The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger detection function of the passive occupant detection system (pods) may become disabled.
The risk
Should the pods control unit malfunction, the air bag system in the vehicle will not work as designed and may not be able to properly protect occupants in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the pods. Owner notification originally began october 3, 2003. Vw has determined that additional vehicles need to be repaired. The recall for the additional vehicles is expected to begin on december 17, 2004. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Contacts
Vw recall no. Wu. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Volkswagen dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V356000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.