Volkswagen Beetle Recall R/2026/104: uSA Imported Vehicle Recall Driver Side Airbag Module Replacement, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 11 Mar 2026
- Launched
- 4
- vehicles in the UK
- 69BC
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volkswagen recalled Beetle vehicles built between 19 April 2012 and 24 June 2013. USA Recall for Imported vehicles NITSA 20V785. The dealer will replace for safety reasons the driver airbag unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
USA Recall for Imported vehicles NITSA 20V785. Volkswagen has detected that on some USA Imported Beetle models that the driver front airbag inflator can explode due to propellant degradation that occurs after exposure to high absolute humidity high temperatures and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion in these circumstances can result in injury to the driver or other occupants due to the ejection of metal fragments during the airbag explosion.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: USA Imported vehicle Recall Driver side airbag module replacement Defect: USA Recall for Imported vehicles NITSA 20V785. Volkswagen has detected that on some USA Imported Beetle models that the driver front airbag inflator can explode due to propellant degradation that occurs after exposure to high absolute humidity high temperatures and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion in these circumstances can result in injury to the driver or other occupants due to the ejection of metal fragments during the airbag explosion. Remedy: For safety reasons the driver airbag unit must be replaced. The work required will take approximately 1.5 hours and will of course be performed free of charge.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: uSA Imported vehicle Recall Driver side airbag module replacement.
The Fix
The dealer will replace for safety reasons the driver airbag unit.
Are You Affected?
Beetle built between 19 April 2012 and 24 June 2013 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 4 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 69BC or the DVSA reference R/2026/104. 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 | |
| BeetleIncorrectly coated brake pistons | Urgent | R/2018/150 | |
| Beetle, EOS, Golf, Jetta and 5 moreStarter motor may malfunction and overheat | Urgent | R/2018/062 | |
| Beetle, JettaDirectional control may be lost | Book soon | R/2015/002 | |
| BeetleFuel may leak resulting in possible fire | Urgent | R/2015/044 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/2026/046 on 29 Dec 2025, for replace battery modules. The one launched after it was R/2026/150 on 12 Mar 2026, for battery Check. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, all recalls launched in 2026 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2026/104, launched 11 March 2026. 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.