Air Bag Problems of Volkswagen Beetle - part 1

The contact's son owned a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle turbocharged. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 mph during early evening hours, he traveled over black ice in the road, which caused the vehicle to spin around several times before crashing into the guardrail and concrete wall several times, striking the front and rear of the vehicle, where it eventually came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. There was no reported fire. The front passenger side occupant sustained a severe concussion. The driver sustained a spinal curvature injury and a severe concussion. Medical attention was received, and both occupants were seen at a hospital. There were no warning lights illuminated before or after the failure. The police were on the scene, but it was unknown if a police report was filed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 08v178000 (air bags). The contact spoke with the sheriff, who referred to a lawyer. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact was notified of the crash through the 360 app. A local dealer was able to be located. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000. The VIN was not available.

See all problems of the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

My local dealers still do not have the parts for the recall 24v834. It has been a year since the recall. What am I supposed to do?.

See all problems of the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I purchased a 2016 vw Beetle, used, in March of 2025. Over the past few weeks, I have received multiple urgent messages from volkswagon that I need to have the airbag fixed. The communications say there is a high risk of death or serious injury and urge me to my have the repair done ASAP. They have sent multiple mailings to me and made several phone calls to my home. I am doing everything in my power to get this fixed. I have called all the local dealerships within a 50 mile radius, but they do not have the appropriate parts in stock, and have no idea when parts will be available. I am told that the car is safe to drive (which is the exact opposite of what the mailings say) and they tell me to simply "call back in a month". I have also tried calling customer service at volkswagon hq, as well as the 800 numbers on my mailings. No luck. This is not acceptable. With such a dangerous issue, how can this be allowed? these cars need to be fixed. . . . . Many volkswagon owners are trying to get them fixed. . . . But volkswagon is just shrugging their shoulders and saying there is nothing they can do. I'm attaching a copy of the message I received in the mail just this week. You can see how urgent they have indicated this is. They mailed it out knowing they do not have the parts available to do my repairs. They scare us that we'll be killed if we don't get the repair done immediately, yet when I call to schedule my repair, all I get is "sorry, we can't help you. ".

See all problems of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v785000 (air bags). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that the air bag needed for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called two other dealers, Volkswagen jackson service (5320 interstate 55 north frontage rd), and harper Volkswagen parts & service (9901 kingston pike, knoxville, TN 37922), who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

See all problems of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

See all problems of the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while driving 40-50 mph, the vehicle started jerking and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The towing agent informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a major fuel leak. The mechanic replaced an unknown part with a part purchased from a Volkswagen dealer. The contact stated that the fuel leak was corrected; however, an unknown repair needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The kia dealer the vehicle was purchased from, was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing and repair. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

The safety recall with the driver’s air bag still does not have a remedy available to fix the problem. My safety is at risk every time this vehicle is driven. Nothing has occurred, but this needs to be rectified immediately.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

See all problems of the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

My car is subject to the takata air bag recall. Due to the age of the vehicle, and the hot climate where I live (California), I am in fear for my safety especially with summer around the corner. "the old farmer's almanac forecasts a "scorcher" with hotter-than-normal temperatures across most of the u. S. , including California. " originally, I had a service appointment for 2024 but there was a shortage of parts. I showed up for my next appointment 6/4/25 to have the service done and was told that the parts are on back order nationally until at least September. Due to the nature of my situation, my case was escalated to their rcm where I was told that nothing could be done. I asked about a loaner vehicle or a rental reimbursement until the parts arrive and they told me it was not possible. I find this to be extremely unreasonable given the severity of the recall. There are deaths and serious injuries linked to this defect and I am in constant fear when I drive my vehicle. No one should have to knowingly take this kind of risk every time they commute to work. I have spoken to multiple agents and have reached a dead end. I hope that a solution can be found for my case.

I have been trying to get the recall fixed since I purchased my vehicle in July 2023. For nearly two years, I have received repeated letters from Volkswagen urging me to have the recall addressed. However, despite calling every two months to schedule an appointment, I am always told that the part is unavailable and that they have no estimated date for its arrival. I'm continually advised to call back in another two months. Last month, after calling dealerships more than ten times since purchasing the vehicle, I contacted vw customer service directly. They referred me to the macon dealership, assuring me that they would assist in booking an appointment. Unfortunately, after speaking with macon, I was once again told to call back—this time in October—when they might receive the necessary part. I am moving back to canada at the end of August, and despite nearly two years of effort, my vehicle remains unrepaired. I am extremely dissatisfied with this situation, especially considering the severity of the issue. I live in georgia, where the climate is hot and humid, and I avoid driving the vehicle out of fear that the airbag could deploy dangerously. Volkswagen has failed to support me through this process, and I am left with a potentially unsafe vehicle and no resolution in sight.

I live on hawai?I island and my 2013 Volkswagen Beetle convertible (VIN [xxx] ) has an open federal airbag safety recall. Volkswagen informed me there is no authorized vw dealer or recall facility on hawai?I island, and that I must ship my vehicle to o?ahu at my own expense to complete this federally required safety repair. Vw has only offered to reimburse 25% of the inter-island shipping cost, leaving me responsible for the majority of the expense. Because vw does not maintain an authorized recall facility within reasonable driving access, this places an unreasonable burden on me as the owner and effectively restricts my ability to obtain the free remedy required under federal law. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance to verify whether Volkswagen is meeting its obligation under 49 u. S. C. §30120 to provide reasonable access to a free safety recall remedy for owners who do not have a local authorized facility. I am willing to provide documentation of vw’s response and the shipping quotes required to complete the recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I’m filing this complaint regarding the takata airbag recall on my 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. I took my vehicle to the dealership, but they informed me that the replacement part is on national backorder with no clear timeframe for availability. I called Volkswagen customer care on April 3, 2025 and spoke with a representative named dawn (case #[xxx]). I was told that no loaner vehicles or rental assistance are being provided to customers, and that I should continue driving my vehicle despite the recall. While the representative did not explicitly say the car is unsafe to drive, I expressed concern about the risk, and was told the recommendation is to drive it anyway. I feel this response is inadequate and potentially dangerous, especially considering the known severity of takata airbag failures. I am unable to afford a rental on my own, and I believe Volkswagen should offer temporary transportation or accommodations to affected owners until parts are available. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I've owned this car for nearly two years. On April 3, 2025, I took my car to niello vw. A service person told me he'd just had a vw Beetle with the same problem, just the passenger's side. Since there was nothing jamming the glide rails, there was no reason for the seat to be stuck. I took the car to a car upholstery shop because they specialize in removing car seats. The person had a hard time removing my seat, but he did. He said one of metal teeth like glides or steel buttons was broke. There are three on each side of the car seat. It was only on the right side of the driver's seat. The driver's seat is stuck and unable to be adjusted to the driver's leg length. There was nothing jammed in the lock that caused this to be stuck. I have owned 4 vw Beetles and I've never had a problem like this. It's very expensive about $1000 to repair. Mine is 2018 vw Beetle. I should not have a problem like this. I am reporting this because other vw Beetle owners have had to same problem. I did have the air bags repaired a recall.

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was blinking. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called two other local dealers: karmart maui—kahului (411 huku lii pl, kihei, hi 96753), and tony Volkswagen (94-1299 ka uka blvd, waipahu, hi 96797). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer offered to assist with shipping, but the shipper declined to ship the vehicle with a recall and the warning light being illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 43,800. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact's wife owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact’s wife received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

This complaint involves the failure of the abs control module. Upon starting the car, audible warnings as well as dash warning lights indicate urgent brake failure, abs failure, airbag failure and stability control failure. In my particular case, the rear brake calipers do not activate fully when braking resulting in increased stopping distance. Vehicle was scanned at dealer on 11/16/24 indicating failure of abs control module. Repair estimate, $5379. This is apparently a common issue when searching on-line vw forums. The abs module was the subject of a recall for 2009 and 2010 models but appears to still affect later model years. Vw is forcing its customers to choose between an exorbitant repair bill or driving an unsafe vehicle knowing they have installed defective modules. Dealer states unable to predict future brake and other issues if not repaired. Evidence of how common this problem occurs is their own admission that the parts are back ordered.

See all problems of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that his wife had driven the vehicle, and upon restarting, the airbag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the traction control and abs warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him the light was on due to an unknown sensor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA campaign number: 20v785000 (air bags) routine maintenance and for a flush and fill, radiator, and coolant fan motor. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred the contact to another local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v834000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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.

See all problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident due to the seat belt buckle malfunctioning. When he callez dublin Volkswagen to get the part to fix this issue, they stated that Volkswagen does not make the part anymore. This is a major safety concern because myself and anyone else needs this part to drive safely.

See all problems of the 2006 Volkswagen Beetle 🔎.

Unknown. I bought this vehicle used but I am concerned for my safety and that of any passengers I may ever have in the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Dealer unable to perform recall 22v945. Unable to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner. Lack of parts. On a waiting list with no eta for repair.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the contact had to pay for another repair that was stopping the dealer from completing the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and determined that the contact will have to pay out of pocket for the original recall repair to be performed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

We have been attempting to have the car in for this recall - however both the dealership and regional office have said the 'repair is not available' how long does a mfg have to start making repairs under a recall (69em) we have been patiently waiting over a year. Please advise.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bag) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v945000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.