Two problems related to air bag on-off switch have been reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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??.
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.