Failure of the SCCM results in a loss of connectivity of steering wheel electrical devices, potentially affecting the performance of the driver side air bag.
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 420,000 vehicles because the airbag might not inflate. Affected are 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, Passat, and Tiguan models, 2010-2013 Eos and Jetta, 2011-2014 Golf and GTI, and 2011-2013 Jetta Sportwagens. Dirt may contaminate the air bag clock spring that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is turned. The dirt may tear the Valeo supplied part, causing a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s frontal air bag.
The fix for this safety recall is still under development even though the first field reports of the defect appeared in 2011. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received nine reports from consumers alleging steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models. NHTSA opened an investigation last March after VW internal reviews said “low failure rate detected and no impact on vehicle safety” was found at a 2012 meeting.
The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to connect the steering wheel to the vehicle’s electrical system while allowing for the turning of the wheel. Typical steering wheel mounted electrical components include the air bag as well as the horn and other electronic controls for the radio, cell phone cruise control and the like.
A failure of the SCCM results in a loss of connectivity of the steering wheel electrical devices to the rest of the vehicle, potentially affecting the performance of the driver side air bag, as well as the other steering wheel mounted components. Consumer reports indicate that failures occur during normal driving conditions, sometimes accompanied by an audible noise from the steering column. When the SCCM fails, an air bag warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle. If a vehicle with a failed SCCM were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly.
Volkswagen has not yet provided a notification schedule to NHTSA. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
