While driving at about 45 miles per hour, the side curtain and seat bolster airbags deployed on their own. There was no impact to the vehicle that preceded this incident. The airbags simply deployed by themselves. This seems to be a recurring problem with this generation of Volkswagen: www.carcomplaints.com/Volkswagen/Golf/2002/seat_belts_air_bags/air_bags-side_window.shtml

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Golf. While driving 70 mph on the freeway, the passenger side air bag spontaneously deployed. There were no injuries, but the contact was concerned about the sudden explosion. He stated that the deployment occurred while he was using his cellular phone. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 70,000.

- Moraga, CA, USA

Air bag light is on in vehicle because of a poor electrical connection in the driver's side seat belt clasp, which was already replaced once while vehicle was still under factory warranty, about 2yrs and 30K miles ago. The locking mechanism of the seat belt clasp itself still works, however, while the air bag light is on because of the failed electrical connection in the clasp, air bags will not deploy, which risks my and my passengers' life and safety. To replace the part, I incurred a $75 diagnostic fee from a local mechanic and purchased a new part for $161, which I will install myself to save another $75 installation fee. Total economic loss to me was $236, but could have been $311 if I didn't have the tools and time to do it myself. The old seat belt clasp will be available for inspection.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

The passenger side air bags in my '02 VW Golf deployed for no reason when I went from a stop to a start, barely going over 5 mph.

- Central Islip, NY, USA

Re the wrongful deployment of the defective passenger side airbag and side curtain in 2002 VW Golf gti. While driving, the passenger side curtain and seat air bag inadvertently deployed, the passenger suffered minor injuries.

- West Dundee, IL, USA

Car was rear-ended at a stop light. Car cascaded into the cars in front. Airbags did not deploy on drivers side. Airbags (4) deployed on passenger side only. There was no passenger. Seems I could have used the airbag protection on my side. (driver).

- Naples, FL, USA