Kentucky Volkswagen owners should be aware that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether the automaker’s 2015 recall to fix an airbag problem went far enough. The investigation was announced on the federal agency’s website on Nov. 17.
The recall addressed an issue with a steering system electrical component known as the clockspring, which could fail and turn off the vehicle’s horn and driver side airbag. The issue affected more than 400,000 vehicles, including the 2010-2014 CC, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, 2011-2014 GTI, 2012-2014 Jetta SportWagen, 2011-2014 Jetta sedan, 2010 Passat sedan and Passat Wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and 2011-2014 Tiguan.
While Volkswagen first learned about the faulty clocksprings in 2011, it did not act until the NHTSA received nine consumer complaints and demanded that the automaker issue a recall. Even though the recall has been completed, the agency said it is still receiving consumer complaints about the problem. Some complaints have come from owners whose vehicles were not included in the recall, and some have come from owners who are still having problems after taking their vehicle in for repair. The agency said it has received 90 complaints so far and will investigate whether another recall should be issued. No crashes or injuries have been linked to the problem.
When someone is injured by a defective auto part, they have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible automaker or parts manufacturer. By filing a product liability lawsuit, an injured victim may be able to recover compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish and property loss. If someone is killed by a defective product, their family has the right to seek compensation in the form of a wrongful death complaint.