Recall alert: Volkswagen recalls more than 105K Beetles to replace faulty Takata air bags
Volkswagen is recalling 105,652 Beetles to replace Takata driver-side air bags in coupes and convertibles from the 2012 through 2014 model years.
The potentially faulty air bags may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments capable of injuring or killing vehicle occupants, Consumer Reports reported.
The recall is the latest in an ongoing Takata air bag recall and part of an agreement between the German auto manufacturer and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requiring the phased replacement of the air bags through 2025, the outlet reported.
According to documents provided to Consumer Reports by the agency, testing indicates the driver-side air bags in the Beetles – which do not currently pose an unreasonable risk to vehicle occupants – may become more dangerous as they age, prompting the preemptive recall.
No crashes or injuries associated with the recalled air bags in Beetles have been reported, but Takata air bags installed in a variety of vehicle models from 19 different automakers have resulted in at least 25 deaths and 300 injuries worldwide, the outlet reported.
The current Volkswagen recall applies to the following models:
• Beetle coupes manufactured from Feb. 17, 2011, through July 3, 2014
• Beetle convertibles manufactured from Dec. 29, 2011, through July 2, 2014
Per Volkswagen, dealerships will replace the air bags at no cost to consumers.
The company will contact the owners of affected vehicles via first-class mail starting in February, or owners may contact Volkswagen directly by calling 800-822-8987.
