Vw/pods disabled
Defect Summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger detection function of the passive occupant detection system (pods) may become disabled.
Safety Consequence
Should the pods control unit malfunction, the air bag system in the vehicle will not work as designed and may not be able to properly protect occupants in a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will reprogram the pods. owner notification originally began october 3, 2003. vw has determined that additional vehicles need to be repaired. the recall for the additional vehicles is expected to begin on december 17, 2004. owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving N/A.
FAQ: Recall 03V356000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 03V356000?
NHTSA recall 03V356000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on September 29, 2003. It addresses: Vw/pods disabled. The recall affects approximately 333 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V356000 or the manufacturer campaign number WU. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.