Two problems related to side/window air bag have been reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2012 Passat.
Steering wheel, upon parking, made a strange noise and then what sounded like a break of a plastic clip. Noise continued as I turned wheel the other way. Error on drivers side air bag appeared on display as well air bag icon appearing on console. Immediately called dealership and asked if car safe to drive and was told to bring car as soon as possible. Was only 2 miles away so I did and they were nice enough to look at car right then. Turned out to be clockspring which had been replaced in February of 2016, an initial recall of clock spring. So now the recall workaround needs a workaround.
I went to have an appraisal done on my car and I was told the driver side air bag was defected, and I don't feel safe driving a car that could cause harm to me. (in case of emergency. ).