Volkswagen UP! Recall R/2013/057: Side Airbag Diagnostic Function Disabled, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 3 May 2013
- Launched
- 6,395
- vehicles in the UK
- 69J5
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volkswagen recalled UP! vehicles built between 14 January 2013 and 19 March 2013. Some vehicles may be fitted with airbag control units with incorrect parameters programmed. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to re programme the airbag control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Some vehicles may be fitted with airbag control units with incorrect parameters programmed. On these vehicles the diagnostic function for the side crash sensors is deactivated resulting in potential faults not being recognised and the airbag warning not illuminating.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SIDE AIRBAG DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION DISABLED Defect: Some vehicles may be fitted with airbag control units with incorrect parameters programmed. On these vehicles the diagnostic function for the side crash sensors is deactivated resulting in potential faults not being recognised and the airbag warning not illuminating. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to re programme the airbag control unit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in potential faults not being recognised and the airbag warning not illuminating.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to re programme the airbag control unit.
Are You Affected?
UP! built between 14 January 2013 and 19 March 2013 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 6,395 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volkswagen, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volkswagen.
- Book with any franchised Volkswagen dealer, quoting the campaign code 69J5 or the DVSA reference R/2013/057. See how to get a Volkswagen recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle, Crafter, EOS, FOX and 9 moreTakata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement | Stop driving | R/2025/357 | |
| Polo, UP!Towing eye in the vehicle tool kit may detach during use | Urgent | R/2017/347 | |
| Crafter, Golf, Passat, Scirocco and 4 moreAirbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident | Urgent | R/2017/079 | |
| UP!Panoramic sunroof may detach | Low | R/2016/221 | |
| Golf, Passat, Polo, Tiguan and 1 moreChild lock may disengage | Book soon | R/2016/145 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/2012/037 on 28 Apr 2012, for risk of fire. The one launched after it was R/2013/135 on 12 Dec 2013, for risk of fuel leak. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, the Volkswagen UP! recall history, all recalls launched in 2013 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2013/057, launched 3 May 2013. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.