The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The sound absorbing mat attached to the inside of the b-pillar side trim panel could have been improperly installed. Surface and edges of the mat could have been damaged during the assembly process. It could ignite when exposed to the exhaust gas of the seat belt pre-tensioner igniter in the event of a severe front or side collision.
The risk
This could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will remove the matting materials from inside the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V-022 (99V022000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | UF |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Structure › Frame and members |
| Report date | February 5, 1999 |
| Owners notified | February 15, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 36,258 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V-022 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will remove the matting materials from inside the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 36,258 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.