Drivers warned major car brand has recalled 114,000 vehicles over 'exploding airbags'

A major car brand has been forced to recall 114,000 vehicles over fears airbag could 'explode' and cause 'serious injury or death'. More than one million vehicles are also under investigation amid fears the engines could fail based on an issue with the original manufacturing.

The German manufacturing giant has been forced to recall 114,478 vehicles in the United States over airbag concerns, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The documents state: "The driver's side frontal airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high-temperature cycling.

"An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death." Affected vehicles include the Volkswagen Beetle (2017-2019), Beetle Convertible (2017-2019), Passat Wagon (2017), Passat Sedan (2006-2007) and the Passat (2012-2014).

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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, according to the NHTSA. Dealers will replace the affected air bag module for free, the announcement said.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 27, 2024. The specific models include 2006-07 Passat Sedans, 2012 to 2014 Passat models and 2017 Passat Wagons, as well as certain 2017 to 2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible models. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for details about replacement. The Volkswagen numbers for this recall are 69EG and 69GQ.

Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov. Volkswagen consulted with the NHTSA and found that although the recalled vehicles currently do not pose a safety risk to drivers, the agency said they are “concerned that after additional time, the airbag inflator may not perform properly in the event of a crash.”