Two problems related to side/window air bag have been reported for the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle based on all problems reported for the 2000 New Beetle.
Airbag system malfunction: airbag (srs) system warning light illuminated in the instrumental panel, originally on 9/24/2001. Vw dealer stated driver's seat side airbag needed replacement due to an internal cause and was replaced on 10/2/2001 at 15365 miles. Airbag light illuminated again and system was serviced on 4/8/2003 where vw dealer repaired connection under driver's seat at 36405 miles. Recently, airbag light illuminated again and was serviced on 10/13/2008. The driver's seat was removed and dealer repaired connection to driver's seat side airbag at 111370 miles. If this problem were not repaired, the driver's seat side airbag would not have deployed in the event of a side collision. Vw dealer stated that numerous vw New Beetles have had air bag connection repairs for the driver's seat side airbag. Vw dealer stated they put an "extension" on the connecting wire and this problem shouldn't occur again. Again, vw dealer stated the air bag system connection under the driver's side front seat appears to be a recurring problem. This concerns me because there is a recurring connection problem with the airbag system, which diminishes the air bag system?s safety and reliability during a collision. Vw should recall and repair New Beetles with this airbag connection problem so that the airbag system will no longer malfunction due to a faulty wire connection. My local vw dealer stated the problem was remedied with a new ?extension? part and the problem should no longer occur. If I had three malfunctions with my vehicle?s airbag system and my local dealer recognized this is a problem in my area, this may be a widespread, recurring problem among New Beetles. Vw New Beetle owners should be officially notified of this potential safety problem with the airbag system so that the proper repair can be made to the airbag system to ensure the safety of the driver in the event of a side collision.
No deployment of both drivers and passenger side impact air bags possible resulted in the death of the driver robert mcgary. Nlm.