Volkswagen · Canada · High
Volkswagen Passat, Tiguan +5 more: Seats and Restraints
Affects Volkswagen Passat, Tiguan, Jetta, CC, GTI, Golf, Eos · 2010–2014 — about 41K vehicles.
The hazard
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. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will install a cover of a different design to help prevent clock spring contamination caused by hair or other fibers. In instances where the vehicle has an airbag light on (and diagnosis confirms the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement), dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring.
What to do
Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.