| Subject: | Air bag clockspring failure |
| Components covered: |
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| Investigations Summary: |
This investigation was opened on Mar. 24, 2015.
It was closed on Sep. 28, 2015.
Note: this investigation has resulted in
a vehicle safety recall. Odi has received a total of 9 reports from consumers alleging steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (sccm) failures in 2012 Volkswagen passat and cc models. The sccm is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel. Typical steering wheel mounted electrical components include the air bag as well as the horn and other electronic controls for such things as the radio. A failure of the sccm results in a loss of connectivity of the steering wheel electrical devices to the rest of the vehicle, potentially affecting the performance of the driver side air bag, as well as the other steering wheel mounted components. Consumer reports indicate that failures occur during normal driving conditions and are sometimes accompanied by an audible noise from the steering column. When the sccm fails, an air bag warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle. If a vehicle with a failed sccm were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly. NHTSA is opening this investigation to assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of the alleged defect. The odi reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi. NHTSA. Dot. Gov/owners/searchsafetyissues under the following identification (odi) numbers; 10691906, 10683944, 10682136, 10672715, 10670517, 10669312, 10628549, 10575783, 10552113. |
| Vehicles Affected by this investigation: |
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