2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Air Bags Problems

The airbag sensors were issued a recall. The dealer confirmed this. The car dealership is refusing to replace the airbag sensors until other issues with the car are fixed. I paid to have them do a diagnostic on the car to address the other problems. They are refusing to give me the codes to check what other problems exists with the car.

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON..WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY AIRBAG MODULE ...VW DEALER SAYS PART HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED AND I CAN NOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED.

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON.

TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN RECALLED ON SEVERAL 03 BEETLES BUT NOTHING THAT INCLUDED THE 03 CONVERTABLE VERSION OF THIS LIGHT BEING ACTIVATED THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT THAT I KNOW OF AND IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN WHERE NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IF I EVER GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. GOD FORBID. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED BY THE VIN BUT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THE PART IS NOT DEFECTIVE. ALSO OPPOSITE LIGHTS IN THE REAR SEEM TO HAVE SOME SORT OF ELECTRONIC ISSUE NEW FUSES NEW BULBS AND RELAY SEEMS NOT TO FIX THIS ISSUE. COULD POSSIBLE BE PART OF THE SAME 03 BEETLE BREAK SWITCH RECALL??

Mileage: 183,255

REGARDING/RELATED TO CLAIM 0484819107 69 COMPLAINTS: 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SEATS: FRONT ASSEMBLY: SEAT ... I OWN A 2003 VW JETTA 1.8T WITH FRONT HEATED SEATS. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE SEATS HEATER 2 DAYS AGO ON 12/13/2005 AFTER THE HEATER WAS ON FOR LESS THAN 2 MINUTES. BURNING A SMALL HOLE TROUGH THE SEAT TO THE BOTTOM AREA OF MY LEFT SIDE (BUTTOCK) I HAVE COME TO FIND SINCE THIS HAPPENED, MY NHTSA HAS ... HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/.../SEATS-FRONT_ASSEMBLY-SEAT_ HEATER_COOLER.SHTML 29 COMPLAINTS: 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX ASSEMBLY FREQUENTLY MELTS INTO A GLOB OF PLASTIC, AND REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE OWNED TWO NEW BEETLES ( 2003 & 2004), AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM FOUR TIME BETWEEN THE TWO. MY OWN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSE(S) HAS SHOWN ME THAT IF THE VEHICLE BATTERY IS ... HTTPS://WHTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/SEARCH/?CX=PARTNER-PUB-6745124734283845%3A6PV4IH4BRAD&COF=FORID%3A10&IE=ISO-8859-1&Q=VW+FIRE&SA=SEARCH&SITEURL=HTTPS%3A%2F%2FWWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM%2FVOLKSWAGEN%2FBEETLE%2F2002%2FSEAT_BELTS_AIR_BAGS%2FWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/.../ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM.SHTML WASN'T IN THE VEHICLE PERSONAL ASSISTANT/PROJECT CONSULTANT HELPING HARD WORKING PEOPLE LIKE YOU FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).? *PM

Mileage: 152,000

TAKATA...AIR BAG SYSTEM AIR BAG SENSOR ISSUE...AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPAIRED IN 2008 UNDER RECALL, BUT HAS FAILED AGAIN...

Mileage: 21,650

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT DIAGNOSED AT SERVICE BY DEALER (CAMPBELL/NELSON VW) INDICATED THAT A SENSOR OR SWITCH LOCATED IN THE DRIVER-SIDE SEATBELT LATCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND EVEN WHEN THE SEATBELT WAS LATCHED, THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A $400 REPAIR AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED FOR AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, FLASHED, AND REMAINED LIT INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V178000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING. BATTERY DEAD, NO POWER IN VEHICLE AT ALL. FOUND MELTED BATTERY FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD. ROOT CAUSE DETERMINED TO BE CORROSION ON ALTERNATOR POWER SUPPLY CABLE THAT CREATED HEAT ENOUGH TO MELT PLASTIC (~450F) AND BURN THE PROTECTIVE COVER OFF THE ALTERNATOR SUPPLY WIRE BACK 2 INCHES. POOR CONTACT DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BATTERY TO DRAIN, WHICH EVENTUALLY COULD NO LONGER SUSTAIN ENGINE IGNITION. NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO ENGINE STOPPING. NO BATTERY POWER ALSO MEANS NO POWER STEERING, NO POWER BRAKES, NO AIRBAGS DURING COLLISION. ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. IT WOULD APPEAR TO BE AS DEADLY AS THE GM IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE, BUT IT IS NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY VW. *TR

Mileage: 65,551

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT UNKNOWN AIR BAG WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

FIRST I MUST ASK MYSELF WHY AM I WASTING MY TIME AGAIN? YOU CAN WRITE TO NHTSA ALL YOU WANT AND EXPLAIN YOUR COMPLAINT / DEFECT BUT THAT'S AS FAR AS IT GOES, THEY NEVER RESPOND AND NOTHING GETS REPAIRED FOR FREE UNLESS NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND PEOPLE GET HURT OR WORSE YET DIE! *TR

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT UNLATCH. PASSENGER HAD TO CLIMB OUT FROM UNDERNEATH. CALL TO THE VW DEALERSHIP YIELDED COMMENT FROM SERVICE DEPARTMENT "SOMETIMES THE SEAT BELT LATCH BREAKS; YOU NEED TO BRING IT IN AND HAVE IT REPLACED (AT MY COST)". ON MAY 14, 2014 I HAD THE SERVICE REPAIR DONE. MILEAGE WAS 49,486. COST WAS $292.16. SERVICE WAS DONE BY JIM ELLIS VOLKSWAGEN MARIETTA, 1860 COBB PARKWAY, MARIETTA, GA 30060. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT. IF WE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, MY PASSENGER WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR; THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN LIFE-THREATENING, THEY COULD HAVE DIED. I THINK VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD MAKE A RECALL OF 2003 BEETLE CONVERTIBLES AND REPLACE THE LATCH AND SENSOR (TO AIRBAG) AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER. *TR

Mileage: 49,200

THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP WE WERE TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG HAD FAILED AND THAT IT MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT, AND THAT IT COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT CAUSE WHILE DRIVING. CALLED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN ADDRESSED IN 2008 WITH THE VECHICLE AND THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARLY REPAIRED "IT WAS JUST ADDRESSED". I COULD NOT GET ANY FURTHER RESPONSE. I HAVE NEVER HAD OR READ ABOUT A CAR HAVING TO HAVE AIRBAGS REPLACED AS A SCHEDULED SERVICE OR MAINTANCE. AIRBAG FAILURE SHOWES THAT IT WAS NOT DONE RIGHT TO BEGAIN WITH. THE CAR WAS PURCHACED WITH 34,000 MILES AND NOW HAS 60,111 MILES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAG POSSIBLITY DEPLOYING WHILE DRIVING MORE THAN NOT DEPLOYING DURING A CRASH. ANY HELP IN UNDERSTANDING THIS MATTER IS MUCH APPRICIATED. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR POWER WINDOW REGULATORS. I AM NOW HAVING TO REPLACE ONE OF THE REPLACEMENTS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 83000 MILES ON IT. THE PARTS TO REPAIR THIS WINDOW ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE - OVER $500. I'VE ALREADY INVESTED WELL OVER $1500 REPLACING THE REGULATORS ALREADY. VOLKSWAGEN IS MAKING DEFECTIVE PARTS AND WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I FILED A COMPLAINT EARLIER ON THIS VEHICLE FOR A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED. I'VE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT. THE AIRBAG WAS NEVER DEPLOYED OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. IF THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE IT IS BECAUSE VW PUTS DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS IN THEIR VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 36,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLICKING SOUND IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE ROLL OVER BAR SUDDENLY DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,600.

Mileage: 28,600

FROM DAY ONE THIS CAR HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHICH WERE DENIED BY THE DEALER ON 5 VISITS, AFTER I SOLD THE CAR I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM VW, NOW THAT I AM LOOKING AT BLOGS THEY HAVE APPARENTLY RECALLED THIS RECALL TO SUIT THEM. OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS VEHICLE ARE WINDOW TROUBLES, CONVERTIBLE ROOF TROUBLES, ELECTRONIC TROUBLES, SEATBELT TROUBLES, AIRBAG TROUBLES. I CAN'T BELIEVE ANYONE WILL ALLOW THIS CAR TO STILL BE SOLD OR ON THE ROAD. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD ON WHEELS. *TR

Mileage: 1

THREE YEARS AGO WHEN THE CAR HAD ONLY 55,000 MILES ON IT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WAS NEVER ANY DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS AND I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CAR. VW SAID IT WAS A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG, BUT REFUSED TO STAND BEHIND IT. THEY WANT $750 TO FIX IT. IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE EACH WINDOW MOTOR. THEY COST $400 TO REPLACE. THE DRIVER SIDE MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THAT MEANS THE FIRST REPLACEMENT LASTED LESS THAN FOUR YEARS. THE CAR HAS ONLY 77,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

AIR BAG LIGHT AS OF 1/1/11, THESE WERE RECALLED FOR 2004-2006 BEETLES AND 2003-2005 BEETLE CONVERTIBLES. NO RECALLS YET FOR 2003 BEETLES, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A GROWING PROBLEMS THAT ARE YET TO BE FIXED BY VW!!! SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE JUST DELAYING THE RECALL UNTIL THEY RECEIVE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS/INJURIES. 2 RECALLS OF A FRONTAL SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE IN 4/2008 & A PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (POD) DEALER REPROGRAM REPAIR IN 12/2004 BUT AGAIN NOTHING FOR 2003 MODELS EVEN THOUGH IT STARTED IN LATE 2003. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Mileage: 96,000

RECALL ON AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR BACK IN 2008, WHICH WE HAD REPLACE . HOWEVER THIS PROBLEM CONSTANTLY HAPPEN WERE THE AIR BAG CREASE SENSOR LIGHTS COMES ON AND STAYS ON. WHEN YOU CALL THE DEALERSHIP THEY WANTS TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER. THERE IS ALWAYS A JERKING IN THE POWER TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING . THIS IS DANGEROUS YOU WOULD THINK THE CAR IS GOING TO STOP GOING UP HILL. I MADE A COMPLAINT BACK IN 2009 COMPLAINT #102868 NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *TR

Mileage: 60

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE DRIVING. THE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT BEGAN EMITTING SMOKE AND THE PLASTIC COATING WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,610.

Mileage: 99,610

MY CAR WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. NONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND MY FIANCE, WHO WAS DRIVING, SUSTAINED A SPRAINED NECK AND A CONCUSSION AS A RESULT OF HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT TO SAFERCAR.GOV AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY CONTACT FROM ANYONE ON THIS MATTER. ALL I WANT IS FOR MY AIR BAG SYSTEM TO BE FIXED FOR FREE BY VW IN STOCKTON CA. MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN FOUR YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD THE 03 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE AND EVERY TIME, VW HAS FOUND THAT THE SENSOR IS AT FAULT. NOW THIS TIME, VW WANTS TO CHARGE ME 678.00 TO FIX IT. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS. IT IS 00003 CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE. I AM EXTREMELY ANGRY THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS KNOWING THAT THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. VW KNOWS THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIX THE SENSORS FREE OF CHARGE EACH TIME, BUT THIS TIME, THEY WILL NOT. THEY NEED TO MAKE A RECALL ON THIS THING. IM SICK AND TIRED OF HAVING TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED OVER A LIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

Mileage: 69,896

THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT TO SAFERCAR.GOV AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY CONTACT FROM ANYONE ON THIS MATTER. ALL I WANT IS FOR MY AIR BAG SYSTEM TO BE FIXED FOR FREE BY VW IN STOCKTON CA. MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN FOUR YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD THE 03 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE AND EVERY TIME, VW HAS FOUND THAT THE SENSOR IS AT FAULT. NOW THIS TIME, VW WANTS TO CHARGE ME 678.00 TO FIX IT. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS. IT IS 00003 CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE. I AM EXTREMELY ANGRY THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS KNOWING THAT THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. VW KNOWS THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIX THE SENSORS FREE OF CHARGE EACH TIME, BUT THIS TIME, THEY WILL NOT. THEY NEED TO MAKE A RECALL ON THIS THING. IM SICK AND TIRED OF HAVING TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED OVER A LIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

Mileage: 69,896

THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT TO SAFERCAR.GOV AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY CONTACT FROM ANYONE ON THIS MATTER. ALL I WANT IS FOR MY AIR BAG SYSTEM TO BE FIXED FOR FREE BY VW IN STOCKTON CA. MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN FOUR YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD THE 03 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE AND EVERY TIME, VW HAS FOUND THAT THE SENSOR IS AT FAULT. NOW THIS TIME, VW WANTS TO CHARGE ME 678.00 TO FIX IT. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS. IT IS 00003 CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE. I AM EXTREMELY ANGRY THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS KNOWING THAT THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. VW KNOWS THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIX THE SENSORS FREE OF CHARGE EACH TIME, BUT THIS TIME, THEY WILL NOT. THEY NEED TO MAKE A RECALL ON THIS THING. IM SICK AND TIRED OF HAVING TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED OVER A LIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

Mileage: 69,896

WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND STAYS ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT GOES OFF AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED EVEN WHEN NO SEATBELTS ARE PUT ON. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 08V178000, ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE SYMPTOMS SEEM SIMILAR.

Mileage: 136,300

1) I DRIVED MY CAR AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN MARCH 2007. THE FOLLOWING THREE TIMES THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, WAS WHEN I WOULD START MY CAR UP. 2) MARCH 2007-FIRST TIME AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON:HAMMER LANE VW CHARGED ME FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. DECEMBER 2007-AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN:ELK GROVE VW DID NOT CHARGE ME JAN 2008-AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN:ELK GROVE VW DID NOT CHARGE ME JUNE 2008-AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN:ELK GROVE VW DID NOT CHARGE ME SEPTEMBER 2009-AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN:ELK GROVE VW WANTS TO CHARGE ME 230.00 FOR LABOR AND 678.63 FOR PARTS TO FIX AIR BAG LIGHT AND KERRY FROM VW STATES THAT THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. THE SELF DIAGNOSIS PROTOCOL SAYS 00003 CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE AND 00532 SUPPLY VOLTAGE LOWER LIMIT NOT REACHED SPORADIC. THE SOFTWARE PART NUMBER IS 6Q0909605E 3)BOB FROM BOB'S GERMAN AUTO REPAIR REPLACED AIR BAG SENSOR PASS SIDE FRONT THE FIRST TIME. SECOND TIME: ELK GROVE REPLACED AND REPLACED SEAT BELT DRIVERSIDE AND RESET FAULTS. THIRD TIME:ELK GROVE VW REPLACED SENSOR IN PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. FOURTH TIME: I DECLINED SERVICE FROM ELK GROVE VW AND THEY CHARGED ME 115.00 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. I DON'T THINK THAT THIS IS FAIR AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH ALL OF THIS HASSLE AND PAY UNFAIR FEES WHEN THERE IS RECALLS ON THIS BEETLES ALL OF THE TIME. IM YOUNG AND I AM GOING TO COLLEGE. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME AND THE MONEY TO GO THROUGH ALL OF THIS. *TR

Mileage: 69,896

AFTER STARTING THE CAR, AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN ONE YEAR THIS HAS HAPPENED. THIS FIRST TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DRIVER SIDE SENSOR UNDER THE SEAT WAS REPLACED AT DEALER. *TR

Mileage: 46,900

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN SHE CHANGED GEARS. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS DONE AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT BOTH THE FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR MOTORS FAILED; THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED AND WERE REPAIRED AT A REPAIR SHOP. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE REAR WINDSHIELD WAS BEGINNING TO DETACH FROM THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,347 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,800.

Mileage: 75,347

TURNED ON MY CAR AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF ON THE DASH BOARD PANEL. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO ILLUMINATE APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSORS ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS ALSO REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THAT REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

Mileage: 60,000

THE PLASTIC WINDOW IS SEPARATING FROM THE CLOTH TOP OF MY CONVERTIBLE VW. ALSO, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY BLOWING BULBS AND THE SENSOR LIGHT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG STAYS ON. AFTER FIXING THE LIGHT ONE TIME, THE DEALERSHIP MECHANICS SAID IT WAS THE SEATBELT CONNECTOR PROBLEM. THEY JUST WANT MONEY, MONEY , MONEY AND I AM STUCK WITH A VOLKSWAGEN THAT IS NOT FUNCTIONAL FOR DAILY USE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

VW NEW BEETLES HAVE A SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CONSTANT AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON DUE TO POOR QUALITY WIRING UNDER THE SEAT AND IN THE SEAT BELT HARNESS. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICAN DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP. PARTS ARE TOO EXPANSIVE AND ONLY A DEALER ITEM. THERE ARE A LOT OF VW BEETLE OWNERS OUT THERE THAT HAVE THE SOME PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT. *TR

MY COMPLAINT CONCERN OUR VW BEETLE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR BACK IN JANUARY 2008 I RECEIVED A EMAIL FROM SAFETY ENGINEER STEVE CHAN REGARDING A INVESTIGATION WHICH SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN FILED WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN REGARDING THE SAME MATTER. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE SENSORS. WE DID HAVE OUR REPLACE ON OUR 2003 VW BEETLE WHICH WE GOT REIMBURSTMENT. HOWEVER NOW, AGAIN THE SAME (FRONT) CRASH AIRBAG SENSOR HAVE WENT OUT (FAIL) AGAIN. OUR VEHICLE IS BEEN SERVICE AT MURRITEIA VW SERVICE ADVISOR STEVE (951) 894-6555 EXT 1358 DUE TO CONSIST FAILURE OF THIS MANUFACTURER PART. I FEAR THAT MY LIFE IS IN DANGER EVERY TIME I DRIVE OUR VW BEETLE VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS GREAT BIG SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I PURCHASED MY USED 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE 1.8T IN JUNE '07. WE HAVE TAKEN IT DO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY HAVE QUOTED OUTRAGEOUS PRICES FOR REPLACING THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS, UPWARDS OF $700. LAST YEAR THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS, WHICH WE HAD REPLACED. BUT THE LIGHT STILL REMAINS ON, AND NOW THEY SAY IT IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT SWITCH, AND QUOTED $300 FOR REPAIRS. A QUICK WEB SEARCH SHOWS THIS SEATBELT SWITCH ISSUE IS WIDESPREAD, AND IS USUALLY CAUSED BY BROKEN WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. APPARENTLY THESE WIRES ARE TOO SHORT AND/OR EXPOSED, AND CAN EASILY BE BROKEN BY MOVING THE SEAT TOO FAR FORWARD OR BY ITEMS PUSHED UNDER THE SEAT. I THINK THIS IS YET ANOTHER POORLY DESIGNED SYSTEM THAT CREATES A REAL HAZARD FOR PEOPLE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO PAY FOR THE DEALER TO POKE AROUND UNTIL THEY FIND AND FIX THE PROBLEMS. *TR

Mileage: 73,000

1. MY AIRBAG LIGHT IN MY CAR CAME ON. 2. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT FOUND THE SEATBELT SENSOR HAD GONE BAD THUS CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. 3. THE SEATBELT WAS REPLACED SO THAT THE SENSOR WOULD AGAIN BE WORKING CORRECTLY AND THE AIRBAGS WOULD BE DEPLOYED IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. AS THE SEATBELT MECHANISM WAS WORKING FINE, BUT JUST A TINY SENSOR ON THE SEATBELT ARM WENT BAD, IT CAUSED MY AIRBAGS TO BE DEACTIVATED. THERE SHOULD BE A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON SUCH SAFETY PARTS SUCH THAT THERE IS NEVER A FAILURE TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS OR AN ISSUE WITH SEATBELTS. THE AUTO REPAIR EMPLOYEES SAID THEY HAVE REPLACED HUNDREDS OF THESE SEATBELTS IN VWS FOR THE VERY SAME REASON I HAD. *TR

Mileage: 60,280

AIR BAG LIGHT AND THE WARNING LIGHT FOR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMES ON AND DOES NOT GO OUT ALSO DRIVER SEAT IS STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON 11/15/2005 AT THAT TIME IT WAS ONLY THE AIR BAG CAUSE; 00591. DRIVERS SEAT BELT SWITCH FAULTY IT WAS REPLACED ON 12/12/2007 THE SAME PROBLEM AND MORE BUT,THIS TIME I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND I HAVE FOUND A ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND NHTSA IS AWARE OF IT.THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY I HAVE HAD REPAIR DRIVER SEAT SLIDER. IT HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING, NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER VW. *TR

Mileage: 49,491

AIRBAG LIGHT ALWAYS ON EVEN AFTER THE 6 SECOND RULE THAT THE MANUAL EXPLAINS. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND I HAVE FOUND ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH VW NEW BEETLE. I FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE A MAJOR PROBLEM DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHILE THIS LIGHT IS ON THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT WORK IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 40,032

CAR BOUGH USED FROM VS DEALERSHIP ON 7/31/2006. BEEN IN FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 4TIMES, AIRBAG LIGHT 3 TIMES, A/C BROKE ONCE, WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP ONCE, NEEDED NEW ROTORS ONCE, RATTLING UNDER HOOD ONCE, BATTERY DIED TWO DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT AND I HAD TO TOW IT BACK TO VW. CAR JERKS WHEN GOING OUT OF FIRST GEAR-I TOLD VW THIS REPEATEDLY AND THEY ONLY TRIED TO FIX IT AFTER THE WARRANTY WAS UP. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $700 TO FIX. ON 12/9/2008 MY CAR WOULD NOT GO OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS OUT OF THIS CAR. I CAN NOT PUT ANYMORE MONEY INTO IT. WHEN THE WARRANTY WENT UP, ALL OF THE SUDDEN EVERYTHING STARTED GOING WRONG. I REQUESTED PRIOR INFORMATION FROM THE VW DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE OTHER OWNER BEFORE ME. I FEEL THAT THIS CAR WAS DOCTORED SO THAT I WOULD BUY IT AND THEN IT STARTED FALLING APART. *TR

Mileage: 86,273

2003 VW BEETLE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON, WILL NOT GO OFF. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V178000, INVESTIGATION PE08-012, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE08012 LISTS MODEL YEAS 2003-2005 HOWEVER, 2003 MODEL WITH THIS VIN NUMBER NOT LISTED. BELIEVE TO BE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 67,100

2003 VW BEETLE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON, WILL NOT GO OFF. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V178000, INVESTIGATION PE08-012, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE08012 LISTS MODEL YEAS 2003-2005 HOWEVER, 2003 MODEL WITH THIS VIN NUMBER NOT LISTED. BELIEVE TO BE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 67,100

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS THE CAUSE OF THE LIGHT BEING ON. APPARENTLY THE SENSOR IN THE BUCKLE IS DEFECTIVE. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A LOOSE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED INCORRECTLY. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE, BUT WITH NO RESOLUTIONS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED WITH THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Mileage: 15,000

AIR BAGS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWO TIMES ON NOV 15,2005 CAUSE:00591 LT SIDE BELT SWITCH IT WAS REPLACED. ON DEC/12/ 20007 THE TEST DIAGNOSTIC AND CONFIRM FAULT COD 00591,DRIVERS SEAT BELT SWITCH FAULTY. ESTIMATE FORE SERVICE $472.00 I HAD TO DECLINED .IF THEY REPLACED IT TWO YEARS AGO IT SHOULDN'T HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 30,107

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/15/08. *JB

Mileage: 83,000

THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 47,000 MILES ON IT AND THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. THIS AIRBAG HAS NEVER BEEN USED OR DEPLOYED. IT IS NOT DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT IT IS A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OVER $700 FOR A NEW AIRBAG. I BELIEVE THE DEALER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT IF THEY EQUIPPED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. *TR

Mileage: 43,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN HIS VEHICLE WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DUE TO RESISTANCE IN THE WARNING LIGHT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER A TOTAL OF EIGHT TIMES. THE MOST RECENT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WAS IN DECEMBER OF 2006 AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. IN JULY OF 2008, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE CONTACT CONSULTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V178000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE), BUT THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL WAS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN ON APPROXIMATELY JULY 31, 2008. THE CONTACT IS CURRENTLY WAITING FOR SOMEONE FROM VOLKSWAGEN TO CALL BACK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,694.

Mileage: 5,694

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN RESET THE AIR BAG SENSORS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE DISCOUNTED PRICE OF $250. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V178000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) DOES NOT BEGIN UNTIL JULY 31, 2008, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,000.

Mileage: 32,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. AT 27,680 MILES, THE DEALER IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CRASH SENSOR AND TWO WINDOWS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT 27,680 MILES AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V178000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,297. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF UPDATED 07/03/08. *JB

Mileage: 27,680

FRONTAL AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR IS BAD BARLEY OUT OF WARRANTY . I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALOT ON THE INTERNET AND BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BY VOLKSWAGEN'S IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 25,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FRONTAL AIR BAG SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT A FORMAL COMPLAINT WAS NOT MADE WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT IS IN POSSESSION OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,439. CRASH SENSOR.PCO

Mileage: 44,500

THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THE DEALER SAID THE SENSOR WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED REPAIR. THEY SAID THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WITH THE SWITCH INOPERABLE. I PAID BIG$$$ ($391)TO HAVE THIS REPAIR PERFORMED. *TR CRASH SENSOR.PCO

Mileage: 47,062

I OWN A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. IT HAD MULTIPLE FAILURES WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY THAT WERE NEVER PARTICULARLY CORRECTED. WOULD GO OUT AND CAR WOULD NOT START - COMPLETELY DEAD. BATTERIES WERE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED, SOMETHING WITH THE STEREO SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, ETC. THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF TWO YEARS, FROM APPROXIMATELY 2005 TO 2007. I COULD PROVIDE SPECIFICS IF NECESSARY SINCE I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS. IT SOMETIMES HAPPENED WITHIN A WEEK OF GETTING THE CAR BACK FROM THE PREVIOUS "REPAIR." NEEDLESS TO SAY IT HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING, AND WE WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER VW. THE REASON I AM JUST NOW WRITING IS BECAUSE MY LOCAL NEWSPAPER HAD A SMALL PARAGRAPH MENTIONING THAT THE NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING A POSSIBLE CRASH SENSOR MALFUNCTION IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE SENSORS AT MY OWN EXPENSE SINCE THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT FIRST CAME ON IN JUNE 2007 AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT CRASH SENSOR WAS REPLACED. JUST A SHORT TIME LATER, SEPTEMBER 2007, THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE CRASH SENSOR THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THESE REPAIRS COST ME ROUGHLY $1000 OUT OF POCKET. I THINK THE NHTSA WOULD LIKE TO BE AWARE OF THIS AS PART OF THE INVESTIGATION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. PS: WHILE LISTING "FAILURES" BELOW I WILL STICK WITH JUST THE TWO AIRBAG FAILURES AND ONLY PROVIDE INFO ON OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IF REQUESTED TO DO SO. *TR CRASH SENSOR.PCO

Mileage: 31,121

I WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. I WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE AND AVOID A SEMI-TRUCK THAT WAS IN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED BETWEEN 30-40 MPH BUT DID LOSE CONSCIENCE SO AM NOT SURE IF REMEMBER EXACTLY HOW FAST I WAS GOING. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING MY FACE TO SLAM DIRECTLY INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHICH CONTAINED NO PASSENGERS NOR ITEMS DID DEPLOY. I SUFFERED FACIAL FRACTURES AND A BROKEN NOSE. MY FRACTURES HAVE HEALED BUT MY NOSE NEEDS TO BE RECONSTRUCTED. MY CAR WAS SERVICED AT A COLLISION CENTER AND THEN SENT TO THE AUTOBARN IN COUNTRYSIDE, IL WHERE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT USED IN AUGUST OF 2006. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON DEC 27 BUT NO EXPLANATION WAS GIVEN FOR THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO NOT WORKING PROPERLY SO I RETURNED THE CAR FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE A FEW DAYS LATER. THE CAR WAS FINALLY RETURNED TO ME 2 WEEKS LATER WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION BUT STILL NO EXPLANATION FOR THE AIRBAG. UPON LEAVING THE AUTOBARN ON JANUARY 17 WITH MY CAR, THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYED ON WHILE I DROVE ABOUT 10 MILES. I RETURNED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THE LIGHT DID NOT GO ON FOR THEM AND OFFERED AGAIN NO EXPLANATION. *TR

Mileage: 65,056

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONTAL DRIVER SIDE CRASH SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE CRASH SENSOR AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,268 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,278. UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE COST. UPDATED *JB SRS.PCO

Mileage: 39,268

AIR BAG SAFETY SENSOR FOR AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY WENT OUT. AND WAS NOT COVER $591.00. TO REPLACE SENSOR SWITCH. *TR DUP

Mileage: 39,270

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS S DEFECTIVE ,AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES , AND NUMEROUS DIAGNOSTICS WERE PERFORMED. CURRENTLY, THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN FOUND. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE SEPTEMBER 11, 2004. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,500 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,651.*AK SRS.PCO

Mileage: 22,651

I TEST DROVE SEVERAL VW NEW BETTLES PRIOR TO PURCHASING ONE. IN MANY OF THEM THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINED ON. IS THIS A PROBLEM THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF? HAVE THERE BEEN RECALL ON THIS? *JB

Mileage: 56,359

TL* - THE CONTACT'S AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON AFTER THE VEHICLE REACHED 51,000 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER CONTROLLER FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BY THE OWNER AT A COST OF $1000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON DECEMBER 27, 2006, WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ,THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG / CURTAIN DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, BRUISING A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THE WEATHER AT THE TIME THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WAS NICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WANTED TO PURSUE VOLKSWAGEN TO GET AIR BAG REPAIRED AND WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *AK

Mileage: 52,000

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT AREA. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HIT THE CURB. THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID HITTING A LIGHT POLE. THIS DID MINIMIZE THE HITTING OF THE LIGHT POLE. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE ONLY IMPACT ON THE VEHICLE WAS ABOVE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO COOPERATE BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY WILL RESPOND WITHIN 24 HOURS. *AK *NM

Mileage: 20,200

2003 NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE CAR IS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS TURNED ON FOR NO REASON THREE TIMES. (IT STAYS ON.) IN SEPT '04 DEALER REPLACED A CRASH SENSOR; IN OCT '04 DEALER REPLACED THE AIRBAG; IN MAY '05 DEALER REPLACED CRASH SENSOR AGAIN. SRS.PCO

Mileage: 22,450