All About Japan Autos

Volkswagen, the same automaker who brought you the Microbus years ago is now implementing a recall of diminutive proportions. “In one of the oddest recalls we have ever come across, Volkswagen has announced the recall of 27 New Beetle models due to a failure to comply with new federal motor vehicle safety standards,” writes Left Lane News.

The federal government implemented new safety requirements as of September 1, 2010, which VW did not apply to a small number of New Beetles on the production line. According to the NHTSA, “Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2010 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible manufactured from September 1, 2010, through September 22, 2010, for failing to comply with the barrier test requirements of federal motor vehicles safety standards no. 208, ‘Occupant Crash Protection,” that went into effect on September 1, 2010.”

The odd twist in this particular recall is that VW will be replacing the affected New Beetles with older models that were manufactured prior to the new barrier test requirements. “The recall involves 26 2010 New Beetle vehicles and one 2010 New Beetle Convertible,” says Edmunds. “Volkswagen said it has not identified any reports or allegations of ‘actual injury or crash resulting from this non-compliance.’”

Owners affected by the recall may already have been notified by Volkswagen and can contact the manufacturer at 1-800-822-8987.

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