Side/window Air Bag problems of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle

2014 vw �clock spring� failure affecting the driver-side air bag, horn, and cruise control. I would like to request the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation of the volkswagon of America (vwa) recall of the 2014 vw Beetle concerning the failure of the driver air bag, horn, and cruise control. The current recall involves the �clock spring� which has been identified in vw models including: 2010-14 cc; 2010-13 eos; 2011-2014 golf; 2011-14 gti; 2012-14 jetta sportwagen; 2011-14 jetta sedan; 2010 passat and passat wagon; 2012-14 passat sedan, and 2011-14 tiguan. There is no recall for the 2014 vw Beetle, the only model not included in the vw models recall. My 2014 bettle turbo experience failure of the clock spring around 80,000 miles. There was no light on the dash indicating a failure of the air bag, horn, or cruise control. An attempt to use the cruise control and the horn were both found inoperative caused immediate concern. A check of the fuses indicated an accessory (12v accessory charging/cigarette lighter) needed replaced. The replaced fuse did not remedy the other safety issues. The vehicle was inspected by a vw dealer service department and found to have a defective clock spring and advised that replacement for the part would be $450+. Due to the age/mileage the part was not covered by the warranty. I was advised that there were no recalls on this item. My concern is that the driver-side air bag is inoperative and constitutes a NHTSA safety recall. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving approximately 3 mph, another vehicle crashed into the front end of the contact's vehicle. The driver side air bag deployed. The contact sustained lacerations to the forehead and a fractured sternum that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,000.