Anyone had airbags go off randomly?? 02 Jetta

[Jettameister]

So I live out in a rural area on grid/gravel/dirt roads and you get pinged with a lot of rocks while driving and especially when you pass on on-coming vehicle. (hence why I decided to stick with my older TDI than go for something newer)

So the other day, I leave my house. It's 25 degrees C out, I get 2 KM down the road and BANG, the airbags on the passenger side seat and curtains go off.
The roads had just been graded that day, so no pot-holes, no ruts. The only thing I could think of was a massive rock flung up and hit the door or something?? But I don't think that is even possible to set off an airbag..

Scared the living sh!t outta me, anyways.

I called VW and they said there are no open recalls or anything on the vehicle.

I'm a little at odds with what to do now. Kind of just thinking about cutting out the spent airbags and putting it all back together and driving it as normal - since the front airbags and the driver's side ones are still intact, anyways.

Thoughts?

 

[compu_85]

I'd read about this happening in the past. I recall some news coverage about it? It occurs when a rock or something hits the bottom of the car under the side impact sensor, which lives under the front seat.

-J

 

[Jettameister]

I did just find some articles about it. Doesn't look like anything was done about it though - owner/operator fault.

I just know that if claim this through insurance they will just write the vehicle off.

 

[casioqv]

I had my drivers side explosive seat belt pre-tensioner go off randomly. There was a loud 'bang' and the belt got tight suddenly, while driving down the freeway -- for no apparent reason.

 

[joewilhite]

just report it to highway safety. the may have a recall later if their is enough complaints.
no airbag should go off under any normal driving. EVER

 

[joep1234]

My Beetle sets off an air bag light when I hit a big puddle on the right side when it's raining. I expect that will happen one of these days. I checked with VW and there are no active recalls for this. Seems like there is water getting to the air bag sensor.