Table 1 shows two common air bag related problems of the 2004 Volkswagen R32.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Side/window Air Bag problems | |
| Air Bag Knee Bolster problems |
I bought a 2004 Volkswagen R32 around November of 08 and all was okay, I noticed one day about 2 weeks later when putting my seat on the drivers side back to driving position the airbag fault light came on immediately. I do know others that the airbag light has come on due to improper wiring length as well (around 12-15 others on the vw R32 forums. When you move the seat forwards and backwards enough the wire will become tight and eventually pull out of the airbag igniter. This topic is on every Volkswagen forum from here to germany. Other vw's with seat airbags have the same problem I have discovered. I hope to hear back from you soon as I would not like to get in an accident and have the airbag not deploy. I would be shocked if vw just let this continue into the future, the 2008 R32's have the same problem I've learned. Please help me!!.
The outer seat bolster seam of the driver's seat which retains the side air bag has split along a length of approximately 18 inches. I am concerned that this will adversely affect the operation of the side air bag should it discharge. It is my understanding that this is a not uncommon occurrence on this car and model as well as many others. The strength of the thread must be such that it will part when required to allow the side air bag to provide protection but not be so frail that it will split in normal use involving entering and leaving the seat of the car. Expert auto upholstery technicians are reluctant to repair the seat as the proper thread and stitch required is not clear and they fear liability should the side air bag not discharge as designed. Replacing the seat upholstery is prohibitively costly.