For the second time in the life of this 2104 VW Passat auto, the airbag clockspring, housed in the steering wheel has failed. The first date of service for this issue was 3/7/2019 and most recently was attempted on 2/22/2022. In both instances, the same symptoms occurred prior to the failure of this component. For a few days prior, there was a plastic crackling sound when turning the steering wheel. Then while backing out and turning the steering wheel, an audible snap/crack was heard, causing an inability to use the hands-free phone device, all steering wheel controls (including cruise control, volume, dashboard items), and an immediate lack of the car horn. Simultaneously, the air bag indicator light illuminated and the vehicle status stated "Error: Airbag". This error message appears each time the car is started. The inability to have a working car horn, steering wheel controls and driver airbag is a tremendous safety risk, in my opinion, so I ceased driving the car immediately and brought the vehicle to a local VW dealership for confirmation of the issue. The issue was reported, evaluated and confirmed to be needing part# 5K0953569AL (Air Bag Clockspring) on 2/22/2022. We were informed by (3) different VW dealerships and (2) private mechanics that there were over 1500 of these parts on backorder in February. Currently, as of 6/27/2022, there are twice as many backordered and the dealership service department that this car was purchased from says this has been the case for over (6) months. My vehicle is undrivable and will not pass upcoming inspection. It is UNACCEPTABLE for VW CORPORATION TO NOT HAVE A VIABLE SOLUTION TO THIS GROSS SAFETY ISSUE, while still putting new automobiles on the market, possibly with faulty parts AND NO FORESEEABLE PLAN FOR THOSE CONSUMERS, LIKE ME, THAT ARE IN NEED OF TIMELY REPAIRS. This vehicle is available for "inspection upon request" as it sits in the driveway, unusable.

- Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the clockspring was defective. The mechanic then called the dealer and was provided an estimate for the cost of a new clockspring. The contact then took the vehicle to a second independent mechanic who informed him of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) and referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the control buttons on the steering wheel were no longer operable and the horn would fail to honk when engaged. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Volkswagen certified independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the part for repair was not available. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that they could not cover the repair due to the vehicle mileage and the part was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

- Charleston, SC, USA

Clock Spring has failed. Te vehicle has been inspected by the service dealership department and confirmed the prognosis. The clock spring failure prevents the airbag from deploying in an accident. It also controls the electronic components in the steering wheel blinkers, horn etc they also do not work. Airbag light came on and as I went to honk my horn at another car my horn did not work creating a safety hazard and almost causing an accident. Luckily I slammed on my breaks and no one was behind me. Immediately notified the dealership service department of problem they confirmed the clock spring has failed and told me the car is still driveable but comes with hazardous safety issues that may prevent saving a life in the event of an accident. For example no horn to alert another car, no blinkers to safely change lanes, if in an accident airbags won-€™t deploy etc.

- San Diego, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the contact heard an abnormal sound in the steering wheel as if a spring had broken. The contact stated that once she parked and restarted her vehicle, there was no electrical function on the steering wheel. The contact stated that the buttons, horn, and air bag had become inoperable. The contact stated that her air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

- Lanse, MI, USA

The Clock Spring on this vehicle has failed which controls the driver side airbag, horn and all other buttons on the steering wheel. Apparently, there are almost 5,000 people waiting for this part to fix their car which most are under extended warranties since VW knows they have an issue with this part. I have made numerous calls trying to get this part and there is no end in sight as to when my VW dealer can expect it to get my car fixed. I find this unacceptable, and it sounds like VW is not even manufacturing this part and it could be months or even years before this is resolved. I will not drive my car without a horn or airbag. I am sure many people are driving around with this issue.

- Parkton Md, AL, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding and clicking sound came from the steering wheel. On occasion, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to steve white Volkswagen (100 duvall dr, greenville, SC 29607, (864) 288-8300) where it was diagnosed that a new clockspring was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would not assist since the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 121,000.

- Greenville, SC, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. Upon starting the vehicle, the air bag indicator illuminated and the horn failed to sound. On other occasions, the steering wheel clicked when turned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clock spring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to savannah Volkswagen (50 eisenhower dr, savannah, ga 31406) where the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V483000 (air bags). The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Savannah, GA, USA