NHTSA investigates certain Volkswagen Beetles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating certain Volkswagen Beetle vehicles of the model year 2003 and 2004. Reports indicate that the front crash sensor may malfunction. In the event of an accident, this could reduce the crash sensing ability and may compromise the safety of the frontal airbags. Office of Defect Investigation has received five complaints from consumers stating that the illumination of the airbag warning lights is caused due to crash sensor failures. Volkswagen has also provided agency the early warning data pertaining to warranty claims and field reports on the crash sensors within the air bag system. NHTSA is evaluating this issue to assess the cause.