37 of the
246 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
are about the airbag system —
15% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
SRS/airbag warning light illuminated. A diagnostic scan (VCDS) confirmed stored fault codes for both front airbag crash sensors: driver's side 'short to ground' and passenger's side 'open or short to plus.' Upon further inspection, water was found pooled at the airbag control module connector, located under the center dash. The AC condensate drain line is routed directly above this module, and appears to be the source of the water intrusion — water drained from the connector itself when disconnected, and dampness was present at both the upper and lower AC drain hose connections near the module. After drying and reconnecting all components, an attempt was made to clear the fault codes via VCDS. The airbag module returned a 'not acknowledged' response to the clear command, indicating the fault condition and/or internal component damage may still be present. This vehicle's VIN was checked against active airbag recalls for this model year and found not to be included. However, given the safety-critical nature of the SRS system and the apparent design proximity of the AC drain to the airbag module connector, this may represent a broader risk for this chassis. Multiple independent repair shops declined to service this issue, citing liability concerns related to airbag system water intrusion. Volkswagen customer service denied a goodwill repair request, citing vehicle age/mileage without reviewing supporting documentation (VCDS diagnostic report and photos).
NHTSA complaint #11754963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle was serviced at an authorized VW dealer on Dec 12 for recall-related work & a diagnostic water test (fee waived; $0 paid). Before leaving the dealership, while still on property, I observed extensive interior damage not present prior to service: widespread staining/saturation of headliner, sunroof shade, interior pillars (A–D), plus damage to interior trim. Substance was not colorless or odorless; damage was systemic, not localized. I documented immediately w/ photos taken on dealership property. I requested help/loaner; denied; required to take vehicle. After leaving, additional wet areas appeared & later dried w/ visible staining, indicating prolonged saturation following service. Dealer service documentation states rear sunroof drains were leaking; however damage was present throughout interior, including areas inconsistent w/ a rear-only drain issue. Based on the location (headliner + pillars), this raises concern for potential impact to electrical components/wiring & airbag-related areas, plus latent issues due to moisture/chemical exposure. I requested confirmation of procedures/substances used during testing; info not provided. I requested a garage liability claim; declined. Dealer offered cleaning & later proposed replacing only the headliner. This issue occurred during recall-related service, raising concern about whether OEM-approved procedures were followed during diagnostic testing. The dealer declined to confirm what liquids or methods were used. Because the damage pattern contradicts the stated diagnosis, any repair based on that diagnosis would be incomplete, potentially allowing continued intrusion or latent electrical or airbag-related issues to develop over time. The vehicle was returned to me in this condition without corrective action, leaving the potential safety and electrical risks unresolved following recall-related service. No independent post-service inspection was offered to verify system integrity.
NHTSA complaint #11709265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clock spring failure at 10 years 1400000 miles causing airbag light to come on. Airbag in steering wheel presumably doesn't work properly. The car has been looked at by a dealership who quickly confirmed clock spring failure, but falls outside of VW warranty replacement for this vehicle. There was no warning prior to failure of the clock spring.
NHTSA complaint #11673267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's partner owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, he observed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact also heard an abnormal soft clicking sound in the cabin while turning the steering wheel to the left or to the right. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11627212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Passenger Occupancy Sensor (0152612) failed causing airbag and seatbelt warning lights to illuminate. Airbag was not functional while lights were on. Dealer diagnosed and repaired issue for $892.
NHTSA complaint #11597732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clockspring failure. VW does not cover this critical safety part under warranty. Air bag is non functional (air bag light on) horn is non functional. Other controls on steering wheel not functional.
NHTSA complaint #11576762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Steering wheel "Clock Spring" has failed at 76,000 miles. Heard an clicking sound when turning leading up to issue, then a POP sound. Airbags, horn, cruise control, and other wheel controls all dead. I see this is a common problem, obviously a bad part from VW, and a MOJOR safety risk since Airbag will not deploy. This should be a recall, or free repair when it breaks at least, no reason this part should ever fail.
NHTSA complaint #11576160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As I was leaving work yesterday, I noticed that the Air Bag indicator was showing on the dash. It was not showing when I drove it to work. I also noticed that my Cruise Control is no longer working.
NHTSA complaint #11532927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I backed up my car and upon turning the wheel I heard some crackling from the steering wheel. The airbag and transmission error lights came on and I lost functionality of all the buttons on the steering wheel and the horn. Based on research, this is a clock spring that has been recalled for other model years.
NHTSA complaint #11511409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V543000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer advised the contact to avoid using the front passenger’s side seat. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11499505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The clock spring fails. Causing the airbag light to illuminate. The car is a 2015 and the first clock spring failed in January 2021, with around 155,00 miles (estimate). Second one failed this week with 162,000 miles. I know the car is old, but the part that gets power to the airbag should last more than 2 years. Volkswagen extended the warranty of the part, but we were outside for both repairs now. The dealer tells me this part is fixed on a regular basis to the point he was surprised he was able to get the part. I feel like for the part that supplies power to the airbag, an extended warranty is not sufficient. (For the information below, I was in a parking lot when the clock spring broke, so speed was irrelevant, np accident occurred)
NHTSA complaint #11489635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I did a left-U turn- heard a loud sound, and then all the electrical things on my steering wheel failed, like horn, air bag, and controls. The failed airbag light is on, and it has other warning lights as well. I am now not protected in a crash, nor can I use my horn. I believe from a bit of research that my car has what I think is the same clockspring defect that VW has had in a TON of their vehicles- mine has failed- but does not seem to fall into a safety recall. Why is that? This seems to be a serious safety problem they have had- and I believe it should be covered by the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11488593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After turning on the vehicle, I turned the steering wheel and heard a click, then the airbag malfunction warning light came on immediately. Horn and all steering wheel buttons have stopped working (radio control, cruise control etc). and airbag warning light remains on. This seems obviously to be the broken clock spring problem. Vehicle has about 105,000 miles on it. I am not sure if the steering area was ever serviced during a previous safety recall, but I have never had any service on the steering wheel or issues in that area.
NHTSA complaint #11458761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. I BELIEVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY HAVE FAILED OR BEEN DISABLED DURING A RECENT COLLISION THAT OCCURRED ON 5/25/21. A DEER STRUCK THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON A 55MPH STATE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP GETTING AN ESTIMATE. THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY WHO RESPONDED TO THE SCENE GAVE AN INITIAL DAMAGE ESTIMATE OF $9000.00. 2. IMMEDIATELY UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT ILLUMINATED BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. 3.ON 5/26/21, THE DAY AFTER MY ACCIDENT, I RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION NOTICE DUE TO A POTENTIAL CLOCK SPRING FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. 4. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY SHERIFF'S DEPT AND IS CURRENTLY BE EVALUATED BY COLLISION SPECIALIST AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER. 5. THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT HAD NEVER ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11418740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXISTING NHTSA RECALL 69L2 BUT ON DIFFERENT MODEL YEAR - VW DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND HORN/STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS DISABLED. MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY HORN AND STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS BECAME DISABLED SIMULTANEOUSLY AS I WAS IN MOTION DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NOW MY AIRBAG AND HORN/BUTTONS ARE NOT WORKING INCLUDING CRUISE CONTROL. VW RECALLED EARLIER-MODEL VEHICLES BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT STILL HASN'T BEEN SOLVED AND AFFECTS MORE THAN JUST THE MODELS LISTED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I CALLED VW CARE TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER A CAMPAIGN OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER THE PERSON I SPOKE TO TOLD ME THAT MY CLOCK SPRING WAS NOT COVERED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS INFURIATING BECAUSE IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE THAT'S DISABLING MY AIRBAG AND HORN BUT VW IS REFUSING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. JUDGING BY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN I AM DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS ~66K MILES. HERE IS A RELATED VW EXTENDED WARRANTY BULLETIN I FOUND POSTED TO YOUR WEBSITE: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10149942-9999.PDF INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER VW DIDN'T RECALL ENOUGH MODELS: HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2018/04/21/FEDS-INVESTIGATE-WHETHER-VW-SHOULD-RECALL-MORE-MODELS/?SH=159D58364C60 CUSTOMERS CONTINUING TO HAVE PROBLEMS EVEN AFTER FIXING, SUGGESTING VW HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.RATCHETANDWRENCH.COM/ARTICLES/6185-VW-CLOCK-SPRING-RECALL-MAY-HAVE-FAILED HTTP://WWW.VWPROBLEMS.COM/CLOCK-SPRING-FAILURE/ MORE COMPLAINTS: HTTPS://WWW.VEHIE.COM/COMPLAINTS/VOLKSWAGEN?VEHIE_MODEL=GOLF+SPORTWAGEN HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF_SPORTWAGEN/2016/SEAT_BELTS_AIR_BAGS/CLOCK_SPRING_BROKEN.SHTML ARTICLE MENTIONING THAT 15/16 SPORTWAGENS NOTORIOUSLY HAVE CLOCK SPRING ISSUES: HTTPS://WWW.WHEELS.CA/CAR-REVIEWS/BUYING-USED-2015-2019-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-SPORTWAGEN/
NHTSA complaint #11406665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE A 2015 VW GOLF SPORTWAGEN WITH ABOUT 47K MILES. 9 MONTHS AGO I HAD MY CLOCK SPRING GO BAD IN MY VEHICLE, WHICH RENDERED MY AIRBAG TO BE DISABLED. THE REPLACEMENT WAS COVERED UNDER THE 3YR/36K MIKE WARRANTY THAT COMES WITH THE CAR NEW (THIS IS A TDI MODEL, SO THE IN-SERVICE DATE IS MAY 2018 -CAR HAS APPROX. 32K MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF REPAIR). TODAY (MARCH 2021), I HAD MY CLOCK SPRING GO BAD AGAIN, WHICH DISABLED MY AIRBAG, AGAIN. VW TELLS ME THAT MY MODEL SPECIFICALLY ISN'T COVERED UNDER AN EXISTING EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT HAS BEEN ISSUED TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH ALMOST ALL MODELS OF VW FROM 2010-2018 AND THE NHTSA IS WELL AWARE. MY MODEL OF CLOCK SPRING, ALTHOUGH USED IN MANY OF THESE OTHER MODELS THAT ARE COVERAGE BY THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY, IS NOT COVERED BY VW. I'M NOT DRIVING WITH NO AIRBAGS UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD COVER ALL MODELS WHICH USE THAT SAME CLOCK SPRING THAT IS THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11403932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY STEERING CLOCK SPRING FAILED AT 37K MILES, THERE'S A RECALL BUT VW SAID MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED, HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE ON THE FORUMS AND CAR GROUPS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE MORE THAN ONCE, SOME COVERED SOME NOT.
NHTSA complaint #11394513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.