# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — AIR BAGS
> NHTSA complaint `858782` · 2011-05-27 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** VOLKSWAGEN
- **Model:** BEETLE
- **Year:** 2003
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** AIR BAGS
- **Miles at failure:** 99,610
## Narrative
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE DRIVING.  THE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT BEGAN EMITTING SMOKE AND THE PLASTIC COATING WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,610.
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*