Two problems related to side/window 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's air bag warning light turned on after the vehicle reached 51,000 miles. The contact took vehicle to a Volkswagen dealer and was told that the computer controller for the air bag system needed to be replaced by the owner at a cost of $1000. The contact stated that on December 27, 2006, while driving at 55 mph ,the right side passenger's air bag / curtain deployed for no reason, bruising a passenger in the car. The weather at the time the air bag deployed was nice. The contact stated that he wanted to pursue Volkswagen to get air bag repaired and working properly. The contact stated that Volkswagen should pay for the repair.
While driving at 20 mph consumer's vehicle crashed into the rear end of another vehicle. Consumer was wearing a seat belt that did not lock up. Also, passenger's side airbag deployed, but driver's side air bag did not. Consumer sustained minor bruises to the chest and head.