Side/window Air Bag problems of the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle

Air bag default, light indicator on shows that there is an air bag malfunction in the passenger side air bag. Vw dealership suggested replacement of the air bag for $800. Car is only 6 years old, 65,000km, no accidents. This should be included under warranty.

My wife was involved in an accident in our 2002 vw New Beetle. She was hit in the driver's door. Her head was thrown against the driver's window and her hip was hurt from the door intruding into the cabin. Her neck was hurt also. She was transported to va beach gen. Hospital and given x-rays, a CT scan and a physical exam. Her transport was via ambulance and she was extricated through the passenger door on a backboard with a neck brace. We believe her injuries are at least in part due to her side airbag not deploying. We have contacted vw of America and provided them information and photos of the automobile. Vw has informed us that vw's stand is that it accepts no responsibility because the damage did not fall within their specs per the diagram in the owners manual. Our position is it absolutely does fall within their guidelines as witnessed by the photos. We also offered them a 30 day period that the insurance company would hold the vehicle for inspection and they said they were not interested in examining the car and as far as vw America was concerned the matter was closed. We believe vw should be help liable for my wife's medical bills at a minimum and that they should inspect the vehicle for defects in the airbag system. The automobile was a total loss and will not be repaired.