NHTSA complaint #11535525

Owner complaint summary

In July 2023, the airbag light came on in the dash of the vehicle. Upon inspection by the VW dealer, Sheppard Motors, the dealership indicated that the airbag module failed. They said the repair part was back ordered and were not sure when it will be available. I asked them does this mean the airbag system will not work in an accident? They said yes. I suggested pulling an airbag module from one of the cars in their inventory and using it to repair the car. They said no. They left us drive the car away with the airbag light still on. I researched on the internet finding a airbag module for the car. I informed them of the research and website. They said they called the other VW dealer but the part was not available even though the part was showing as available on the website. I believe driving a vehicle without a functioning airbag system is very dangerous. I don't understand why the manufacture does not have parts available for a new car. I think the safety board needs to investigate this parts availability problem and airbag module failure. How can the vehicle have such a great safety rating if the airbag system does not work?