While driving home on a major highway the passenger side air bags deployed leaving bruising and scrapes on passenger. No other vehicle or obstruction in way.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

The passenger's side air bag deployed with no impact to the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was told that something hit the floor of the trunk, and that set the air bag off. Also, dealer told the consumer that there was nothing they could do.

- Edgewood, KY, USA

Air bag warning light came on. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the side airbag in the passenger seat. I had it replaced for about $327.

- Sulphur, LA, USA

Air bags deployed on side for no apparent reason. No damage done to vehicle other than slight scratch on the undercarriage. It could not be determined whether or not the scratch was there before or after the airbags deployed. Dealer refused to pay for the damage, and this is obviously a safety issue.

- Manassas, VA, USA

March 2, '03 while traveling on a secondary road with 5 occupants, in a non-accident event, the subject vehicle passed over a large metal plate that is used to cover road work for the evening or weekend. Without warning the defective airbag system deployed the psgr side airbags! no damage or impacts were noted on the passenger side of the vehicle body. However, a small scratch was noted underneath the vehicle between the doors (right side) and what appeared to be a thumb print in the undercoating under the front passenger seat. Neither or both may be related to the incident. VW indicated that they believe that one or both of the marks, being located very near to the sensors, caused the deployment. Although unknown for certain, it is possible that a bolt or some other object may have been lying on the metal plate and may have been pinched by a tire - causing it to strike the bottom of the vehicle. In no way an incident that should have deployed the airbag system. VW has advised that "an outside influence" caused the airbag to deploy and stated to the vehicle owner that "the sensors cannot determine whether a stone is hitting the vehicle or if a truck is hitting the vehicle." A statement that also indicates a defective system. While it's understood that sensors are to "sense" that something has occurred, the "airbag control module" should interpret the information being sent by the sensor and be able to make a more reasonable assessment. In any event, it is important to note that generally vehicles are not struck by other vehicles from underneath. Very important note as of 3/28/'03 - VW of America has refused to cover this under warranty - a $3,775 repair!!!!! it is imperative that the NHTSA investigate this very serious defect and order a recall before someone is injured seriously or killed.

- Linthicum, MD, USA

While driving, vehicle hit a pothole, air bags deployed and vehicle could not be driven, claim 28-3091-943.

- Tempe, AZ, USA

While driving, one of the side air bags deployed, there is no damage whatsoever to the body of the vehicle, claim 55-S451-201.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

Passenger's side airbags deployed on 4/16/01, and three days later drivers side bags deployed also without apparent reason.

- Billings, MT, USA

Passnger side collision at 15 mph, airbag did not deploy. No injuries, damage to vehicle unknown.

- Orlando, FL, USA

While driving 55 mph and without collision occurring passenger's side airbag deployed. After inspection of vehicle, black box indicated a crash code. Consumer was told the reason for deployed bags was that the lateral motion limit were exceeded. IE04-078

- Bronx, NY, USA