2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Air Bags Problems

289 NHTSA complaints on file

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Air Bags Issues in the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

289 air bags complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. Of these, 8 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 9 resulted in injury.

289
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
9
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Air Bags Complaints

#11692378 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bags warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11689492 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
#11687307 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
#11680844 |
I received a a notice of recall from Volkswagen for my airbag. In my 2012 Passat. I made an appointment with AutoNation Mall of Georgia Volkswagen service department for repair. I brought my car in on my appointment date and was informed upon my arrival that there is a back order of these airbags. Their recall says that the airbag May deploy at any time due to temperature and or humidity changes. I was not given a solution for repair, just told" the tariffs have impacted the arrival of the airbags for this recall. " This is not the first time this has happened to my vehicle. I've even had to pay out of pocket to get the airbag replaced because Volkswagen did not have the part in stock. At this point I'm frustrated and feel that my safety is being put at risk.
#11679945 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS). The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts not being made available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
#11672668 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that soon after an unknown air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11670227 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
#11668090 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
#11666890 |
I have contacted VW repeatedly to have recall service and I have been advised that no parts, due to tariffs..even prior to tariffs.. I can’t inspect my car and my registration will be suspended.. I am also concerned about my safety..
#11662275 |
Hello, I received a letter in the mail in December about safety recall 69E6 Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator. I contacted two separate VW dealers since then and both said they would get back to me and now we are almost in June and it is my family's main transportation vehicle and I have two babies under [XXX] and with the temperatures rising more and more it's extremely stressful when my wife and daughters are in the car with me. If we can please resolve this problem as soon as possible I would be so grateful. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11662332 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable, and was on national backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was on a national back order. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
#11662110 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
#11661492 |
Received Important Safety Recall letter dated December 2024 from VW. NHTSA: 24V834. Safety Recall 69EG. Today is May 16th, 2025. Dealers have no parts, BUT this is a safety recall. How can this be remedy asap, before accidents occurs? No ETA as to when parts are available according to 2 dealership I've contacted. Thank you for your help.
#11659694 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. After contacting other dealers in the area, the contact was informed that parts were not available for the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.
#11649841 |
I've repeatedly tried to contact manufacturers about this recall in which they state they will call back and never due , i feel this is a immediate problem and should be fixed due to it may cause harm or death
#11648397 |
I have recall on my vehicle for driver frontal airbag. I contactes both my local dealerships and VW USA. I have been told that the part needed in on backorder and they have no ETA for availablity. I feel extremely unsafe driving a car with malfunctioned driver airbag which may explode any time and cause fatal injuries. I asked VW to provide me a loaner or to reimburse me for rental but they didn’t accept.
#11647328 |
The manufacturer and their authorized dealer have been unable to fix this for me. VW Customer Care has no answers, and my local dealer (Southpoint Volkswagon) will not have the parts until May. Basically everyone is saying there's nothing to do but wait, while there's a part of my car that could explode causing injury or death.
#11635867 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
#11578352 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the clock spring was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) in 2022; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated while driving. Additionally, the steering wheel made an abnormal click sound, and the horn was inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a diagnostic testing fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
#11497112 |
My airbag light is on. Had a test done and it also indicated airbag problem. My car was supposedly repaired of this defect some time ago, but here we are. Also when entering my VIN for any recall; it lists defective light. Previous work done by Audi/VW of Jackson, Ms. On 12/9/22 the airbag indicator light and service light is on.
#11486760 |
Clock spring was replaced then went out again. Daughter now has a car with no air bag, no horn and none of the electrical working on staring wheel. We are told it will take 6 months for the part, but reading online seeing people waiting over 10 months now for the part. Dealer has no solution and says VW needs to take care of it.
#11484537 |
My car has had previous airbag recalls and on 09/07/22 the airbag error is now populating on my dash and is tripping up other lights on dash. I believe the same airbag issue is reoccurring again and needs immediate attention to ensure drivers lives are safe and protected.
#11483167 |
Error airbag message
#11482296 |
CLOCK SPRING FAIL AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON HORN IS NOT WORKING DANGEROUS TO DRIVE CAR LIKETHIS
#11476700 |
-I was parking my car in 95 degrees a hot day and an error air bag light came on on my 2012 Passat my car has never involved in a car accident I bring my car to the mechanic and it said passenger occupant detection system control module. -This is very risky to others because if the air bags fail I could have an accident I have 2 small child I don’t want my air bags deploy. This is the first time it happen to me before. 2 year ago the dealer replace a harness but the car under warranty am very scare that the air bags can deploy and have an accident.
#11473087 |
Car needs new clock spring. When parking vehicle and turning, hear a crack sound and airbag light came on, horn wouldn't work and none of the buttons on steering wheel work. Part is backordered and has been for a very long time. Don't know what to do as this is my son's car (age 19) and it's unsafe to drive. Also, don't want to pay a dealer $165 to run diagnostics when we are certain of the problem and know the part is not available ( was told there are over 8000 people ahead of me waiting for the part). It is unlikely we could sell the car with this problem. VW needs to do something (buy back the cars?).
#11468504 |
Back in August of 2015, there has been a repair/recall for the clock spring for Volkswagen Passats. I have had it fixed and it has a warranty on it until 2027. The part has failed 4 times with the most recent failure occurring at the beginning of April. The Volkswagen dealership has had the car since 4/7/2022 and I have been driving a rental that the dealership has been paying for. I received a call earlier today from the dealership telling me that they were having to release the car back to me by EOD 6/10 because the ETA for them receiving the part is unknown. This is incredibly unsafe that Volkswagen is having the dealerships release the cars back when the issue still has not been fixed. I understand that it’s not cost effective for them to keep covering the cost of rentals, but they should not be releasing...
#11467191 |
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated after the recall. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the previous repair had failed and the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was no longer under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
#11463732 |
I heard a loud crack while turning my steering wheel and now I have an "Airbag Error" message and the controls on my steering wheel do not work. Is this related to the Airbag recall? Is it the Steering Wheel Clock Spring?
#11463189 |
Although this site has my car listed with ZERO unfixed recalls, that is not true. I received a recall notice for the clockspring on this vehicle, called my local dealership and was told it was no big deal, just to have it fixed when I brought my car in for 80k mile servicing. At that time, the clockspring had not yet broken and my car only had 50k miles on it. Late last October, my clockspring broke and I took it to the dealership. They ordered the part but said it was on backorder and it is STILL on indefinite backorder. I have now been driving more than 6 months with NO airbags, NO horn and NO hands free steering wheel controls. The dealership will not give me a loaner until my vehicle is made safe to drive. I have reached out to VW headquarters, the consumer product safety commission...
#11457559 |
The Air Bag warning light turned on and i called the VW Queensboro dealership in Queens NYC. They told me they have the clock spring part to repair the open recall on my car. However, when i came in on August 31 2021 they inspected the car for 4 hours and then told me they don't have the part on hand. I returned to the VW Queensboro dealership on September 2nd 2021 to replace the clock spring. Within 6 weeks of the clock spring replacement, the airbag sensor turned on again. I scheduled an appointment at the VW Queensboro dealership on October 26 2021, and they replaced the clock spring again. In middle of March 2022 the air bag sensor turned on again, and i have an appointment at the VW Queensboro dealership on March 21 2022. In preparation for this appointment, the dealership told me that they do not...
#11453648 |
The clock spring has went out on my 2012 VW Passat, but VW does not have them in stock, nor do they know when they'll have them in stock. This means that the drivers air bag will not work in the event of an accident. They are not doing a recall, but are doing an "extended warranty". They are knowingly putting unsafe vehicles out on the road.
#11450606 |
On the 29th of January, upon turning on my car and turning my steering wheel, I heard a "clicking" noise, and immediately on the dash my airbag light displayed along with a message saying, "Error: Airbag". After driving, I realized that my horn no longer worked and the controls on my steering wheel were inoperable. When I arrived at my destination, I began looking up the issue and things that could cause the airbag light to display, along with causing the other issues I was experiencing. The first thing that popped up described a recall that was initiated in 2015 for the clockspring piece failing, which causes the airbag light to display, the horn to not work, as well as the controls on the steering wheel to not work. I looked up the CarFax on my specific vehicle and found that this clockspring piece was replaced on my car back...
#11448758 |
The clock spring that's located within the steering wheel with the airbag is defective. I just got it fixed in Nov 2021 and its broken again, and it now Jan 2022. Only 2 months it survived. Each time the dealership fixes the problem, its like they put a band aid on the issue and give it back. Its not fair that VM has these known issues with the airbag/ clock spring and the consumer has to PAY to fix the mechanical problem that was not caused by the owner.
#11444664 |
My 2012 Passat was supposedly repaired under a recall action for the clock spring. However, same symptoms began to occur later in time and now it is apparent that the issue has not been solved and needs to be re-accomplished.
#11442418 |
The airbag light came on, so I suspected the clock spring had gone bad. I looked up the information on the internet and it showed a recall for my model and year. after calling the dealer, they said i should have been notified, but now my car had too many miles for them to complete the repair as covered by the “recall”. My car has 140k miles and the "recall" has a limit of 120k. I decided to go ahead and purchase the part on my own to complete the repair, as this is my wife's car and her driving with no airbag isn't safe. Unfortunately, there are no replacement parts available, which begs the question... how many of these things are faulty? Apparently quite a few. I called VW customer service and noticed that their website touts how dedicated they are to customer safety and satisfaction. Top priority they...
#11438682 |
While driving at unknown speed airbag error light illuminated and horn and steering radio controls became inoperative. Diagnosed as clock spring broken which was replaced under previous recall. Estimated repair costs now estimated at $600 and not covered under warranty.
#11417680 |
I purchased my Passat in Pasadena California. I now reside in Nevada. The closest dealer to me is Lithia Volkswagen of Reno 1050 E Plumb Ln #110, Reno, NV 89502. This is an hours drive for me. I have called and explained to this deal that I need my airbag recall fixed. Each attempt, I am advised that they will have to check on the parts and get back to me. They never do. How can I take car of my dangerous recall? I also have questions as to the logistics. Do I make a day of this? Would I be required to leave the car for long etc.
#11415765 |
THIS VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS SINCE DAY ONE I BOUGHT IT AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON I DON'T THINK THE RECALL WAS DONE PROPERLY CAUSE I HAVE SAME ISSUE AS IT WAS STATED BY OTHER DRIVER'S AIRBAG LIGHT ON STEERING MAKING NOISE IT'S RIDICULOUS
#11375100 |
FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING AS DESCRIBED IN 2015 RECALL 69L2. AIRBAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND ALL STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS, INCLUDING HORN, DO NOT FUNCTION. ALL SYMPTOMS BEGAN WHILE MAKING A TURN WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. DEALER REPORTS THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RECALL REPAIR.
#11360343 |
STEERING WHEEL HAD A SLIGHT TUG AND A NOISE. LOST ALL FUNCTIONS ON STEERING WHEEL. WAS ON A COUNTRY RD. TOOK IT TO A VW MECHANIC IN QUINCY PA ON SEPT 4 2020. THEY SAID THE CLOCK SPRING BROKE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT. I LOOKED IT UP AND RECALL NUMBER 15V483000 CAME UP. IT WAS ALREADY FIXED EVIDENTLY. I GUESS I SHOULD NOT HAVE IT DONE NOW IT IS COSTING 800 DOLLARS.
#11354614 |
I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD VERY WEIRD NOISES WERE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL EVERYTIME I TURN IT IN EITHER DIRECTION AND THE NEXT DAY, THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. BY THE TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, MY HORN STOPS WORKING. SO THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING IN THE 2012 VW PASSAT. WHAT CONCERNS ME MOST IS THAT THE AIRBAG WILL FAIL IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH A NON WORKING HORNE
#11340182 |
WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FWY MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND MY DOOR LOCK ARE KEEP GOING OFF AS IF IM HITING THE LOCK BUTTON
#11326828 |
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED IN MY VEHICLE. UPON REVIEW OF THE VEHICLE NO FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL ARE WORKING OR THE HORN. MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN THE PAST DUE TO THE CLOCK SPRING NOT WORKING AND TAKEN TO GET FIX. THE SAME CLOCK SPRING ISSUE ARE OCCURRING AGAIN. *TR
#11280991 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOE PECHELES VOLKSWAGEN (3021 EVANS ST, GREENVILLE, NC 27858, (252) 756-1135) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED REPAIR WOULD COST $515.00, WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.*JB
#11277064 |
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. ALL STEERING WHEEL ELECTRONICS NON-FUNCTIONING. DRIVERS AIR-BAG NON-FUNCTIONING. PREVIOUSLY RECALLED AND DUST COVER INSTALLED, CLOCK SPRING STILL FAILED. CLOCK SPRING FAILED WHILE TURNING A CORNER AT IDLE SPEED IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD.
#11255087 |
I WAS DRIVING YESTERDAY ,WHEN SOUTHERLY LIGHT SHOW ERROR AIRBAGS /ABS .SO I WHEN THE FIRST VW DEALS SERVICE ,TO FIND IT OUT ,AND THEY WERE CHARGE ME JUST TO LOOKS UP.I FELT REALLY DISAPPOINTED,.I NEED HELP I'M DRIVING SO AFRAID EVERY SINGLE DAY
#11217867 |
BROKEN CLOCK SPRING AIR BAGS NOT WORKING WITH LIGHT ILLUMINATED
#11192880 |
AIRBAGS ERRORS
#11186575 |
FEB 2018 VW REPLACED THE AIRBAGS AND CLOCK SPRING. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON TOGETHER WITH THE ABS AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS. I HAVE NO POWER TO THE STEERING WHEEL, NO HORN ETC. MY STEERING IS GETTING TIGHTER AND TIGHTER TO TURN. I'M SURE THIS POSES SOME SORT OF A SAFETY RISK ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE. I WISH VW WOULD CORRECTLY IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A NATIONWIDE REMEDY TO CURE THIS DEFECT. THE SOONER THE BETTER SINCE VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE 2011. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED OVERNIGHT WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED. I GOT INTO IT TO GO TO WORK AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED. PLEASE HELP YOUR CONSUMERS TO CURE THIS DEFECT AND NOT PUT A BAND-AID ON IT.

Other 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Problem Areas

Electrical System 92 complaints Steering 45 complaints Engine 40 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 32 complaints Unknown Or Other 31 complaints Exterior Lighting 16 complaints Structurebody 15 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 14 complaints Power Train 13 complaints Fuel System Diesel 11 complaints Service Brakes 11 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 5 complaints Air Bagsfrontaldriver Clockspringspiral Cassette 4 complaints Visibilitywiper 4 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 3 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 3 complaints Seats 3 complaints Wheels 3 complaints Structurebodydoor 2 complaints Air Bagsfrontal 1 complaint Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module 1 complaint Air Bagsfrontalpassenger Sideinflator Module 1 complaint Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 1 complaint Electrical Systemhorn 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsealsgaskets 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 1 complaint Fuel System Dieseldeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkages 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmission 1 complaint Seat Belts 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulic 1 complaint Steeringcolumn 1 complaint Suspension 1 complaint Tires 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 1 complaint Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint
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