Two problems related to air bag light on have been reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Past year: auto door locks failed, could not open either front door; transmission failed, exhaust system rusted out, headlights out, signals out, wheel bearings need replaced, air bag light stays on, have not been able to drive car in nearly 1 year, required nearly $5000 worth of damage.
Air bag indicator light would not go off. Diganostic performed by dealer revealed that ignitor was bad. After some discussion, dealer agreed to pay for air bag if I paid for labor. Although I agreed, I was suprised to hear that airbags do not fall under the same warranty requirments as seat belts. Although I'm thankful that vw agreed to cover the $600 for the airbag, I do not believe I should have to cover the $100 in labor for a safety device on a vehicle that is less than 3 years old and less than 50,000 miles.