Volkswagen Issues Massive Recall for Airbag Issues and Fire Danger

Just getting off an embarrassing emissions scandal, Volkswagen now has more troubles with vehicle defects that could result in fires and airbag malfunctions. According to news reports, the German automaker will be recalling nearly 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to these defects. Almost 600,000 cars, most of them Audis, are affected in this recall. The recall came Jan. 28 after a number of incidents were reported in China and Israel. So far, no deaths have been reported in the U.S. related to these defects. Dealerships will start making necessary repairs at no charge to consumers.

Volkswagen Recall Details

According to a notice posted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the coolant pump in the recalled vehicles could become blocked by debris from the cooling system, which can lead to the pump overheating and the risk of a vehicle fire. The airbag inflators in some of these vehicles may rupture as a result of corrosion.

According to the notice, the sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head airbag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. This corrosion could weaken the canister. During the deployment of the side head airbag, the inflator may fracture and propel the fragments into the vehicle compartment.

It is not clear if the airbags involved in this recall were manufactured by Takata. Tens of millions of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags have been recalled for defective inflators that can disintegrate when they deploy and send shards of metal into the vehicle compartment seriously injuring or even killing people. So far, nearly a dozen people have died as a result of Takata airbags in the U.S. alone.

Some of the affected models include 2011-2017 Audi A5s, A4s, A6s and Q5s produced in or after 2012. The 2018 Q7 also has problems with faulty airbag deployment and seatbelt issues. The Volkswagen 2017 Golf, the 2016 e-Golf and the 2017 Tiguan also have airbag and fire hazards.

Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

If you are not sure whether your vehicle is included in this recall, visit NHTSA’s safercar.gov and enter your vehicle identification number of VIN. If you find that your vehicle is part of the recall, without any further delay, take your car to the dealership. Under the law, dealers are required to make these repairs at no cost to consumers. If you or a loved one has been injured due to any of these or other vehicle, contact an experienced auto defect law firm to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.