RoadVitals

2017 Volkswagen Jetta Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
21
Latest Sep 12, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
13%
of 159 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
8
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
5

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 21 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

AirbagsBrakes
Filed Sep 12, 2025

Please copy the link. It is not a spam nor malware. It is the diagnostic report ran 9/12/2025. Please look under “airbag” tab and you will see the code related to brake system. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11686881
Incident
Sep 12, 2025
AirbagsFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 14, 2025

so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on . Not sure why this happened but I feel very unsafe with my children in the car due to there's been a lot of crazy ppl out that don't pay attention when driving .

NHTSA ID
11654388
Incident
Feb 5, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jan 1, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

My daughter was rear-ended in her 2017 Jetta while stopped. The other driver was going approximately 45 mph, forcing my daughter into the car in front of her as well, causing significant front impact and damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy. The amount of impact seems as though the airbag should have deployed. She suffered a mild concussion and whiplash from the impact.

NHTSA ID
11633490
Incident
Dec 30, 2024
Airbags
Filed Oct 31, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owned a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer. The contact's daughter lost control of the vehicle, crashing head-on into a tree. No warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's daughter was shaken up, but she had no visible injuries and did not receive medical treatment immediately following the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard and was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that a few weeks after the crash, her daughter had approximately 80-90 seizures and was receiving medical treatment at the hospital. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle operated properly by not deploying the air bags because the rate of deceleration criteria were not met during frontal impact. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11622928
Incident
May 8, 2024
Mileage
140,000 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceExterior lighting
Filed Feb 10, 2024

FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY: 1) the HID HALOGEN lights- (a.) the main DS3 buld continues to burn out not lasting longer than a month. (b.) the ballast also than shorts out (c.) the HIGH BEAM does the reverse effect making everything black (d.) the LOW BEAM do not work right as i cannot see obstacles in the road clearly- WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; I ONLY HAVE MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO DEPEND ON PRIMARILY. THE PASSENGER LIGHTS WHEN SOMEWHAT WORKING; ARE DIM AND WHEN THE HID BULB BURNS OUT- ALL I HAVE TO DEPEND ON (for that side of car) ARE MY DAY RUNNING AND FOR LIGHTS. 2.) FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SENORS ARE NOT WORKING MAKING IT TOO LATE IF OBSTACLES DETECTED 3.) THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER STOPPED WORKING

NHTSA ID
11571202
Incident
Feb 10, 2024
Airbags
Filed Oct 11, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

The only airbag that went off in the vehicle during a collision was the steering wheel airbag none of the side airbags deployed the driver hit his head on the window in the car there were no warning lights on prior to the accident to indicate that there were any malfunctions the police did get called to the scene and vehicle was towed insurance representatives have not inspected vehicle yet.

NHTSA ID
11549405
Incident
Oct 11, 2023
AirbagsElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 18, 2023

Clockspring in steering wheel has failed, rendering driver airbag non-operational. Should vehicle be involved in a collision, driver airbag will not engage. Horn and steering wheel buttons are also non-operational

NHTSA ID
11527577
Incident
May 1, 2023
Airbags
Filed May 9, 2023
Crash reported

My vehicle was involved in a collision in which it hit the back of a 18 wheeler causing major frame damage. None of the airbags deployed.

NHTSA ID
11521168
Incident
May 6, 2023
Airbags
Filed Mar 27, 2023
Crash reported

On Saturday March 25th I was in an accident in my 2017 jetta. A Tahoe last second lane changed into the front end of my jetta. The impact was at 30mph but no air bags deployed. When starting the car now after the accident there are airbag warnings all over the dash. The air bags failed to deploy properly in an accident.

NHTSA ID
11513980
Incident
Mar 25, 2023
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Mar 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon picking up his vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated. The mechanic informed him that the failure was related to the driver’s side seat belt and was not covered under recall. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ID
11512771
Incident
Mar 17, 2023
Mileage
39,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 14, 2022

Airbag wiring under front seats deteriorate over time causing an error to the airbag system, disabling the airbags.

NHTSA ID
11447557
Incident
Dec 15, 2021
Airbags
Filed Sep 14, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

My daughters car was hit on highway on drivers rear quarter panel. Major damage, frame and axle on car bent. Airbags did not deploy. No serious injuries. Occupants head hurts from impact, w steering wheel, seat belt was on.

NHTSA ID
11432973
Incident
Sep 14, 2021
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Aug 19, 2021

Battery died. Went to dealer in another vehicle to purchase a battery. Installed the new battery and now have an airbag light. Called dealer to learn how to reset airbag, and they said it requires a special tool to reset along with a service charge ($80 to $160). Should an airbag system require special tool and/or knowledge when the car is required to have them? Everything else is operating normally, but airbags are out of service.

NHTSA ID
11429794
Incident
Jul 29, 2021
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Apr 6, 2021

I WAS PARKED AND SUDDENLY MY CAR DID NOT WANT TO START, NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON BEFORE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. AFTER BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ACCORDING TO THEM BATTERY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND IT HAS BEEN ONLY ABOUT 2 YEARS OR LESS FROM LAST REPLACEMENT. THIS ISSUE CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY AS BATTERIES SHOULD LAST FOR MINIMUM OF 3 YEARS. ALSO AFTER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IS STATING I MUST REPLACE FAULTY AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT AND PAY IT FROM MY POCKET WHICH I FIND UNACCEPTABLE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FURTHER INVESTIGATED AS AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR CAN ALSO BE RELATED TO ' VOLKSWAGEN'S CLOCK SPRING PROBLEMS'.

NHTSA ID
11406805
Incident
Apr 5, 2021
Mileage
36,054 mi
AirbagsElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Jan 8, 2021

CAR HAS 65K ON IT AND HAS BEEN ACTING UP FOR AT LEAST 10K MILES ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 1. THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASH WENT ON FOR NO REASON AND I HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE FOR IT TO BE RESET. 2. THE RADIO LINKS TO MY PHONE ONLY 50% OF THE TIME WITH A FAILURE NOTICE POSTED ON THE MONITOR. THE BLUETOOTH WILL STILL WORK BUT TO CONNECT WITH MY CORD TO ALSO CHARGE, VERY INCONSISTENT. 3. THE TIRE DASH LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED DESPITE HAVING THE TIRES AND MONITORS CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES. 4. THE BACK UP WARNING INDICATOR HAS RECENTLY STOPPED ALERTING ME AND I CAME WITHIN INCHES OF BACKING INTO A CAR TODAY. I WOULD LIKE MY DASH TO BE ERROR MESSAGE FREE AND MY RADIO RELIABLY WORKING VIA MY PHONE CORD. I HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT CORDS, PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND MONITORS, AND THE SAME ISSUES CONTINUALLY OCCUR. THIS ALL OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS POWERED ON, DOES NOT MATTER IF IT IS PARKED OR BEING DRIVEN.

NHTSA ID
11387180
Incident
Jan 8, 2021
Mileage
65,000 mi
AirbagsExterior lightingSteering
Filed Mar 3, 2020

I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI A MONTH AGO, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT JUST ILLUMINATED THIS PAST FRIDAY, ALONG WITH NO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WORKING, AND NO HORN. I CALLED THE PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM, AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID OH WELL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AS IT AFFECTS THE AIRBAG. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?

NHTSA ID
11315834
Incident
Feb 28, 2020
Mileage
23,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 28, 2019
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A LOT AND DEEMED IT TOTALED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,000.

NHTSA ID
11271598
Incident
Sep 20, 2019
Mileage
32,000 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jun 27, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNIVERSITY VOLKSWAGEN MAZDA (5150 ELLISON ST NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109, (505) 761-1900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,750.

NHTSA ID
11104289
Incident
Jun 22, 2018
Mileage
6,750 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed May 16, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported

I HAVVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES THE PAST THREE-FIVE MONTHS ON THIS VEHICLE TODAY WHEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FIRE AND RESCUE SIAD THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYEED. THE RADIO WOULD TURN ON AND OFF AND SOMETIMES THE HEAD LIGHTS WOULDNT TURN ON.

NHTSA ID
11094153
Incident
Feb 1, 2018
Mileage
17,000 mi
AirbagsSteering
Filed Dec 5, 2017

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT CLICKS AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED AIRBAG AND CLOCK SPRING TWICE, STEERING WHEEL STILL CLICKS.

NHTSA ID
11052611
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
Mileage
2,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 30, 2017

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT PROVOCATION IN THE CAR I HAD JUST PURCHASED ON MARCH 21, 2017. I HAD JUST PULLED TO A STOP TO ALLOW A PASSENGER TO DISEMBARK IN THE PARKING LOT OF A CONVENIENCE STORE. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED MAKING A HORRIFIC NOISE AND ENGULFING THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WITH WHITE SMOKE. THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT IS UNKNOWN. THE CAR DID NOT COLLIDE WITH ANYTHING. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON APRIL 5, 2017 AND TO THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS OF VOLKSWAGEN ON APRIL 7, 2017. THE CASE # IS 170305419. TO DATE THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED. NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN EXPLANATION FOR WHAT HAPPENED, AND THE CAR IS STILL STILLING ON THE LOT OF THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS RETURNED.

NHTSA ID
10981462
Incident
Mar 21, 2017
Mileage
800 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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