1999 Volkswagen Beetle

Defect. The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

Risk. A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.

Risk. THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CONSOLE WAS MELTING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,500.

MY CAR- 1999 VW BEETLE WAS NOT FULLY INSPECTED BEFORE I GOT THE CAR FROM DEALER. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR HAS LONG LIST OF PARTS NEED REPLACEMENT TO REPAIR AND I FELT THAT IT WASN'T REAL SAFE BECAUSE OF STRUT SHOCK AND POWER STEERING ALSO CV JOINTS ARE GETTING BAD IN THE UNDER OF HOOD. I FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR HAS NO PANEL SKID FOR PREVENT FROM WETTING ON MOTOR PARTS AND GOT BAD ACID ON IT. I HAS TO ORDER THE PARTS FOR MY CAR AND HASN'T DRIVEN FOR ALMOST 6 MONTHS BY SO FAR. BY RIGHT I DON'T HAVE MUCH MONEY TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED NEAR THE LEFT PART OF THE DASHBOARD CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE NATURE OF THE SMOKE, THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND EXITED THE VEHICLE WHILE IN THE LANE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE OFFICER WAS PRESENT TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND 06V183000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING).THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MONTHS AGO AND WAS TO PROVIDE FURTHER TESTING TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT KEPT CALLING, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,403.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE BARS ON THE FREEWAY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NOSE AND A CUT TO THE FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND SWITCHING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE RETENTION WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE AND A LARGE CUT FROM THE LOWER LIP ALL THE WAY DOWN TO HER CHIN. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DOCTOR STATED THAT A PIECE OF METAL FROM THE AIR BAG CRACKED SOME OF HER FRONTAL TEETH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. ...UPDATED 06-12-15 *BF

HAD TO HAVE FUSE PANEL ON BATTERY REPLACED FOR 2ND TIME IN 2-3 YRS AND ALSO A FUSE BOX UNDER DASH. COST WAS VERY EXPENSIVE. CAR WOULD NOT START ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER SHOPPING AT A STORE. HAD TO PUSH START THE CAR TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. STILL DON'T KNOW WHY IT WENT BAD/APPEARED MELTED. IN FIRST EPISODE THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO AS THERE WERE BATTERY DRAIN PROBLEMS. THIS AN INDIRECT SAFETY ISSUE AS MY DAUGHTER DRIVES CAR AND SHE COULD HAVE BE STRANDED AT ANY PLACE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. SHORTLY AFTER THIS THE DRIVE BY WIRE THROTTLE ALSO STOPPED WORKING RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO AN IDLE (APPROX. 1100 RPM). THIS CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME. YOU HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO GET THE THROTTLE TO WORK AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE MANUFACTURER (VW) CAN OFFER NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE, AT SOME POINT IN TIME, COULD AFFECT ALL OF THE 1999 -2009 NEW BEETLES ALONG WITH THE AUDI TT. AGAIN VW AND THE SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER MANUFACTURER MAGNETI MORELLI CAN OFFER NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. *TR

SENDING MY DAUGHTER TO COLLEGE IN THIS CUTE LITTLE RED BUG. EVERY VW DEALERSHIP AND THEIR BROTHER, IS AWARE OF A DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEFECT IN THESE CUTE LITTLE THINGS. MY DEALER WILL REPAIR THE FAULTY WIRING AND BELT BUCKLE, AS THEY DID FOR THE SCHOOL TEACHER I BOUGHT THIS CUTE LITTLE THING FROM. WHAT SCHOOL TEACHERS WON'T DO IS REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAG IN THE SIDE FOR SIX YEARS BECAUSE THEY THINK, "OH I AM SAFE ENOUGH WITH A FRONT AIRBAG ONLY!" AND NOBODY WANTS TO SPEND $700 FOR A LITTLE SIDE AIRBAG. BUT I THINK VW SHOULD RECALL THE SIDE AIRBAG FOR PUTTING IN SO MANY FAULTY SIDE AIRBAGS AS A WHOLE BUNCH OF CUTE SCHOOL TEACHERS AND CUTE LITTLE FRESHMAN STUDENTS LIKE MY LITTLE PRECIOUS GIRL DRIVE AROUND THESE BUGS WITH A SMILE ON THERE FACE. AND THE CUTE LIGHT WITH A LITTLE MAN HOLDING A BEACH BALL IN HIS LAP! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE CLUTCH, PRESSURE PLATE, AND BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT HOME WHERE THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY ENGOLF INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,500.

MY GRANDMOTHER HAD PURCHASED A EDDIE BAUER BROOKE STROLLER AND CAR SEAT SET ONLINE FOR MY BABY SHOWER END OF SEPTEMBER THROUGH BEGINNING OF AUGUST 2011. PURCHASE WAS AROUND $300+ WHICH I DON'T FIND CHEAP BY ANY MEANS. LONG STORY SHORT- MY 5 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER AND I WERE IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHERE I'VE LEARNED HER CAR SEAT BASE WAS DEFECTED DURING THE CRASH AND HAD ACTUALLY LIFTED OUT OF THE BASE AND BACK DOWN. COULD HAVE EASILY WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. SHE SUFFERED A BROKEN RIGHT FEMUR AND A FRACTURED LEFT FEMUR LEAVING HER IN A ALMOST FULL BODY CAST FOR 4 WEEKS. I HAD HIT A FULL SIZED TRUCK HEAD ON LEADING UP TO THE EVEN THE BASE AND CAR SEAT DETACHED. THE CAR SEAT WAS THROWN AWAY SOMETIME WHILE I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL. I WAS IN A MEDICALLY INDUCED COMA FOR THREE DAYS BEFORE STATING TO ANYONE AT THE HOSPITAL. ONE OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD GOTTEN THE BABY OUT FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM REACHING AROUND ME. I HAVE THE STROLLER AND THE BOX THE SET CAME IN BUT THEY THREW THE CAR SEAT AWAY. MY GRANDMOTHER SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOCATE PURCHASING INFO THROUGH HER PAST CREDIT CARD USE IF NEEDED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, HE TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AND EXIT THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS ABLE TO BE EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

DEFECTIVE PLASTIC SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR IN TRANSMISSION. AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES THE SPEEDOMETER GRADUALLY DROPS CAUSING YOU TO THINK THAT YOUR DRIVING SLOWER THAN YOU ACTUALLY ARE. AT 65MPH THE SPEEDOMETER FLOATS BETWEEN 45 - 55 MPH. AT 80MPH IT READS 60. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE CRUISE CONTROL TO CONSTANTLY TRY TO SPEED THE CAR UP. I'M AFRAID TO LET MY TEEN DRIVER USE THE CAR. COST OF REPAIR AT PRIVATE SHOP IS OVER $1000. DUE TO INTENSE LABOR TO REPLACE BROKEN GEAR. TRANSMISSION MUST BE TAKEN APART TO FIX. DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION FOR $4000. THESE BEETLES ARE POPULAR WITH NEW TEEN DRIVERS AND THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT. AN INTERNET SEARCH ALSO SHOWS THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING IN THE JETTA.

DEFECT IN DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW. WINDOW NOT USED FOR SEVERAL YEARS. AS OF MAY 28, 2011 WINDOW OPENED & WILL NOT CLOSE. *TR

1999 VW BEETLE. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON RANDOMLY AND WON'T TURN OFF. VW REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $99 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPLACE/FIX THE ISSUE. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I'M ESSENTIALLY DRIVING AROUND WITH NO AIRBAGS. I REFUSE TO PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE ISSUE ABOUT. SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM ON THE 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE: DURING THE LAST (4) WEEKS, DAUGHTERS BEETLE STOPPED RUNNING ON (2) MAJOR HIGHWAYS, AND ONE-TIME A SIDE STREET NEAR MY HOME. THE 1ST AUTO SHOP STATED THAT I HAD A BAD ALTERNATOR & A BAD BATTERY. THAN, 1 WEEK LATER, THE NEW ALTERNATOR BLEW AND THE SAME MECHANIC HAD THE ORIGINAL ALTERNATOR RE-BUILT STATING IT WAS THE HARNESS! THAN, IT STOPPED RUNNING ON MY ROAD NEAR MY HOME. A 2ND AUTO SHOP TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TOE VW DEALER AND THAT IS WHERE IT IS NOW! I HAVE PAID $640 SO-FAR & HAVE USED MY AAA FOR TOWING 3X'S! *TR

WE TEST DROVE CARS AT ROD & TYS ALL STAR AUTO IN PUYALLUP, WE NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE BALD AND ONE CAR HAD A BULGE AND TEAR IN THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR ATTENTION AND THEY SAID THEY AREN'T REQUIRED TO MAKE THESE CARS SAFE. THAT IS THE BUYERS RESPONSIBILITY. I WAS VERY UPSET. THESE TIRES ARE SO BALD THEY AREN'T EVEN LEGAL. I WOULD LIKE THIS PLACE INVESTIGATE TO SHUT DOWN BEFORE SOME IS HURT OR KILLED FROM THE DANGEROUS CARS. *TR

K I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 99 VW BEETLE AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR JERKS WHEN IT HITS LIKE 3000RPM AND IT IDLES HIGHER THEN IT SHOULD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON THE SCENE TO ASSIST. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED ON FEBRUARY 13, 2010. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IN DRIVE MODE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL GEAR; HOWEVER, THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. SHE THEN ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND LUNGE VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BY REPLACING PARTS UNKNOWN TO THE CONTACT. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER, WHICH ALSO DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 121,000.

V.W. BEETLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE - HARD SHIFT OR WILL NOT SHIFT. *TR

DRIVING DOWN NJ PARKWAY,65 MPH. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT,THUMPING,LOSING SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT AFTER READING BLOG ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED BASED ON THIS INFO. CAR IS NOW UNDRIVABLE. SHIFTING ERRATICALLY IF AT ALL. JERKING BETWEEN GEARS. *TR

FAULTY VALVE STEMS -- SUSPECT -- MADE IN CHINA, PURCHASED AT LOCAL AAA REPAIR FACILITY THAT PURCHAES SUPPLIES FROM TECH INT'L. *TR

DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING DOWN ROAD AT 45 MPH (SPEED LIMIT) AND THE RIGHT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE. SHE SAW SMOKE AND IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO CAR DEALERSHIP. THE RESULT WAS THE TREAD SEPARATED, DAMAGED OIL PAN, WRAPPED AROUND CV AXLE, MELTED THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT. THE CAR IS BEYOND REPAIR. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH, THE DRIVER COULD SMELL A BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. SHE THEN NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND, WITHIN MINUTES, FLAMES ENGULFED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD; HOWEVER, THIS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED DEFINITIVELY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 136,000.

WE PURCHASED A USED 99 VW BEETLE; THE PREVIOUS OWNERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS US THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. WE HAVE IT CHECKED OUT (DIAGNOSTIC) AND THEY TELL US IT SHOW RICH FUEL. WE PAY AROUND $250.00 EACH TIME TO HAVE IT FIXED AND RESET AND IT LAST FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS AND IT DOES IT AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BACK IN 2004 ABOUT A OCTAIN SENSOR. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE THE PROBLEM AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO HAVE THIS FIXED RIGHT WITH NO CHARGE. IF THERE WAS A RECALL SENT OUT REGARDING THIS THE PREVIOUS OWNERS DID NOT RECEIVE ONE BECAUSE THEY PURCHASED IT AS A USED VEHICLE AS WELL. PLEASE HELP THIS IS DRIVING US CRAZY AND THIS IS MY TEENAGE DAUGHTERS VEHICLE. *TR

PROBLEM: GEAR SHIFTER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN PARK POSITION. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER HAS LOCKED IN THE PARK POSITION. IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR INTO A DRIVE GEAR, IT WAS NECESSARY TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES WHILE PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT HAS TAKEN AS LONG A 30 MINS. OF THIS PROCESS TO GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. ON EACH OCCASION MY CAR WAS IN A PARKED POSITION. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM COULD POTENTIALLY OCCUR IF THE CAR WERE PLACED INTO PARK AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN, IT WOULD CREATE A TRAFFIC HAZARD. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED BY MULTIPLE CONSUMERS THROUGHOUT VARIOUS INTERNET WEBSITES. *TR

DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED - CABLE 'SHREDDED' AND AUTOMATIC WINDOW NO LONGER WORKS TO 'ROLL UP' THE WINDOW. FOUND MANY RESULTS ONLINE FOR OTHER VW OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR OE REGULATORS. *TR

HEADLINER SEPARATES FROM FORMED SUB COMPOSITE. FAILURE IS A DAY TO DAY PROBLEM. HEADLINER DROOPS INTO INTERIOR OF CAR. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE BECAUSE OF CURRENT AGE OF VEHICLE. WE SAFETY PIN UP THE HEADLINER TO SUB STRUCTURE IN HOPE THAT IT WILL NOT FALL IN FRONT OF US AS WE DRIVE THIS CAR ON A DAILY BASIS. *TR

MY 99 VW BEETLE IS A DEATH TRAP, IF IT'S NOT ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT. IT'S A STANDARD SHIFT, IT HAS A CLUTCH, WHY DOES IT HAVE A TRANSMISSION TO? *TR

PURCHASED 1999 VW BEETLE 20 MONTHS AGO. CAR HAS ONLY 54,000 MILES. SINCE OWNING THE CAR HAVE ALREADY OVER $3,500 IN REPAIRS. ALL OF THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AT MY LOCAL DARCAR VW REPAIR SHOP. I BELIEVE SOME OF THESE REPAIRS WERE RECALLS AND HAVE ALL RECEIPT. IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN SENT MY REPAIR RECEIPTS TO TO SEE IF I CAN BE REIMBURSED FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALL SERVICES? I CAN FORWARD RECEIPTS. ALSO SEVEN DAYS AGO THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE AND IT APPEARS IT HAD BEEN RECALLED PER TWO VW OWNER WHO HAD SAME PROBLEMS BUT I CAN'T FIND THE RECALL INFORMATION ON IT. CAN YOU SUGGEST HOW I CAN VIEW ALL RECALLS FOR 1999 VW BEETLE GLS? *TR

IN NOV 2003 I HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON MY 1999 VW NEW BEETLE GLX UNDER RECALL 03V-265. TODAY (MARCH 19, 2008) I LEARNED THAT A SECOND RECALL (#06V183000) WAS ISSUED ON MAY 4, 2006 WHICH STATED THAT "ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265" AND THAT THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS "DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE" I CONTACTED VW ABOUT THIS RECALL (06V183000 ) AT THE NUMBER LISTED IN IT AND THEY SAY THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS PROBABLY BECAUSE PER ACTION RQ06004 THIS RECALL WAS LISTED AS CLOSED ON AUGUST 7, 2006. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF THIS SECOND RECALL FROM VW EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE SWITCH IN MY CAR WAS PERFORMED AS PART OF THE 1ST RECALL (03V-265) AND MY CAR IS OF THE TYPE THAT THE 2ND RECALL COVERS (I.E. HAD 1ST RECALL PERFORMED, HAS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND CRUISE CONTROL). VW IS NOW REFUSING TO EITHER INSPECT MY CAR TO ENSURE THE ORIGINAL RECALL WAS PERFORMED CORRECTLY OR REPLACE THE SWITCH AGAIN PER THE REMEDY OF THE 2ND RECALL. THERE IS NO REASON I SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS 2ND RECALL. I HAVE LIVED AT THE SAME ADDRESS SINCE 2000. THE 1ST RECALL WAS PERFORMED AT THE SAME LOCAL DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD IT SERVICED IN THE TIME PERIOD SINCE BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND RECALLS. AND WHEN I CONTACTED VW AT THE PHONE

I BOUGHT MY 99 BEETLE IN OCTOBER OF 2007 AND THE DAY THAT I GOT THE CAR THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK IT BACK THEY HAD IT FOR ONE MONTH THEY REPLACED THE MOTOR AND WIRE CLUSTER. WHEN I FINALLY GOT IT BACK ABOUT TWO WEEKS PASSED AND I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM 0 TO 120 AND THEN THE CARE LOST POWER ON THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE ROAD. I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION I HAVE TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET THEM TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND THEY WONT. AFTER I GOT IT BACK THAT TIME THE HEATER STOPPED WORKING AND THE SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT GO ABOVE 40 WHEN I TOLD THEM THIS THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT THAT IT WAS MY PROBLEM. YESTERDAY MY MILEAGE, SPEEDOMETER, AND GAS GAGE STOPPED WORKING MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU KNOW ANY ONE WHO COULD HELP ME WITH THESE PROBLEMS PLEASE LET ME KNOW. *TR

FAILURE OF DASHBOARD (AIRCONDITIONING) CONTROLS CAUSED CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE. CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FAILURE TO ADDRESS THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED BY ITSELF AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM REACHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT THE SEAT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. AAA STATED THAT THE PLASTIC FAILED IN THE SEAT AND THAT THE SCREWS WERE DETACHED. AAA REPLACED THE SCREWS IN THE SEAT SO THAT THE CONTACT COULD DRIVE HOME. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE SEAT AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SCREWS AND THE PLASTIC FAILED. THE SECOND TIME THE SEAT FAILED, THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR OR INSPECT IT TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE SPEED AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER CALLED AND INFORMED HER THE COST OF THE REPAIR WOULD $178.00, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER IS ON A FIX INCOME AND CAN NOT AFFORD THE COST OF THE REPAIR. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

I HAVE A 99 VW BEETLE, 2.0 L 4 CYLINDER 5 SPD MANUAL GTI. I HAVE HAD CONTINUAL ABS LIGHT PROBLEMS SINCE 10000 MILES. THE LEFT REAR SPEED SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES. THE VW DEALER IN HI AT 16 K SAYS IT THE CONTROL MODULE AFTER REPLACING THE SENSOR AND WIRE HARNESS. NOW AT 28000 MILES THE ABS LIGHT IS ON AND THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES AND ALARMS. I SEEMS THIS IS A CLASS ENGINEERING PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES A RECALL TO FIX. *JB

THE ABS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL OF THE TIME. WHENEVER I DRIVE IN WET CONDITIONS THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT FLASHES AND A BUZZER SOUNDS. VW DEALER RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF ABS CONTROL MODULE AT A COST OF $1,680. *JB

ELECTRICAL 1ST THE DEALER CHARGES FOR EVEYTHING THEY LOOK AT, AND THE WORK IS NEVER UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. I HAVE HAD TWO HEADLAMPS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. MY A/C SWITCH WHEN OUT, NOW THE WHOLE UNIT HAS GONE OUT. THE COST FOR REPAIRS ARE OUTRAGEOUS. AND THEY ALWAYS RIG THEIR CARS WITH SPECIAL TOOLS, SO YOU CANNOT GPR ELSEWHERE FOR SERVICE.*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON 4/30/07 PER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06E049000. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 104,000.*AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED , AND VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT A REPAIR SHOP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 89,000 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.*AK

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE CRANKED THE 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED, AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A SENSOR UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SENSOR. APPROXIMATELY 13 MONTHS LATER THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED TO ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 104000 MILES. *AK UPDATED 04/09 *TR

TL*- THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 03V265000 CONCERNING EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS: SWITCH ON THE 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2004. EVER SINCE THE FIRST FAILURE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE 4 TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A SOLUTION OTHER THAN REPLACING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE SINCE THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL ONCE ALREADY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 82810. NEITHER THE SPEED NOR THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE A FACTOR IN THE FAILURE.*AK THE DEALER DID REPLACE THE SWITCH, HOWEVER IT FAILED AGAIN. UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT MADE A SAFETY REPAIR ON HIS VEHICLE, AND HE LATER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER. THE CONTACT HAS MADE ATTEMPTS TO BE REIMBURSED BY THE MANUFACTURER, AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED, STATING THAT THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE SAFETY RECALL AFTER THE FACT, AND HE WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED. *AK

1999 WW BEETLE WITH MANY PROBLEMS INCLUDING SHIFTING, BRAKE SWITCH (RECALL N4)**CC THE CONSUMER COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE BRAKE SWITCH. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AFTER ALREADY HAVING THE REPAIRS DONE. THE CONSUMER DIDN'T TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER BECAUSE THEY WOULD ONLY HAD PAID FOR THE SWITCH AND NOT THE LABOR BECAUSE AT THE TIME, THE RECALL WAS NOT IN EFFECT. THE SERPENTINE BELT AND STARTER WAS REPLACED. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THEN, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS EVACUATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE PRESENT, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE FROM THE HEATER FAN WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, REFUSED TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE FIRE COULD HAVE INJURED AN OCCUPANT.*AK

MY WIFE BECAME STUCK AND COULD NOT DRIVER HER 1999 VW NEW BEETLE AFTER DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS PUSHING ON HER BRAKE PEDAL. SO I HAD TO INSTRUCT HER TO REMOVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH SO THE CAR COULD MOVE. ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS ON IT THIRD OR FOURTH RECALL FROM VW. WHY SO MANY RECALLS? CAN'T VW GET IT RIGHT? *JB

THE CAR MADE A FUNNY WHISTLE NOISE THEN SHUT OFF. THE PERSON BEHIND US SAID BLUE SMOKE CAME OUT THE BACK. TOOK TO DEALER HAD ENGINE, WATER PUMP, TURBO AND BELTS REPLACED. NOW DEALER CAN NOT GET CAR TO RUN PROPERLY. THE DIESEL STARTS FINE AND RUNS GREAT AFTER 15 MINUTES CAR STARTS RUNNING SLUGGISH AND HAS NO POWER. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR 4 MONTHS STILL WAITING AND STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THE BEETLE. *JB

THE FIRST OCCURRENCE (DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW) OCCURRED WITHIN 6,000 MILES OF DRIVING OFF THE DEALER'S LOT -- THE SECOND OCCURRENCE (PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW) OCCURRED TODAY, 7/24/2006. THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO TODAY'S INCIDENT, ALBEIT IDENTICAL TO THE FIRST OCCURRENCE 3 YEARS AGO, GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS: I HIT THE 'DOWN' BUTTON TO LOWER THE WINDOW; THE WINDOW LOWERS ITSELF AND STAYS IN THE DOWN POSITION -- THEREBY SUBJECTING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS TO THE POSSIBILITY OF: A: EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF DUST/DEBRIS CAUSING TEMPORARY BLINDNESS. B: EXPOSURE TO NOXIOUS AIR FUMES FROM INNER-CITY DRIVING. C: MAKING THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE MORE-LIKELY SUBJECTS OF VIOLENT CRIMES UP TO AND INCLUDING CAR-JACKING, RAPE, ARMED ROBBERY. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. TO DISENGAGE THE BRAKE LIGHT THE FUSE WAS REMOVED. A NHTSA RECALL, #03V265000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT A CHARGE. THERE IS A SECOND NHTSA RECALL, # 06V183000, REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.