General DiscussionMaintenance Log

Air Bag Fault – 01218 – Side Airbag Igniter; Passenger Side

Miles: 88439

Got an airbag fault light the other day. Happened when the passenger in the car sat down. Grabbed the code with my trusty VCDS(Vag-com) and got the following:

1 Fault Found:
01218 – Side Airbag Igniter; Passenger Side (N200)
001 – Upper Limit Exceeded – Intermittent – MIL ON

If you get code 01217, that is the driver’s side. Tried clearing the code which was successful but anytime someone sits in the passenger seat it kicks on the airbag light on the cluster.

Did some research and came up with the following:
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/01218

There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) out for the issue: TSB 69-08-02 / 2011271.
It involves replacing connectors under the passenger seat and hard wiring one of the connections.

Called around got a few quotes, issue costs about $250-300 parts and labor to get repaired, dealers may be more. HOD a local shop knew exactly what I was inquiring about right away even before I went into details. Needless to say, I made an appointment for Monday. I will update you with the results after the work is complete.

Complete:
The fix is done, we will see how it is in the long run. HOD told me this issue is already a recall on the Touareg and seems to be happening frequently on the MKV’s. So we may be seeing a recall in the future, save those receipts you may be able to get reimbursed.

Updated:
VW has released a Service Action for this issue. This entitles you to a free repair of the problem. Service Action 97U3/T3. If you have already performed this and paid for it. VW can reimburse you for it. See your local dealer for details if you did not receive a letter in the mail.

Updated Again:
Got my reimbursement check today for the full amount I asked. Thanks for that VW!