The problem
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
The risk
If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 12V-540 (12V540000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 69i9/W6 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive |
| Report date | November 15, 2012 |
| Owners notified | January 9, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 2,471 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 12V-540 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 2,471 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.