Recall 08V178000: Air Bag Impact Sensor Replacement

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

Volkswagen/New Beetle 2004-2005

Volkswagen/New Beetle Convertible 2003-2005

MANUFACTURER: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: April 15, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V178000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE08012

COMPONENT: Air Bags: Frontal: Sensor/Control Module

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 76900

SUMMARY:
Volkswagen is recalling 76,900 /MY 2004-2005 New Beetle and M/Y 2003-2005 New Beetle Convertibles equipped with an advanced (dual-stage) air bag system. This system may have air bag frontal crash sensors that contain a solder joint on the circuit board that may crack under certain high temperature conditions. If this occurs, the air bag indicator light will illuminate and the fallback algorithm will ensure that the front air bags always deploy in a frontal crash in which the vehicle's deceleration is high enough to activate the frontal air bags.

CONSEQUENCE:
In low-severity frontal impacts, the front air bags may deploy more forcefully than designed, increasing the possibility of injury to out-of-position front seat occupants.

REMEDY:
Dealers will inspect each vehicle to determine that the specific defect crash sensor is present on one or both sides of the vehicle. All of the defect crash sensors will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before July 31, 2008. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

NOTES:
Volkswagen recall No. R6. Customers may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.