France in T5 airbags recall

[ThomasHJ]

Contacted VW Netherlands since my VW Dealer brushed me off in march, saying they didn't know anything about the Takat airbag-problem and could do nothing as long as VW Netherlands did not issue a recall fo rmy vehicle. Talked to a friendly lady at VW Netherlands who directed me to a VW website where I could enter my VIN (as I had already done in march and which was the reason for me to contact my dealer).

Got a standard message which uses interestinlgy chosen wordings to say that my vehicle is --currently-- not affected by a recall. Notice how it doesn't say it's not affected by -the problem-. It then says the recall is managed based on the age of the vehicle (mine is 2011, so right inside the affected years which are 2008-2015) and weather conditions (warm and humid). In The UK the weather seems reason for a recall, in the Netherlands not. Basically it seems like a lot of BS to me and they seem fine with letting me continue to drive a vehicle with a potentially lethal fault.

I send the following e-mail to VW Netherlands to ask for clarification but I am getting nowhere.

Dear Volkswagen Customer Service,

I am writing to request further clarification regarding the Takata airbag installed in my Volkswagen T5.1 California from 2011, with VIN-NR [XXXXXXXXXX]


I have used your official VIN recall checker, which confirmed that my vehicle is equipped with a Takata driver airbag, but is not currently part of an active recall. While I appreciate this information, I am concerned by the fact that:

• The Takata airbag in my vehicle is acknowledged, yet not covered under a recall at this time.
• Recalls have historically expanded over time, often years after initial findings, based on evolving testing and risk assessment.
• Your system advises me to continue checking periodically, which suggests a known potential for future inclusion.

Given the life-threatening nature of Takata airbag defects and the well-documented global recall history, I kindly but firmly request the following:

1. The exact part number or inflator model (e.g. PSPI, NADI, etc.) of the Takata airbag module installed in my vehicle.
2. Whether this airbag model has been subject to a recall in other regions (e.g., North America, Australia, Asia).
3. The basis for excluding this specific unit from the current recall – particularly if testing has been conducted on the installed component type.
4. Whether my VIN is currently being monitored under an "extended risk analysis" or listed in any safety advisory programs.
5. If I can be added to a proactive notification list, so I will be informed immediately if recall status changes.

I take safety very seriously and am requesting this information to make an informed decision about the long-term use of my vehicle. I would appreciate a transparent and technically specific response.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your reply.