2017 Volkswagen Passat Airbags Problems
13 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Airbags Recalls (1)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Owner Complaints (13)
Your steering wheel's clock spring has failed, which disables your horn, cruise control, and airbags — all safety-critical features. You won't be able to use any steering wheel controls until this is repaired. This is reportedly a known issue affecting many VW vehicles, but your vehicle isn't covered under the extended warranty program. The repair will require replacing the clock spring assembly in your steering column.
Parts you may need:
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You heard a crunching sound in your steering column while backing up, after which your airbag warning light turned on and all the buttons on your steering wheel stopped working, including the horn. You contacted Volkswagen about a potential clockspring recall, but your vehicle wasn't included in that recall. A steering column clockspring replacement will likely be needed to restore your airbag system and steering wheel controls.
Parts you may need:
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The following warning lights will randomly turn on & off while driving: Air Bag Malfunction, ABS Brakes, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front collision, tire pressure, power steering, blind spot detection, low Key Battery detected, and indicate they are not functional. It is a random and items will go back to work while normally driving. Key fob battery has been replaced multiple times...
Error shown on dashboard, at this time no incident to report. Drivers airbag disabled , ACC disabled, steering wheel functionality disabled.
On 1/17/23 I was parking in a parking dot by backing in as I was in reverse I had to turn my steering wheel slightly and noticed that I heard a sound like crunching leaves as I drove in the spot. I proceeded to pull forward and reverse again to make sure I was not hearing wrong. As I left work and turned out the parking lot I heard it again but I noticed that my air bag light popped on and it was saying my front assist was not working and saying air bag error. So by the time I got home I realized that my steering wheel functions were not working at all. Then on top of that my rear detection system is not working properly either I realize that today. I have checked for recalls on the car and have an appointment set for 1/19/23. But this all happened in a matter of a few minutes at (1/19/23) the car will be at the dealership on 1/19/23 for an inspection. I travel for wrk and can’t afford or risk any mishaps
The clock spring broke inside my steering and my airbags, horn and other controls on the steering wheel do not work.
Hit a deer head on while travelling at about 40 mph on a rural highway. Airbags did NOT deploy, despite front end damage.
The airbag light is on. It is an orangish color. The controls on front of the steering wheel do not work. That means the horn, cruise control, radio controls, voice controls do not work.
There was big impact front accident with other car, and the air bags did not function. The air bag failed.
ABS light, airbag light, front end assist light, steering light all on
Initially heard clicking sound while turning the vehicle followed by airbag warning light. Then noticed driver assistant system not available warning, loss of horn, cruise control, automatic braking, and lane departure warning. Service center has inspected and informed me that the clock spring has failed(common problem with VW).
Turned right after a traffic light while driving. Heard clicking noise from steering column and noticed that the airbag warning light came on. Further investigated and realized that the horn, front crash avoidance, vehicle voice control, cruise control, and all controls on the steering column were not working. No horn. No front crash avoidance. No airbag. After a short period of online research, I recognize that this is neither an isolated issue nor the first time VW has had this problem. Prior safety recalls have required repair of broken clock springs that render multiple pieces of safety equipment useless. This is a manufacturing error or part malfunction that should be repaired by VW at their expense.
I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A TWO-WAY ROAD WHEN HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE COLLISION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T EITHER! I AM LUCKY I WASN'T HURT WORSE. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING WAS NOT A SAFE CAR, BUT WAS SOLD TO ME AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED CAR.