USA - Volkswagen to recall 420,000 models across its range for possible steering wheel issues.

Volkswagen considers the safety and satisfaction of its consumers and passengers a top priority. As such, Volkswagen of America today notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will be issuing a voluntary safety recall affecting the steering wheel clock spring on approximately 420,000 Volkswagen vehicles in the U.S. 

• Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Volkswagen CC
• Certain 2010-2013 Model Year Volkswagen Eos
• Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Golf/GTI
• Certain 2010-2013 Model Year Volkswagen Jetta
• Certain 2011-2013 Model Year Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
• Certain 2010 Model Year Volkswagen Passat (German Production)
• Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Passat (U.S. Production)
• Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Tiguan

On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. When the guide loops are dragged out of position, they may apply tension to the internal flat cable and cause it to tear.

Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver's front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate. In a crash that warrants a driver front airbag deployment, the airbag will not deploy, leading to a risk of driver injury.

If the airbag monitoring indicator light on a vehicle affected by this recall illuminates, the customer should immediately contact the nearest authorized dealer or qualified workshop in order to have the vehicle inspected/repaired. Customers are advised to see the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more information about the airbag system.

No accidents or injuries related to this issue have been reported.  Once affected VINs and the recall remedy have been identified, Volkswagen will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them to arrange for an appointment with an authorized Volkswagen dealer.