2004 Volkswagen R32 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 15%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,625miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Volkswagen R32, 15% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,625 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The outer seat bolster seam of the driver's seat which retains the side air bag has split along a length of approximately 18 inches. I am concerned that this will adversely affect the operation of the side air bag should it discharge. It is my understanding that this is a not uncommon occurrence on this car and model as well as many others. The strength of the thread must be such that it will part when required to allow the side air bag to provide protection but not be so frail that it will split in normal use involving entering and leaving the seat of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11090519, filed 2018-04, 75,000 miles“I bought a 2004 Volkswagen R32 around november of 08 and all was okay, I noticed one day about 2 weeks later when putting my seat on the drivers side back to driving position the airbag fault light came on immediately. I do know others that the airbag light has come on due to improper wiring length as well (around 12-15 others on the vw R32 forums. When you move the seat forwards and backwards enough the wire will become tight and eventually pull out of the airbag igniter. This topic is on every Volkswagen forum from here to germany. …”
NHTSA complaint #10329310, filed 2010-05, 28,250 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10213836Jan 22, 2016Airbag Issues.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen R32
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen R32
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