The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 24V-834 (24V834000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 69EG,69GQ,69E6 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | October 30, 2024 |
| Owners notified | December 4, 2024 |
| Vehicles affected | 248,330 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2017 Volkswagen Beetle airbag problems 8
- 2018 Volkswagen Beetle airbag problems 7
- 2006 Volkswagen Passat airbag problems 148
- 2007 Volkswagen Passat airbag problems 111
- 2012 Volkswagen Passat airbag problems 296
- 2013 Volkswagen Passat airbag problems 382
- 2014 Volkswagen Passat airbag problems 354
- 2017 Volkswagen Passat airbag problems 28
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 24V-834 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 248,330 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.