The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger detection function of the passive occupant detection system (pods) May become disabled.
The risk
Should the pods control unit malfunction, the air bag system in the vehicle will not work as designed and May not be able to properly protect occupants in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the pods. Owner notification originally began October 3, 2003. Vw has determined that additional vehicles need to be repaired. The recall for the additional vehicles is expected to begin on December 17, 2004. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-356 (03V356000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WU |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags |
| Report date | September 29, 2003 |
| Owners notified | October 3, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 333 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-356 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will reprogram the pods. Owner notification originally began October 3, 2003. Vw has determined that additional vehicles need to be repaired. The recall for the additional vehicles is expected to begin on December 17, 2004.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 333 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.