This vehicle was subject to a recall for the air bag sensors. We had previously had the sensors replaced (the vehicle was just out of warranty based on time). VW refused ultimately reimbursed us for the repairs and replacement of the sensors. In January of 2011 the air bag light came on. The dealer charged a fee to do a diagnostic test. They determined that the light was due to the failure of the driver side seat belt buckle, and the fact that the battery was discharged and needed to be repaired. They wanted approximately $480 to replace the seat belt buckle, and $245 to replace the battery. I called VW customer service and they agreed to replace the buckle for no charge, but would do nothing about the battery. VW opened a case # 110006836 and regional manager lisa was the contact. We had aaa come to do a test on the battery. The battery and charging system both passed the test. They recommended that a trickle charge would bring the battery to a full charge. In addition, VW agreed to do a one time courtesy replacement of the convertible roof since the fabric had separated from the rear window. A clip recall had already been performed, but the headliner was hanging down and had separated from the rear window. We feared that the window could separate from the roof at highway speeds. Statement indicates that VW performed 61.07-02 tech bulletin to perform modifications to the rear window.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

The air bag warning light came on. This was the subject of an earlier recall due to sensors. We were told that this was due to a faulty seat belt buckle and not due to sensors. We were also originally told it was due to a faulty battery. However, the battery was checked by aaa and was not faulty. Eventually VW agreed to replace the seat belt buckle on the drivers side.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

2004 new Beetle conv turbo. Always in shop. Always had problems. In the shop more than at home. Elec issues, windows not working, air bag lights flashing, top staying down wont go up one repair after another. Now the transmission is gone. What a piece of [xxx]. just hope some one reads this and talks their daughter or wife out of making a 20,000 dollar mistake. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Dickson, TN, USA

2004 VW convertible Beetle needs the valve body replaced. Car only has 61,900 miles on it. Rear windows both have broken air bag switch needs to be replaced.

- Valencia, CA, USA

Air bag light continuously on since car was new despite numerous repairs

- Howell, NJ, USA

2004 VW new Beetle airbag sensor light remains on. Sensor was replaced in Nov. 2004, Sept. 2006 and March 2007. VW says the vehicle is not under the recall # 08V178000. Dealership says they won't do anything until VW approves it and dealership wants us to pay for *another* evaluation. Light has been on for 1 year, had it evaluated July 2009. Current mileage is 80,000. Mileage when light came on was 71,000.

- Hampstead, NC, USA

VW Beetle, air bag light continues to malfunction for my 2004 model. I've taken the car for repair for at least 4-times in the past 4-years. I believe the initial recall # 03V3S6000 was never corrected and company is not concerned in fixing it ever.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2004 Volkswagen new Beetle [xxx] air bag light has came on twice and Volkswagen service department advises anytime the air bag light comes on it is a safety hazard. I have had to replace the drive & passenger seat belt latch to make the air bag light go off at a cost of $600.32. If this is a safety issue, why is there not a recall?

- Loganville, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. Whenever he started his vehicle the air bag warning light comes on and off and then remains illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that there were no related recalls and he would be responsible for the repair cost. The air bag light has been on for a month and a half. The failure mileage was 13,000.

- Raynham, MA, USA

VW Beetle convertible '04 (approx. 80K miles) - slipping and banging transmission. Slams and bangs hard with each downshift (automatic) after about 15 miles or driving. Slips or will not move when accelerating after slamming and banging begins. Cannot drive car in traffic for fear or being rear ended or broadsided, therefore, cannot safely or dependably drive the car. Expected thousands to repair if a mechanic who understands the problem can be found. Many of the know issues with car have also occurred; broken plastic water pump, rear window seal broken, passenger side window will not go all the way down, passenger side seat belt light malfunction, headlights uneven brightness, short in dash, heated seat too hot to use (fear of fire) and incredible door rattles.

- Plainfield, NJ, USA

2004 Volkswagen Beetle convertible turbo...2.0 liter engine...the transmission jerks when shifting down or up....feels like someone has rearened it in the back....have taken it to dealership and couple of other transmission places...they said they couldn't find any thing wrong while it was still under warranty...now that it has 94000 miles and is out of warranty they decide it needs a new transmission.....we have had it serviced just like we should...it doesn't matter...we don't have $6000 to get it fixed...something should be done...I've talked with many, many Volkswagen owners experiencing the same problem..how many does it take before you guys do a recall?

- Chickamauga, GA, USA

Air bag light wont go off. Was told the seatbelt sensor came loose and needs to be replaced costing $350.

- Austin, TX, USA

2004 VW Beetle 27,660 miles VW dealer - kelly motor, scranton, pa air bag light went on and I took car to VW. Passenger seat occupied control module defective. Told part will take 8 weeks to arrive. Car side airbag now does not work. 2nd time airbag light has lighted and been in shop, this on top of recent recall for another airbag sensor fixed earlier this year. I am very concerned about being without an airbag for 8 weeks; VW has no reason for the delay. I called their headquarters in California with no success. Second concern is general reliability for this airbag system due to repairs plus recall. VW won't respond in getting this part in earlier, can you help get this part to my VW dealer so they can make this car safe? thank you

- Archbald, PA, USA

The airbag warning light is on without apparent reasons. No collision or bumps.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

Air bag light remains on (concerned about not working properly in event of accident) possible wire that is too short under the seat breaking when it is moved forward to allow access to rear seat.

- Hickory, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen new Beetle. When the contact started the vehicle, he noticed that the air bag indicator was illuminating on the instrument panel. The indicator did not dim once the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the driver's side seat latch for the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a failed wire by the latch of the seat belt on the driver's side. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they were not liable for the repairs. The current mileage was 27,888 and failure mileage was 27,858.

- Dayton, OH, USA

Airbag system warning light on.

- Jackson, CA, USA

Re: illumination of air bag warning light was repaired under factory warranty. Came on again 1 week later and a crash sensor was replaced, again under factory warranty. Came on again about 3 weeks later and was charged due to expiration of factory warranty even though it has been an ongoing issue with this manufacturer.

- Little Egg Harbor, NJ, USA

Air bag warning light illuminated and dealer found that front crash sensor failed and that there was a related computer problem at approximately 30,000 miles and this was replaced under warranty. I was told that the airbag would not deploy in a crash because of this failure. At 40,000 the airbag light came on again and the dealer found that the other side front crash sensor had failed also and that the airbags would not deploy in a crash. The warranty has expired and I was charged $505 to replace this. I was told by the service advisor that they "see this all the time with the Beetle", and that "after one side fails the other side usually does too".

- Blaine, MN, USA

The airbag light, among other things, in our 2004 new Beetle has come on approximately 10 times in three years. Each time, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and supposedly fixed, but without fail, the light came back on each time. The seatbelt buckle was changed, connections were secured, they said it was shorted (guided fault findings, bumper cover removed, seat removed), and others. I have all copies of service records. After all these service visits, the airbag light is still on and we are very concerned that the airbag system is not working correctly and could cause serious damage and may not deploy correctly during an accident. I heard there was an investigation being conduct on the 2004 new Beetles and wanted to let you know of our experience. Crash sensor.pco

- Dresher, PA, USA