Front Air Bag Sensor Control problems of the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle

Nine problems related to front air bag sensor control have been reported for the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle based on all problems reported for the 2002 New Beetle.

1 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2010

Drivers side seat belt latch sensor failure causes airbag error light on the dash to come on. Dealer states that when the light is on the airbags are disabled. Seems like an unnecessary sensor. . . When the car is in use wouldn't that mean that someone is in the drivers seat? $500 to fix.

2 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2010

Failed airbag wiring - dealer says its related to a seat sensor - light on dash came on at 62,000 miles has 108,000 currently.

3 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2008

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen beetle. The driver's side air bag light has remained illuminated in the vehicle for over 1 1/2 years. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer numerous times and they stated that the driver's side seat belt and sensor caused the failure. Through research, the contact discovered that a newer model might have a recall for this same issue. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000 and current mileage was 107,000. Updated 09/11/09 updated 09/14/09.

4 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2007

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that the air bag light remained illuminated. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the scan dtc found that the driver's buckle resistance was set too high. The first time the failure occurred and was repaired was on April 6, 2005. The current and failure mileages were 52,000.

5 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2006

The airbag warning light came on for no apparent reason. Diagnosed as bad passenger side airbag crash sensor. Had to be replaced at expense to me.

6 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2006

Air bag light will not go off--forum says may air bags may not work with light on. It seems to be a major problem with vw bugs for years. Should be a recall.

7 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2006

The airbag light on my 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is on. The car has 52,000 miles on it. The dealer wants to charge me $400. 00 to repair. It cost $150. 00 to find out that it is the airbag pigtail-1j0971584j and spiral reel-1j0959653c.

8 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 09/04/2004

Transmission replaced three times, still not working properly, lunges into forward and reverse, and will drop into and out of high and low gear when driving. Sunroof leaked because the drainage tubing was not connected at factory causing water damage to leather seats and now mold is growing inside of vehicle, making it difficult to be inside and have had one sinus infection already.

9 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2003

Seatbelt air bag sensor- air bag malfunction light came on 11/8/03 took the car to the dealership they ordered the part. Both headlights were not working by the time I got to the dealer, they replaced those, turn signals were going on and off along with the hazard lights, was told these needed to be ordered. Called in 2 weeks and was told the parts were on manufacture backorder and they would call me when they came in. I called every 2 weeks they part were not in. 3/3/04 smog test done to register my car- failed smog, took car to dealer cat converter out, they had to order part said they would reorder the sensor, 3/12/04 took car back in parts not in yet, called every day parts not in now my registration was late. Cat converter came in on 4/2/04 it was installed dealer was refusing to smog test for free the finally did but would not pay the fees for my registration being late. Called again every 2 weeks parts did not come in. 6/30/04 went in other parts on the car were braking off, emergency brake handle broken, display lights not working, cup holder broken, again they had to order parts, and they never came in. 8/18/04 air conditioning stoped blowing cold air, made appt online for 8/23/04 took car in, none of the parts ordered are in again. Service stated my air conditioning is not covered because of a hole in the condensor even though my warranty states it is covered they refused to fix it and tried to charge me $95. 00 for finding the hole, I refused to pay after all I have been waiting since November for several parts including a saftey issue, the dealer service has been the worst I dealt with in 25 years of driving. I have sent emails, phone calls and faxes to the dealer regarding all my complaints and have not received a response.


Other Air Bag related problems of the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle


Fuel Economy of New Beetle Vehicles
New Beetle Service Bulletins
New Beetle Safety Recalls