Volkswagen recalls 420,000 cars over air bags

Chris Woodyard | USA TODAY

Volkswagen has launched a massive recall because of its own air-bag problems.

The recall encompasses 420,000 vehicles, according to the automaker's filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The problem is that a spring in the steering wheel assembly can become fouled, ripping a cable that controls the electrical connection to the front air bags. If that happens, the air bags won't deploy in crash.

The problem does not appear to be linked to the ongoing Takata air-bag recalls that have encompassed 11 automakers.

The automaker says it is working on a solution to the problem. VW says owners will see a warning light for the air bag if the car is susceptible to the problem.

Eight models are included in the recall. They include 2010 to 2014 Volkswagen CC, Passat, and Tiguan; 2010 to 2013 Eos and Jetta; 2011 to 2014 Golf and GTI; and 2011 to 2013 Jetta Sportwagen, according to the filing. No injuries or deaths have been reported.