NHTSA Complaint #11471167 — 2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

For the second time in the life of this 2104 VW Passat auto, the airbag clockspring, housed in the steering wheel has failed. The first date of service for this issue was 3/7/2019 and most recently was attempted on 2/22/2022. In both instances, the same symptoms occurred prior to the failure of this component. For a few days prior, there was a plastic crackling sound when turning the steering wheel. Then while backing out and turning the steering wheel, an audible snap/crack was heard, causing an inability to use the hands-free phone device, all steering wheel controls (including cruise control, volume, dashboard items), and an immediate lack of the car horn. Simultaneously, the air bag indicator light illuminated and the vehicle status stated "Error: Airbag". This error message appears each time the car is started. The inability to have a working car horn, steering wheel controls and driver airbag is a tremendous safety risk, in my opinion, so I ceased driving the car immediately and brought the vehicle to a local VW dealership for confirmation of the issue. The issue was reported, evaluated and confirmed to be needing part# 5K0953569AL (Air Bag Clockspring) on 2/22/2022. We were informed by (3) different VW dealerships and (2) private mechanics that there were over 1500 of these parts on backorder in February. Currently, as of 6/27/2022, there are twice as many backordered and the dealership service department that this car was purchased from says this has been the case for over (6) months. My vehicle is undrivable and will not pass upcoming inspection. It is UNACCEPTABLE for VW CORPORATION TO NOT HAVE A VIABLE SOLUTION TO THIS GROSS SAFETY ISSUE, while still putting new automobiles on the market, possibly with faulty parts AND NO FORESEEABLE PLAN FOR THOSE CONSUMERS, LIKE ME, THAT ARE IN NEED OF TIMELY REPAIRS. This vehicle is available for "inspection upon request" as it sits in the driveway, unusable.