Front Air Bag Sensor Control problems of the 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the air bags:frontal:sensor/control module failed and needed to be replaced. One year prior to the failure, the contact replaced the frontal air bag sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but a formal complaint was not made with the manufacturer. The contact is in possession of the failed component. The failure mileage was 44,500 and current mileage was 45,439. Crash sensor. Pco.

The air bag warning light is illuminated. I had it checked out and the dealer said the sensor was broken and needed repair. They said the air bag would not activate with the switch inoperable. I paid big$$$ ($391)to have this repair performed. Crash sensor. Pco.

I own a 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle convertible. It had multiple failures while still under warranty that were never particularly corrected. Would go out and car would not start - completely dead. Batteries were replaced, alternator was replaced, something with the stereo system was replaced, etc. This happened many times over the course of two years, from approximately 2005 to 2007. I could provide specifics if necessary since I have all receipts. It sometimes happened within a week of getting the car back from the previous "repair. " needless to say it has been very frustrating, and we will never purchase another vw. The reason I am just now writing is because my local newspaper had a small paragraph mentioning that the NHTSA is investigating a possible crash sensor malfunction in the airbag system. I have had to replace both of the sensors at my own expense since the car is no longer under warranty. The airbag indicator light first came on in June 2007 and the driver's side front crash sensor was replaced. Just a short time later, September 2007, the airbag indicator light came on again. This time they told me it was the passenger side crash sensor that need to be replaced. These repairs cost me roughly $1000 out of pocket. I think the NHTSA would like to be aware of this as part of the investigation. Thank you very much. While listing "failures" below I will stick with just the two airbag failures and only provide info on other electrical problems if requested to do so. Crash sensor. Pco.

I test drove several vw new bettles prior to purchasing one. In many of them the air bag light indicator remained on. Is this a problem that you are aware of? have there been recall on this?.