Two problems related to air bag have been reported for the 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle based on all problems reported for the 2003 New Beetle.
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen beetle. The contact stated while driving and making a left hand turn the consumer heard a loud popping sound from the right front area. The consumer lost control of the vehicle; applied the brakes and hit the curb. The consumer began to accelerate to avoid hitting a light pole. This did minimize the hitting of the light pole. Upon impact, the front air bags deployed. The only impact on the vehicle was above the right front tire. The service dealer was not willing to cooperate because there was nothing to determine the cause of the accident. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer, and they will respond within 24 hours.
Powertrain problems-- vehicle has tiptronic. Intermittent failure shifting from automatic to tiptronic manual functionality. In addition, passenger frontal airbag failed within the first week of purchase of the vehicle. Multiple service related complaints.