2000 Volkswagen Beetle Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 64about this part
- Share
- 24%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,860miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the air bags of the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle, 24% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,860 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1. 2000 vw Beetle worked fine. 2. One day I started the car up and the airbag light came on. It didn't come on the next time I started it, but it did the time after that and it comes on and stays on now every time I start the car. 3. Tried to have a mechanic check it out but they were unable to read the code. I went online and found out that many, many people have this same problem with the airbag light. …”
NHTSA complaint #10370595, filed 2010-12, 85,000 miles“I got in my car one day and the air bag light was on for no apparent reason. No consequences other than it is probably the sensor rather than the air bag that is damaged. It has to be repaired or replaced. Not sure if that means the sensor or the air bag as well to be on the safe side. I am driving with the light on.”
NHTSA complaint #10218714, filed 2008-02, 29,000 miles“Driver's side side impact-airbag deployed for no reason as I was driving down a freeway. Volkswagen theorized that road debris penetrated the floorboard causing the sensor to go off. How thin is the floorboard that a rock or piece of road debris could penetrate it? And why does that throw off the sensor for a side airbag? Volkswagen refused to reimburse me for towing, repairs, or my arm injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10010730, filed 2003-03, 21,000 miles“I have a vw new Beetle and the airbag light came on took my car to the dealer and they say it's not their problem and they want to charge 700 dollars to fix it but the car is expensive.”
NHTSA complaint #10226727, filed 2008-05, 12,000 miles“I am the original owner of this 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. On july 30, 2001 (mileage 20013) I complained to my dealership that the air bag light was on all the time while driving. They reconnected the wire under the drivers seat stating it was loose, poor fit. On november 15, 2002 (mileage 33164) I complained again that the air bag light was on all the time. They inspected and found two misc. Codes reset and tested, said all is ok at this time. On september 3, 2003 (mileage 41463)I complained that the air bag light was on all the time, again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10185216, filed 2007-03, 20,013 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10213836Jan 22, 2016Airbag Issues.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 7 | 41% |
| 2017 | 6 | 40% |
| 2016 | 35 | 73% |
| 2015 | 42 | 51% |
| 2014 | 15 | 30% |
| 2013 | 34 | 37% |
| 2012 | 12 | 18% |
| 2009 | 5 | 15% |
| 2008 | 7 | 12% |
| 2007 | 15 | 27% |
| 2006 | 10 | 8% |
| 2005 | 31 | 12% |
| 2004 | 73 | 21% |
| 2003 | 60 | 19% |
| 2002 | 43 | 26% |
| 2001 | 40 | 20% |
| 2000 | 64 | 24% |
| 1999 | 22 | 13% |
| 1998 | 14 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
58 complaintsEngine cooling
56 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology