What the Airbag Light On a Volkswagen Means
If your car’s airbag light switches on, it’s a warning that your airbag system isn’t working properly—and you’ll want to get it checked out ASAP.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
If the airbag light comes on in your Volkswagen, that means there’s a problem with the supplemental restraint system—more commonly known as the airbags. With you and your passengers' safety at stake, it’s best to take your VW to a mechanic as soon as you can.
No matter what kind of Volkswagen you’re driving, you should be familiar with your airbag warning light—including what it means, what may be causing it, and how to reset it. If
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talk makes you nervous, we’ve got the straight facts right here.MORE: How to lower Volkswagen insurance costs
What does the airbag light mean on a Volkswagen?
When you crank your Volkswagen, a computer system checks for any defaults in the airbag system. If this system notices a problem, your airbag light will illuminate or blink on your Volkswagen’s instrument panel.
For most Volkswagen models, this light looks like a buckled passenger with a circle in front of them, representing an airbag. You might also see the letters “SRS” light up, which refers to the “supplemental restraint system.” The two lights often go hand in hand, so you might see the airbag light referred to as the “supplemental airbag light.”
There are a handful of reasons your Volkswagen airbag light could come on. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- Defective sensors: The airbag control module that deploys front and side airbags is triggered by crash sensors. Seat sensors let the system know when the two front seats are occupied. If thesesensorsare faulty or malfunction somehow, your airbag light comes on.
- Malfunctioning airbag module: The airbag control module itself could be the source of the issue. If it shorts out or gets damaged, the entire system will fail and cause the airbag light to illuminate. You can find the airbag module for your specific VW model by checking in your owner’s manual.
- Wiring problems: Like most systems in your car, the airbag system is controlled by electrical wiring that links the airbag sensors to the control module. If these wires malfunction or fail, your Volkswagen will resond by turning on the airbag light.
- Dying airbag backup battery: Your Volkswagen’s car battery powers the airbag system, but if it starts to die, the airbag backup battery may be powering the car. This can drain the battery and lead to the light coming on or blinking.
- Failed airbag clock spring: The airbag clock spring in your VW’s steering wheel extends and shortens to keep electricity flowing to the airbag on your driver’s side. As with other springs in your vehicle, it wears out over time, causing your airbag light to illuminate when it finally fails.
There are other reasons your Volkswagen’s airbag light could come on, so if you can’t narrow down the reason, it’s best to take it to a mechanic for an official diagnosis. You can also check for trouble codes if you have your own OBD-II scan tool or if your local auto parts store has one you can use.
MORE: What does engine code B0081 mean?
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What you need to know about the 2015-2016 Volkswagen airbag recall
In 2020, Volkswagen issued a recall for 2015 and 2016 models years of the Beetle due to dangerous potential malfunctions with the driver-side airbags. These airbags could possibly rupture in a crash, emitting metal fragments that could lead to injury or death for vehicle occupants. Volkswagen plans to replace all the Takata brand airbags in phases through 2025.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that these airbags may be more dangerous the older they get, though there have been no injuries or deaths related to this specific recall as of December 2022. If you think you own one of these Beetle models, you can check by using the VIN, then take it to a Volkswagen dealership for repairs.
MORE: How to replace Volkswagen tail lights
How to reset the airbag warning light on a Volkswagen
If you’re lucky, all it takes to get your Volkswagen’s airbag light to switch off is a simple reset of the system. Here’s how to do that for most models:
- Turn your Volkswagen to the ON position, but don’t start the ignition. You should see your airbag light illuminated for about seven seconds.
- Once the airbag light blinks off, turn your car OFF.
- Wait three seconds, then repeat the process two more times.
- After you’ve done this three times, start your engine. The SRS light will turn on for about seven seconds before it turns off again.
- Your airbag light should now be reset!
This process may vary depending on what model you drive, so check your owner’s manual to see the steps for your exact Volkswagen. If the process doesn’t work, repeat it one or two more times. If your airbag light is still on after that, it’s time to take your VW to a mechanic to figure out the issue.
MORE: Are Volkswagens expensive to maintain?
Is it OK to drive with the Volkswagen airbag light on?
Your Volkswagen should function normally even if your airbag light is on…but it’s not exactly safe to drive it for long periods of time if that light is on.
Just like any other warning light, the airbag light signals that there’s a problem with the airbag system—which could mean your airbags won’t work in an accident. Even if they do deploy, a faulty airbag could deploy incorrectly and cause injury or death to your or your passengers. That kind of risk means it’s necessary to get your car to a repair shop ASAP.
MORE: How long can you drive with the check engine light on?
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