Vw/air bag ground contact wire
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions can activate the driver side air bag when the driver enters or exits the vehicle and forms an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel.
Safety Consequence
Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
Corrective Action
Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 97V175000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 97V175000?
NHTSA recall 97V175000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on October 8, 1997. It addresses: Vw/air bag ground contact wire. The recall affects approximately 39,300 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97V175000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). 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.