The official notice
Defect
On certain vehicles, the wiring for the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may not have been manufactured properly. This could cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even when a passenger is seated. Note: This problem would cause an error message to display on the instrument panel and a warning chime to sound. The airbag indicator light would also display "passenger airbag off".
Safety Risk
An airbag that is turned off could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen advises that you shouldn't use the front passenger seat if a PODS error message displays on the instrument panel or if the airbag indicator light displays "passenger airbag off" with an occupant in the seat. Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to repair the passenger-front seat wiring harness.