VW Airbag Warning Light Signals Safety System Alert

As someone with some hands-on experience maintaining cars, I encountered a similar airbag warning light issue with my 2003 VW Golf, which shares many components with the Bora. The automotive safety system warning in my case was caused by a loose connection in the wiring harness under the driver seat. After checking fuses like you did, I took it to a certified workshop where they performed a diagnostic scan of the airbag sensor system. The repair involved cleaning and securing the cable connections, plus resetting the airbag warning light. Total cost was 95€ for diagnostics, repair, and reset. The issue hasnt returned since. Before going to a workshop, it would help to know: Has the check engine light also come on? Do you hear any unusual clicking sounds under the seats? Have you recently had any work done near the seats or center console? Since this involves car safety systems, specifically the airbag components, I recommend having it properly diagnosed. Sometimes these warnings can be related to airbag recall campaigns, so its worth checking if your VIN is affected by any open recalls. Waiting too long with airbag sensor issues can compromise vehicle safety. A professional diagnostic scan will quickly determine if its just a connection issue like mine or something that needs more extensive airbag repair.

Just had my 20k service done last month and everything was perfect until now. After more research, it seems the crash sensor position could be the issue. Mine is located under the center console, and water damage in that area is a known problem in these models. The airbag deployment system can malfunction if moisture reaches these components. The restraint system warning came right after going through heavy rain, which makes me think this might be causing the problem. Given the critical safety function of airbags, I will get it checked by a professional technician who can properly diagnose the airbag sensor and wiring. Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you need any special tools to access the wiring harness when you fixed yours?

Thanks for the follow-up about the water exposure, that definitely adds important context. In my case with the VW Golf, accessing the wiring harness didnt require special tools beyond basic socket wrenches and trim removal tools most DIYers would have. However, your situation sounds different than my wiring connection issue, especially given the timing with the heavy rain. The crash sensor position under the center console is a known weak point in these models when it comes to water intrusion affecting the restraint system. My mechanic explained that water damage to crash sensors can cause intermittent airbag warning lights and potentially compromise airbag deployment. Unlike my simple harness fix, replacing a water-damaged crash sensor usually costs between 250-350€ including labor. Since your airbag warning appeared specifically after rain exposure, and knowing these models vulnerability to water in that area, a professional diagnostic of the crash sensor and surrounding components would be the safest approach. While the wiring harness check is straightforward, testing crash sensors requires specialized equipment to verify proper airbag system function. The good news is that if caught early, water-related sensor issues can often be resolved before causing permanent damage to the airbag deployment system. Just make sure to use a shop familiar with VW safety systems.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. After taking it to my regular workshop, turns out it was indeed water damage to the crash sensor, just as suspected. The SRS light came on because moisture had corroded some of the sensor connections. The total repair cost was 290€, which included replacing the crash sensor and testing the entire airbag system. They also applied some additional waterproofing around the center console area to prevent future water intrusion. For anyone else facing similar vehicle safety issues, especially after rain exposure, definitely worth getting it checked quickly. The airbag repair was actually simpler than I feared, and now all safety systems are functioning properly again. Really glad I didnt try accessing the crash sensor myself, since the technician mentioned they needed special diagnostic equipment to properly calibrate the new sensor and reset the airbag warning system.