DOING ABOUT THIS? ARE THEY GIVING RENTALS OUT?

Mileage: 130,000

BOUGHT CAR ONE YEAR AND A HALF AGO. BUY CAR USED WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING AND LEANING AT IDLE. CAR SKIDS VERY EASILY AND RAIN, CAN EASILY CAUSE CRASHES. CAR AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED.

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, AND THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $120 TO JUST DIAGNOSIS THE ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE FREE AS ITS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.

Mileage: 70,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF MURRIETA (41300 DATE ST., MURRIETA, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. *LN

Mileage: 46,000