Large Recall NHTSA · 20V785000 Reported December 16, 2020

Driver side air bag inflator may explode

Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. · Air Bags · 105,652 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
20V785000
Manufacturer Campaign
69BC
Component
Air Bags
Vehicles Affected
105,652
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
December 16, 2020
Completion Rate
89.41

Defect Summary

Volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 volkswagen beetle and beetle convertible vehicles. the driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Safety Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Corrective Action

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. the recall began march 19, 2021. owners may contact volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. volkswagen's number for this recall is 69bc.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 20V785000 or campaign 69BC.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Air Bags.

FAQ: Recall 20V785000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 20V785000?

NHTSA recall 20V785000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on December 16, 2020. It addresses: Driver side air bag inflator may explode. The recall affects approximately 105,652 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 20V785000 or the manufacturer campaign number 69BC. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.