Dec. 30, 2022 (AP News): Volkswagen is recalling 42,000 Beetles in the U.S. and Canada because they have potentially dangerous Takata airbag inflators. Model years 2015 and 2016 are affected.
Takata used ammonium nitrate to generate an explosion to inflate airbags. This chemical deteriorates especially when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. Beetle airbags have a moisture-absorbing chemical, which slows deterioration. Regardless, experts claim Takata airbags could deploy with too much force harming or killing vehicle occupants.
Dealers will replace the driver’s side airbag. VW will notify Beetle owners by letter starting February 17, 2023.