Vehicle recall 08V178000 · April 17, 2008
2003-2005 Volkswagen Beetle
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.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Volkswagen is recalling 76,900 my 2004-2005 new beetle and my 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.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 08V178000
- Reported to NHTSA
- April 17, 2008
- Filed by
- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Manufacturer campaign
- R6
- Owner notification
- July 31, 2008
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 76,900
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Volkswagen Beetle (2003-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003
Has your Volkswagen been repaired?
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