Auburn Hills, MI – February 5, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 37,558 cars over an ongoing Takata airbag issue. The issue has resulted in close to 30 deaths and at least 400 injuries due to the propensity of these airbags to explode when deployed in a crash.
The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation and affects the following vehicles:
2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Recall summary
The inflator, a pyrotechnic device that sets off the driver side airbag, might break apart during deployment because it contains Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical.” PSAN degrades after exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, among other factors.
The resulting explosion can send sharp metal fragments flying through the cabin, increasing the risk of an injury.
Recall risks
With more than 42 million cars being recalled over Takata airbag issues so far, all risks have already been well documented and thoroughly described.
Background of the recall
These airbags were made by Takata, a now-defunct Japanese manufacturer which is best-known for being the culprit behind the largest recall in the automotive history. The recall is part of 187 recalls that have come out of an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into airbag explosions.