Air Bag Light On Problems of Volkswagen Beetle - part 2

1999 vw Beetle. Airbag light came on randomly and won't turn off. Vw repair shop told me it would be $99 to diagnose the problem and a few hundred dollars to replace/fix the issue. The car has not been involved in an accident. Nothing has been done to fix the issue. It is a safety issue because I'm essentially driving around with no airbags. I refuse to pay that much money for something that multiple people have reported the issue about. Should be a recall.

See all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

Seat belt/air bag light came on. Took to local, qualified mechanic. They said only vw dealer could fix and reset. Dealer said it was lower seat belt harness ($380), but could be more (above $800) and the service writer encouraged us to do the more expensive work. Told them to do the harness and see if light would go out, which it did. Light came back on around 12/10/2010 at approximately 79,000 miles. Just prior to this, we purchased another vw Beetle, a 2003 convertible with 69,500 miles with the seat belt/airbag light on. Seller said he could not get it fixed by his mechanic and had to have vw dealer repair it for around "$380", maybe more. Since he made other repairs, we let it go. Now we have two to fix at the mercy of the vw dealer. My concerns are several: 1. This is a recurring problem for us and for numerous others (vw Beetle forum) 2. The repairs can only be completed by a high cost vw dealer and the computer reset by them only 3. The materials appear to be deficient/defective and the engineering of the harness/wiring system substandard 4. Repairs need to be made in the 60-85,000 mile range - a contrived maintenance/repair item that brings windfall revenue/profit to vw dealers in the $400-1,000 range per occurrence when many of the cars are worth only $4,000-7,000. 5. Since it is a basic safety item and we don't know if the airbag system works or not, we are forced to repair this problem because it makes us appear as if we are negligent when in fact this problem should not exist and be covered by the manufacturer like emission systems to well past 100-150,000 miles. In summary, vw has colluded with its dealers to create this situation and allow this "repair" to emerge as a way to generate revenues and profits on cars that would normally not have a reason to be brought in to a vw dealer. It is non-competitive, fraudulent and unnecessary.

See all problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

Vw Beetle, air bag light continues to malfunction for my 2004 model. I've taken the car for repair for at least 4-times in the past 4-years. I believe the initial recall # 03v3s6000 was never corrected and company is not concerned in fixing it ever.

See all problems of the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

Airbag light came on and stays on constantly on a 2000 Beetle. There are too many complaints about the problem wiring under the seat causing the airbag light to stay on. . . This should be the subject of a recall investigation!.

See all problems of the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

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 suppossably 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.

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.

I own a 2002 Beetle. It has 55,000 miles on it. Two months ago the air bag light came on and won't go off. Now, the turn signals won't work. To add to this once in awhile the sun roof will open on it's own!!! the dealer said it will cost about $650 to fix. This is not the first time with electrical problems with this car. The complete lighting system went out, the security door lock system stopped, the rear brake lights quit working, both windows have stopped going up and down. A couple of times the engine won't start and three times it will just shut down while driving. This car has a mind of it's own. Luckily no one has been hurt yet. Some of this has been recalled and some not.

The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the front driver's side air bag failed and the warning indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the entire driver's side air bag was inoperable and the sensor failed. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 08v178000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module), although the failures were identical. The failure and current mileages were less than 53,000.

See all problems of the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

Airbag light came on dash in late July. Vw dealer contacted to see if safety hazard, told no. Received recall letter from vw one month later for airbag sensor. Called dealer to see if urgent safety matter. Told no, come in at our leisure. One week later, airbag deployed while driving on the highway in rush hour traffic when hit minor bump in the road.

I have a vw new Beetle and the airbag light came on took my car to the dealer and they say it's not their problem and they want to charge 700 dollars to fix it but the car is expensive.

The airbag light on the vehicle seems to be on all the time, there has been no reason for the light to be illuminated, the vehicle has not been in an accident. Apparently this airbag requires replacement at least once a year. It is possible that while the airbag light is on the vehicle will not deploy airbags in a crash. I have talked with several owners of vw beatles and all have had this problem. The last thing that should fail in a vehicle should be the airbag, and replacement is very expensive at $300 once a year. Replacement of a relay seems to repair the issue for a few months but is not a permanent repair as the symptoms return. Due to the fact that the vehicle odbc computer system will not display codes this cannot be repaired by non-manufacturer autoshops. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

I have a 2002 vw Beetle. I had an airbag light come on 3 years ago. I had it fixed once. About 6 months later the light came back on and I was told that the propblem may continue. I did not have it fixed again. I am now reading that this is a common problem. Why has this not been recalled?.

The contact owns a 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving 55 mph the contact depressed the brake pedal and the air bag light illuminated. The light remained illuminated , and vehicle was currently at a repair shop. The current mileage is 89,000 , and failure mileage was 87,000.

Air bag light has been on for about 3 weeks. Not sure what it means.

The airbag light came on in 2005. The dealer said the driver's airbag had to be replaced. Approximately 1 year later, the light came on again. This time the dealer said they "fixed" it. I don't know what they did. In January 2007, the airbag light came on again. I don't know what to do now. I'm worried that my airbags won't work in a collision because I don't know what the dealer is doing and they can't tell me what the continuing problem is.

Air bag light came on. Took to dealer. The driver side airbag is defective and needs replaced. For $780 they replaced the airbag and wiring harness. This airbag was defective and should be replaced under warranty. This is a life safety issue and Volkswagen is responsible!.

Air bag light came on. Took to dealer. The driver side airbag is defective and needs replaced. For $780 they replaced the airbag and wiring harness. This airbag was defective and should be replaced under warranty. This is a life safety issue and Volkswagen is responsible!.

I am the original owner of this 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. On July 30, 2001 (mileage 20013) I complained to my dealership that the air bag light was on all the time while driving. They reconnected the wire under the drivers seat stating it was loose, poor fit. On November 15, 2002 (mileage 33164) I complained again that the air bag light was on all the time. They inspected and found two misc. Codes reset and tested, said all is ok at this time. On September 3, 2003 (mileage 41463)I complained that the air bag light was on all the time, again. Dealership tested and said I needed d/d air bag, harness and seat belt replaced at a cost of $675. 00. I declined repair and called Volkswagen. On November 5, 2003 vw said they would repair this problem free of charge for customer "goodwill". On July 19, 2005 (mileage 61130) I complained that the air bag light was once again on all the time. Dealership repositioned connector for drivers side air bag and stated if it comes on again will need new air bag. On November 20, 2006 (mileage 73661) once again I complained that the air bag light was on all the time while driving. I was told I needed a new drivers seat air bag, harness with rewire to control at a cost of $1040. Once again I called Volkswagen and this time I was told sorry, there is nothing they can do to help me. This has been an on going problem with my vehicle and specifically a huge safety issue. Please advise if there is any help you are able to offer.

I purchased my vw Beetle in 2005 with the carfax - no accidents or major repairs. Within months, the engine light and airbag light came on. The windows stopped working. I've probably spent more than what I paid for it. I just spent over $1800 at vw springfield in virginia and the engine light is back on again after only a few months. In addition, the transmission codes were discovered by other repair shops, but they told me I had to go to the dealership for the repair. Neither vw springfield or vw woodbridge ever checked the transmission. In fact, woodbridge told me to trade it in and purchase a new one from them. Some kind of light or problem occurs in my car every time I've taken my car to this dealership and vw woodbridge in virginia. They continue to claim that it is a different problem every time with the same components. What is the purpose for diagnostics? every time I take my car to any of the vw dealership, I will have to bring the car in multiple times within months. Something is not right. Hundreds of people are complaining about the same issues, and no one is investigating this. It appears that vw is being protected from selling us poorly made vehicles with hefty repair costs, because it doesn't make since that it's the same problem for hundreds, perhaps thousands of people. Is it that these repairs are major and brake lights aren't. A recall for these vehicles from 99 on should be processed. The fact that vw was in the news recently as selling people cars they knew had engine, airbag, abs, transmission, electrical, and window major problems is astonishing, because nothing is being done. I'm disgusted with Volkswagen and they should be held accountable for all this. I understand that the economic situation, but people are in just as much a situation as manufacturing companies. We don't have the money to keep giving away to vw. It's a moral shame.

Why would I have so much trouble trying to get my Volkswagen airbag light for safer driving. Cannot order the correct parts.

The airbag light, among other things, in our 2004 new Beetle has come on approximately 10 times in three years. Each time, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and supposedly fixed, but without fail, the light came back on each time. The seatbelt buckle was changed, connections were secured, they said it was shorted (guided fault findings, bumper cover removed, seat removed), and others. I have all copies of service records. After all these service visits, the airbag light is still on and we are very concerned that the airbag system is not working correctly and could cause serious damage and may not deploy correctly during an accident. I heard there was an investigation being conduct on the 2004 new Beetles and wanted to let you know of our experience. Crash sensor. Pco.

Purchased 2005 vw Beetle with 7,300 miles assured full warranty. . . . Guaranteed paint on front bumper would be corrected. . . Did it twice still peeling off. . . . Electric windows repaired twice. . . . Began making noises when weather was damp. . . Took it to be checked out and was assured it would not always happen but normal. . . Told them transmission seemed to be slipping. . . . One headlight had a short, and then recall on brakelight. . . They did repair that. . . But informed me that was all they had time to do that do due to recall. . . Gas cap cover was sticking as well. . . Didn't fix it either. . . . Then my air bag light came on. . . Took it in for recall on that . . . After it was supposedly fixed airbag light did not go off, insisted it had nothing to do with sensor that was recalled. . . Noise in front end began and floorboard flooded during heavy rain. . . . With no obvious entry point. . . . Did search for problems with vw Beetles and there are thousands having the very same problems I have been experiencing. . . . Now heat gauge light comes off and on, alarm randomly sounds. . . . . But noise in front end concerns me greatly. . . Would not even diagnose car without $98 bucks an hour labor charge to find problems. . . . This car only has 34,952 miles on it and it is falling apart. . . No way can all these problems be fixed and me make payments. . . . But thousands are having these very same problems. . . Why has our government not insisted on a recall. . . . .

The air bag light illuminated while driving at 55 mph. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. Diagnostic test showed that the passenger's air bag was defective, and the problem was not covered under a recall.

I just traded for a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle diesel for use at my dealership due to the excellent fuel mileage. The air bag light was illuminated when I purchased the vehicle. The previous owner stated the vehicle had been at the local vw dealer and the dealership personell did not mention the light as being a problem. I carried the vehicle to a local service facility for routine service and asked them to determine the reason for the air bag light being on. They reported that the sensor on the passenger side was defective. I carried the vehicle to the dealer in asheville. They reported that the air bag in the passengers side was defective. I authorized them to replace it at a cost of $566. 28. I called vw and the lady stated that they could not reimburse me for the repair since I was not a customer of vw. My company is the customer and it purchased the vehicle for company use. The air bag was defective. Why should my company have to pay for a defective safety product?.

Drive time sold me a car that had the air bag light on, and said they were going to fix it, but they never did, now they have changed management and the person who promissed to repair is no longer there, leaving me in a position where the new manager says that the cost to fix the problem is not covered by their business. The car spent a week and a half on their repair shop, and nothing was fixed, my dash was scratched from the outside and they broke a piece between the seats.

See all problems of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

Consistent problem with air bag light and engine light comimg on/off while driving vehicle at any speed. Dealer inspected vehicle, and stated that air sensor failed.

While traveling on the highway air bag light appeared on the dashboard and will not go off until the vehicle is shut down.

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning air bag light appeared on the dashboard. Air bag light will not go off until the vehicle is turned off.

I have a 2000 Volkswagen bettle and since the car has had about 30000 miles I have had problems with the air bag system. According to Volkswagen the problem is the wiring for the air bags is located under the seats and because of this I have had the air bag light reset 2or 3 times finally they said I would need a wire harness installed so I paid a couple hundred dollars for that to be done in Aug 2003 now the air bag light is on again every time the light comes on it causes the air bag systme to shutdown this is a big saftey issue since 2/3 rds of the time the car has been on the road the airbag light is on I found out this is a problem with the Beetle and they installed the harness on the new ones to fix this well I had that installed and it is broken again I called vw and they want me to pay another 95 for a diognostic plus and then they will decide if they will repair it at no cost this should be a recalled item it plagues the Beetle and it is a saftey issue and I cant keep paying for the same repair please help me.

The airbag light illuminated.

The vehicle hit a pot hole and the airbag light illuminated. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer who stated they would fix it so the light would not come on, and stated that the right passenger airbag had a leak in it. Consumer was later involved in a front end collision and none of the airbags deployed.

The air bag light in the vehicle was coming on and staying on. The dealer has replaced the air bags four times. After the last time, the light continued to come on. The dealer could not find the problem, but simply reset the air bag light. The manufacturer is aware of the problem.

While driving , the air bag light illuminated on the dashboard.

Air bag light stays illuminated, causing consumer to take vehicle to dealer for the fourth time. Problem is not intermittent, light stays on until it is fixed. Dealer was notified. Please provide additional information.