2004 Volkswagen Beetle air bags problems
Owners reported air bags problems in 76 complaints for the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle, 16% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 76 16% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 45,000 miles 64 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When air bags problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 8 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 22 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 11 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 12 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 8 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 64 air bags complaints that report mileage, the median is about 45,000 miles, and 64% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
Airbag light came on dash in late july. VW dealer contacted to see if safety hazard, told no. Received recall letter from VW one month later for airbag sensor. Called dealer to see if urgent safety matter. Told no, come in at our leisure. One week later, airbag deployed while driving on the highway in rush hour traffic when hit minor bump in the road.
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.
Other problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle
- Transmission 105 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 67 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 52 complaints
- Electrical system 47 complaints
- Engine 30 complaints
- Body & structure 16 complaints
- Lighting 15 complaints