2001 Volkswagen Beetle: airbag warning light

Filed Sep 28, 2016 · Airbags, Seat belts · 70,000 miles · IL

Air bag light came on and stayed on. Car shop said the seat belt switch assembly failed, and needed to be replaced. If there was a crash, the seat belt would not lock and the driver would be thrown into the air bag.

Filed Jan 20, 2011 · Airbags · 60,000 miles · OH

Air bag light came on due to a faulty seat belt buckle.

Filed Dec 11, 2010 · Airbags, Seat belts · 86,000 miles · VA

The state of virginia requires vehicle inspections, one item requires that dash warning lights for seat belt and airbags operate correctly. Our 2001 vw beetle has an airbag warning light that would not go out. The vw dealer charged $100 to diagnose the fact that the driver's seat belt (micro chip) was the culprit and for another $500 the problem could be corrected. Feeling this dealer was trying to "rip me off" I searched the internet for information on this problem. There are literally thousands of comments from owners of vw cars with the same complaint. I contacted volkswagen of america, customer care advocate, for information on this safety item and inquired why the excessive charge from their dealers. A simple reply was returned saying they did not see a need for a recall to correct a recurring problem. The problem is that if the sensor does not believe the seat belt is fastened, the airbag will not deploy in a crash. I wish to add my voice to the many complaints I found in the federal safety agency web site regarding volkswagen of america's disregard for the lives of their customers, so their dealers can make money from a repeated correction to this problem. At your request I will provide facts, documents, and evidence concerning my complaint.

Filed Mar 7, 2009 · Airbags · 70,423 miles · VA

The checkered flag vabeach va dealership actually told me my check engine light was on because of a malfunction of an airbag fuse. If this is true, the airbag light does not work on 2001 new beetles. I suggest you follow up on this dealership for faulty information and consumer negligence . All they did was reset the code in the computer. T. Forgey, customer

Filed Aug 11, 2008 · Airbags · 151,000 miles · PA

Air bag warning light - the light went on immediately after I adjusted my seat. I do not know if I have functioning air bags or an idiot light malfunction. I own 2001 vw new beetle. As I understand it, this issue happens a lot with vw jettas and new beetles 2000- 2004. There is a forum named freds tdi where you will note several complaints and issues. Apparently you cannot just clear the faulty code. Vw should make sure these devices are not malfunctioning. If the code was erroneously cleared the driver/passengers would be unaware if air bag is operational.

Filed Mar 6, 2008 · Airbags · 38,000 miles · CA

The airbag light on the vehicle seems to be on all the time, there has been no reason for the light to be illuminated, the vehicle has not been in an accident. Apparently this airbag requires replacement at least once a year. It is possible that while the airbag light is on the vehicle will not deploy airbags in a crash. I have talked with several owners of vw beatles and all have had this problem. The last thing that should fail in a vehicle should be the airbag, and replacement is very expensive at $300 once a year. Replacement of a relay seems to repair the issue for a few months but is not a permanent repair as the symptoms return. Due to the fact that the vehicle odbc computer system will not display codes this cannot be repaired by non-manufacturer autoshops. Vw owners could really use some help here please look at the following site http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=205721&highlight=airbag for a listing of some of these problems.

Filed Sep 14, 2007 · Airbags · 88,540 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen new beetle. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer stated that the air bag switch was connected to the seat belt, which caused the light to illuminate. The air bag was not covered under the warranty. The repair costs were over $500. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 88,540. * updated 12/12/07 *bf updated 12/12/07

Filed Dec 25, 2006 · Airbags · 37,000 miles · NY

Air bag light on for 2nd time since aug 2006 when car was bought used. Newbeetle.org members all have had the same problem and I keep getting charged to read code and turn off the light because it's an "intermittent" code. I'm tired of driving around a vehicle knowing the air bags will not deploy if I get into an accident.

Filed Dec 19, 2006 · Airbags · 49,175 miles · IL

Air bag light came on. Took to dealer. The driver side airbag is defective and needs replaced. For $780 they replaced the airbag and wiring harness. This airbag was defective and should be replaced under warranty. This is a life safety issue and volkswagen is responsible!

Filed Dec 19, 2006 · Airbags · 49,175 miles · IL

Air bag light came on. Took to dealer. The driver side airbag is defective and needs replaced. For $780 they replaced the airbag and wiring harness. This airbag was defective and should be replaced under warranty. This is a life safety issue and volkswagen is responsible!

Filed Jul 14, 2006 · Airbags · 23,375 miles · CA

2001 volkswagen beetle airbag warning light suddenly illuminated. *kb the dealer determined the air bag was defective, however no repairs were performed, because the warranty had expired.

Filed Jan 26, 2006 · Airbags · NC

Air bag dashboard light came on. Only a volkswagen dealer has the equipment to diagnose the problem and tell me what needs to be done. The dealer will not look at my car unless I give them $100. Is this not price gouging? No automobile diagnosis with that expensive. It will not take but a few minutes to hook the computer up to the car and spit out a reason for the airbag light. So, I can pay them $100 to tell me what the problem is or I can ride around without airbags. This type of extortion should not be allowed.