Page 2 of 5 · complaints 51–100 of 203

2001 Volkswagen Beetle complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2001 record →

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jul 8, 2010MA

WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM FOR THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE COMPANY IS REPLACING THEM. I JUST HAD ONE INSTALLED AFTER HAVING THE ENGINE LIGHT INDICATE I HAD A PROBLEM. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 2010115,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN WHICH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.

Power Train
Filed May 25, 201075,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DOWN SHIFTING, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK EXCESSIVELY AND WOULD ALSO HESITATE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 201078,000 milesCO

SUDDEN PERMANENT FAILURE OF SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER AND FUEL GAUGES. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 16, 2010100,000 milesNM

I HAVE A 2001 VW BEETLE TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND TOOK TO A SHOP AND THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 8, 2010FL

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING JUST A TERRIBLE CAR. WAX MATERIAL INTERIOR REMOVES EASILY WITH NAILS CHILDREN CAN EAT IT HAS CRAYOLA SMELL.SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE OF PLASTIC OR VINYL. THIS WHOLE CAR SHOULD BE RECALL. EPC BRAKE SWITCH ALWAYS ON HAD IT REPAIRED 3 TIMES ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. BAD ELECTRICAL. INTERIOR AC LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF. IN AND OUT OF MECHANIC.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 17, 201046,500 milesCA

I PURCHASED A 2001 VW BEETLE NEW AND I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP 4 TIMES DUE TO SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ON-GOING PROBLEM EVEN AFTER VW MADE A RECALL AND SUPPOSEDLY "FIX" THE SEAT BELT PROBLEM. THIS VERY FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE CAR HAD LESS 1500 MILES ON IT. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 17, 2010120 milesOK

2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS!!!!!! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jan 13, 2010125,000 milesTX

1. NORMAL DRIVING. 2. EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATING (EGR) COOLER CONNECTING PIPE FRACTURES. THIS CAN OCCUR ANYWHERE BETWEEN 30,000 AND 120,000 MILES. THIS FRACTURE ALLOWS EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE PASSENGER CABIN. AS OF NOW THE PART HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED, $178 DEALER ITEM. OLD PART WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. *TR

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Sep 22, 200950,150 milesIN

SAB DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 200970,423 milesVA

THE CHECKERED FLAG VABEACH VA DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY TOLD ME MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTION OF AN AIRBAG FUSE. IF THIS IS TRUE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT DOES NOT WORK ON 2001 NEW BEETLES. I SUGGEST YOU FOLLOW UP ON THIS DEALERSHIP FOR FAULTY INFORMATION AND CONSUMER NEGLIGENCE . ALL THEY DID WAS RESET THE CODE IN THE COMPUTER. T. FORGEY, CUSTOMER *TR

Tires1 injured
Filed Jan 19, 200960,365 milesCA

MY GIRL FRIEND HAD A LOW TIRE (KUMHO ECSTA AST 225/R17 94HXL). I WAS PUTTING AIR IN THE TIRE WHICH IS RATED FOR 50PSI MAX. I WANTED 32PSI AND OVER INFLATED TO 40PSI. AS I WAS LETTING AIR OUT THE TIRE RUPTURED IN MY FACE CAUSING LOTS OF FACIAL ABRASIONS, EYE DAMAGE (TEMPORARY I HOPE) AND HEARING LOSS (ALSO TEMPORARY I HOPE). I DO NOT OVERINFLATE TIRE AS AFTER ACCIDENT THE AAA TECH CHECKED THE OTHER TIRES AND ONE WAS AT 45 PSI. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Dec 30, 200868,000 milesAZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAS BEEN REPAIRED 4 TIMES. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED INTO FIRST GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER, STALL, AND THEN FAIL. A LOCAL TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS FAILING AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $350. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,900. UPDATED 02/05/09 *BF UPDATED 02/06/09. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 3, 200876,049 milesME

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRAIN PLUG IN THE OIL PAN LEAKS OIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE PLUG IS HARD STEEL AND THE PAN THAT HOLDS THE OIL IS ALUMINUM. IF THE TECHNICIAN TIGHTENS THE NUTS TOO TIGHTLY ON THE DRAIN PAN, ALL OF THE OIL WILL LEAK OUT. THE DEALER PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE OIL PAN AND PLUG AT THE COST OF $360.78; THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,049. UPDATED 11-19-08 *BF UPDATED 11/20/08. *JB

Air Bags
Filed Aug 11, 2008151,000 milesPA

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT - THE LIGHT WENT ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER I ADJUSTED MY SEAT. I DO NOT KNOW IF I HAVE FUNCTIONING AIR BAGS OR AN IDIOT LIGHT MALFUNCTION. I OWN 2001 VW NEW BEETLE. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THIS ISSUE HAPPENS A LOT WITH VW JETTAS AND NEW BEETLES 2000- 2004. THERE IS A FORUM NAMED FREDS TDI WHERE YOU WILL NOTE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AND ISSUES. APPARENTLY YOU CANNOT JUST CLEAR THE FAULTY CODE. VW SHOULD MAKE SURE THESE DEVICES ARE NOT MALFUNCTIONING. IF THE CODE WAS ERRONEOUSLY CLEARED THE DRIVER/PASSENGERS WOULD BE UNAWARE IF AIR BAG IS OPERATIONAL. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Aug 6, 200885,233 milesME

DEFECTIVE PART. CATALYST FAILED ON OUR 2001 NEW BEETLE TURBO. THIS VEHICLE, FOR SOME REASON, WAS NOT OF WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS ISSUE FROM 80,000 TO 120,000. WE DID NOT GET ANY NOTICE, AND, AS A RESULT, VW REFUSES TO REPLACE OUR CATALYST AS WE HAVE 85,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 25, 200875,000 milesFL

I HAVE A 2001 VW NEW BEETLE. I HAVE REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT, WHICH WAS DRAINS THE BATTERY, SERPENTINE BELT, REMOTELESS KEY WHICH IS STILL BROKEN- BASICALLY 6 DAYS AFTER BUYING THIS CAR- I SPENT $1200 ON REPAIRS- NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING FUNNY, AND BASICALLY- MY VW DEALERSHIP HAS A FIELD DAY WITH ME. TO TOP IT OFF- MY BATTERY DIED A MONTH AGO- AND CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I TRIED TO JUMP IT. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS CAR WILL BLOW UP ON ME AT ANY TIME. PLEASE HELP ME! *TR

Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 200820,000 milesIL

I WAS REMOVING MY SEAT BELT AND IT SLIPPED FROM MY HAND. AFTER THAT THE AIR BAG DEFAULT LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS STAYED ON. TWO DEALERSHIPS HAVE TOLD ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT LATCH, BUT THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL STILL DEPLOY. THE DEALERS ARE AUTOBARN VW IN EVANSTON, IL AND JENNIGS VW IN GLENVIEW, IL. HOWEVER CITY VW TELLS ME THE AIR BAGS WON'T DEPLOY DUE TO THE FAILURE LIGHT BEING ON AND THAT THE BUCKLE HAS TO BE REPLACED. I HEARD OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THE VW BLOGS ON THE WEB. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Apr 2, 200853,000 milesID

THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A ON GOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW, EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE VW DEALER ONLY TO GET SCREWED ,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CAR STARTS MISFIRING HAS NO POWER USES LOTS OF GAS STALLS RUNS RUFF . I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR ON THE FREEWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC FOR FEAR OF IT STALLING AND GETTING RAN INTO BY ANOTHER CAR ITS A PUBLIC ENDANGERMENT THESE CARS ARE. IN APRIL OF 2007 I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER THEY GAVE IT A QUICK FIX COSTING 450.00 THE LAST TIME THEY TOLD ME I HAD A BAD FUEL INJECTOR THEY REPLACE IT . IT RAN FINE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS THEN IN NOV 15 2007 THE CAR STALLED AGAIN DAUGHTER LIMPED IT HOME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON THE CAR WAS MISSING BAD IT WAS NIGHT AND GETTING CLOSE TO ZERO OUTSIDE . WE PARKED IT THIS TIME BECAUSE WE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THE CAR IT HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT. I REFUSE TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER VW DEALER , AND ALL VW OF AMERICA WILL SAY IS WE ARE SORRY FOR YOU TROUBLE BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT THE FIRST BUYER OF THE CAR AND ARE THE SECOND BUYER OF THIS CAR THAT WAS A LEASE RETURN YOU ARE NOT ENTITLE TO THE 10 YEARS 100.000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY THAT COME WITH THE CAR. IF YOU ARE THE FIRST BUYER OF THE CAR. THEN THESE REPAIR WOULD BE COVERED . THE WEEK OF JAN 15 2008 WE TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC SHOP . I TOOK THEM 2 DAYS TO FIND THE PROBLEM THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR WAS BAD AND THE TPS SENSOR IS BAD IN ALL IT WILL TAKE 1,400.00 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS CAR. WE PAID F

Air Bags
Filed Mar 6, 200838,000 milesCA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE ON ALL THE TIME, THERE HAS BEEN NO REASON FOR THE LIGHT TO BE ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. APPARENTLY THIS AIRBAG REQUIRES REPLACEMENT AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT WHILE THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DEPLOY AIRBAGS IN A CRASH. I HAVE TALKED WITH SEVERAL OWNERS OF VW BEATLES AND ALL HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE LAST THING THAT SHOULD FAIL IN A VEHICLE SHOULD BE THE AIRBAG, AND REPLACEMENT IS VERY EXPENSIVE AT $300 ONCE A YEAR. REPLACEMENT OF A RELAY SEEMS TO REPAIR THE ISSUE FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT IS NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR AS THE SYMPTOMS RETURN. DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE ODBC COMPUTER SYSTEM WILL NOT DISPLAY CODES THIS CANNOT BE REPAIRED BY NON-MANUFACTURER AUTOSHOPS. VW OWNERS COULD REALLY USE SOME HELP HERE PLEASE LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING SITE HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=205721&HIGHLIGHT=AIRBAG FOR A LISTING OF SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Feb 28, 2008NY

THE CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON VARIABLY, LOCAL MECHANIC CLAIMS AN OXYGEN SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING, AND ABLE TO CLEAR THE COMPUTER WARNING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VW SERVICE STATION CLAIMS CAN'T DIAGNOSE PROBLEM IF LIGHT IS OUT, HAVE TO WAIT TIL LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2008100,575 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH IN DRY CONDITIONS, THE TIMING BELT FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE OWNER'S MANUAL ADVISES THAT THE TIMING BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT 105,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIMING BELT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 500 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND IS BELOW THE REPLACEMENT MILEAGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,575.

Seats
Filed Nov 7, 200725,000 milesTX

2001 BRAND NEW BEETLE STARTED DEVELOPING STAINS ON THE SEAT FROM DAY ONE. BLUE JEANS AND DARK SWEATERS STAIN THE INTERIORS TO THAT COLOR EVERYTIME SOMEONE SITS DOWN IN THE CAR. THE THROTTLE BODY HAS GONE OUT THREE TIMES, COSTING ME OVER COUNTLESS DOLLARS IN REPAIR FEES AND IS NOW OUT FOR THE FOURTH TIME. CROWN VOLKSWAGEN IN TYLER, TX HAS REPAIRED IT EACH TIME, THE LONGEST REPAIR LASTING ABOUT FOUR MONTHS. THEY'VE PAID FOR THE REPAIR ONCE, BUT DO NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT RENTAL VEHICLE, REFUSE TO PICK UP THE PHONE DURING THE DAY OR RETURN PHONE CALLS, AND HAS COST ME TONS OF TIME AND MONEY TRAVELING FROM DALLAS TO TYLER TO CHECK ON THE CAR AND PICK IT UP. ONCE, I DROVE TWO HOURS FROM NACOGDOCHES, TX TO TYLER, TX ON THE SCHEDULED PICK UP DAY, HAVING TRIED TO CALL BEFORE LEAVING TOWN TO MAKE SURE IT WAS READY, ONLY TO FIND THAT THEY HADN'T GOTTEN TO THE CAR WHEN I ARRIVED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE DURING THE SAME REPAIR WHICH LASTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THEY HAVE BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE, AND THE CAR IS HORRIBLE. THE ARM REST BROKE ONE DAY AS I LIFTED IT, IT JUST FELL APART IN MY HANDS, THE INTERIOR COVERING ON THE DOORS AND DASHBOARD FLAKES OFF, THE SUNROOF BROKE NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK TO GET TO WORK EVERYDAY. IT FINALLY JAMMED THE VISOR SO THAT IT NO LONGER WORKS. THE SEAT MOVING MECHANISMS NO LONGER WORK. THE AIRBAG IS IN CONSTANT MALFUNCTION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND EPS LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO PULL MY CAR OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 29, 2007119,268 milesDE

THE TOP OF THE OIL DIPSTICK ON MY 2001 VW BEETLE IS APPARENTLY VERY FRAGILE AND COULD COME OFF BY ITSELF, POSSIBLY LODGING ITSELF INTO ANOTHER PART OF THE MOTOR AND CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT DISAPPEARED DURING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AT DOVER VOLKSWAGEN, INC. IN DOVER, DELAWARE. THEY CLAIMED THEY DID NOT BREAK IT. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Oct 19, 200710,500 milesCA

I HAD JUST FINISHED FUELING MY VEH AT A GAS STATION AND STARTED IT UP. I THEN DROVE ONTO THE STREET AND NOTED MY SPEEDO/ TACHOMETER/GAS GAUGE,[INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ?] WERE NOT WORKING. ONLY THE SPEEDO TRIP ODOMETER WORKS, I CAN NOT TELL HOW FAST I AM GOING OR THE ENGINE RPMS OR HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE. I HAVE CHECKED ALL THE FUSE AND CONNECTIONS I COULD AND THEY ALL CHECK GOOD.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 19, 2007NY

EPC LIGHT CAME ON NUMEROUS TIMES, CAUSING THE ENGINE POWER TO BE REDUCED GREATLY. THE LIGHT WAS NEVER CONSTANT IT WOULD COME ON AT RANDOM TIMES. BROUGHT TO DEALER 6/13-6/15. ENGINE FAILED ON 6/16 DUE TO A COOLANT COMPONENT FAILURE. NEW ENGINE PUT IN, I HAD TO PAY $1,360 EVEN THOUGHT STILL UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP 7/9. EPC LIGHT ON AGAIN THE NEXT WEEK, BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER, WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS BARELY RUNNING, IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WOULD STALL OUT AT ANY MINUTE. CAR WAS PICKED UP A FEW DAYS LATER. EPC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN ON 9/11 BEFORE BRINGING IT TO THE DEALER I HAD MY BROTHER LOOK AT IT, HE STATES ITS A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE, THE SAME PROBLEM AS ALL THE OTHER TIMES. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEALER ON 9/13 AND STILL WAITING FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Sep 14, 200788,540 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SWITCH WAS CONNECTED TO THE SEAT BELT, WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE AIR BAG WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE REPAIR COSTS WERE OVER $500. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88,540. * UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch
Filed Sep 13, 2007TN

2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE DEFECTIVE TURN SIGNAL /HAZARD WARNING SWITCH RELAY. CUSTOMER STATES THAT HIS TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. HE ALSO STATES HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE TO SEND THE DEFECTIVE SWITCH TO FOR ENGINEERING ANALYSIS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM ON HIS VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO A RECALL, HOWEVER THE RECALL PERTAINS TO OTHER 2001 VOLKSWAGENS. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Sep 10, 200754,000 milesTX

ON 8/21/07 TOOK MY VW TO DEALER DUE TO A RECOGNIZABLE RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE AND THE MIL LIGHT CAME ON. PAID $126.94 TO "REMOVE AND REPLACE OIL PAN SHIELD". EIGHTEEN DAYS LATTER, 9/8/07, I RECEIVED A "CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY EXTENSION" WARNING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DEGRADED PERFORMANCE. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE OWNER ME HEAR A READILY RECOGNIZABLE RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER YOUR VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF THE CONVERTER AND/OR THE MIL MAY ILLUMINATE DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF SPECIFIC FAULT CODES CAUSED BY FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS I A REAL COINCIDENCE. THE DEALER CLAIMED I HAD A "CRACKED OIL PAN SHIELD" AND 18 DAYS LATER THE FACTORY STATES THE SAME SYMPTOMS ARE CAUSED BY A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER!!! I DON'T BELIEVE THIS. *JB

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Sep 1, 200758,683 milesCA

GAS GAUGE INOP SINCE 10-05-05 AT 58,683 MILES. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER $602.75 PLUS TAX PER MERCED VOLKSWAGEN. ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER INOP 08-17-07 AT 80,951 MILES. CLAIMS DENIED BY VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA70274186 AND AUTO BBB VMA0751644. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch
Filed Aug 7, 2007TN

2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE WITH TURN SIGNAL PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH RENDERED THE TURN SIGNALS INOPERATIVE OR INTERMITTENT**CC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO HIGH CURRENT LOADS FROM THE BULBS USED THAT WERE OVERHEATING THE RELAY. *JB

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jul 15, 200769,500 milesTN

HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH, P/N 1CO 953 235 FAILED CAUSING TURN SIGNALS TO WORK ERRATICALLY OR NOT AT ALL. REPLACEMENT OF SWITCH WITH P/N 1CO 953 235 B RESTORED PROPER OPERATION. COMMUNICATIONS/LETTER DATED JUNE 25, 2007 WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION) TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA SETTING FORTH THIS CONDITION AS AN EXPANSION OF THE CURRENT RECALL OF JETTAS AND GOLF MODELS , RECALL 04V584000) WITH SAME SYMPTONS AND CURE, WITH REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, HAS BEEN IGNORED. FAILED SWITCH WA SRETAINED, AND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THIRD PARTIES FOR ENGINEERING ANALYSIS. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 6, 200786,920 milesAZ

PASSENGER WINDOW NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. FALLS INTO DOOR. I HEARD A CRACK AND THEN THE WINDOW NO LONGER WORKED. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE VW DEALER FOR THE RECALL ON THE WINDOW REGULATORS. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE WINDOW CLIPS ON MY CAR WERE NOT BROKEN SO THEY REFUSED TO FIX MY WINDOW REGULATOR. STATING THAT ONLY THE WINDOW CLIPS ARE UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE TWO LETTERS FROM VWOFA STATING THERE IS" A LIMITED WARRANTY COVERING THE REPAIR OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE FRONT DOOR WINDOW MECHANISMS IN YOUR CAR." AFTER CONTACTING VWOFA THEY STILL SAY THEY WILL NOT FIX MY WINDOW SINCE THE WINDOW CLIPS ARE NOT BROKEN. THE TECH AT THE VW DEALERSHIP REPORTS THAT "THE CABLES TO THE PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR BINDING." SO NOW I HAVE MY WINDOW HELD IN PLACE BY THREE PIECES OF TAPE THAT THE DEALERSHIP PUT THERE TO KEEP THE WINDOW FROM FALLING INTO THE DOOR AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE WINDOW REGULATOR. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jun 22, 2007188,000 milesNM

I HAVE TWO VOLKSWAGEN BEETLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. LAST YEAR BEFORE WE WERE AWARE OF THIS RECALL, THE CAR LEFT ME ABANDONED AT THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM PARKING LOT. I WAITED FOR HALF AN HOUR AND THEN IT WENT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO GET HOME. THE PROBLEM CORRECTED ITSELF AND YESTERDAY WHEN I GOT OUT OF WORK IT DID THE SAME BUT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME AFTER. NOW THE CAR WILL NOT EVEN ALLOW ME TO PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE TO GET IT TO THE DEALER FOR THIS RECALL AND VOLKSWAGEN, EMPLOYEE BY THE NAME OF AMY AT 1-800-822-8987, SAYS I NEED TO HAVE IT TOWED AT MY EXPENSE IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE FIXED. THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED TO GET FIXED. VOLKSWAGEN ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE IS REFUSING TO TOW IT TO GET IT FIXED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipFire
Filed Jun 19, 200791,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE # 5 AND # 9 FUSES. THE FUSES BLEW THE SAME DAY AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND THE ABS CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE MORE WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING MELTED WIRING. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH SOME WIRES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL # 02V031000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 92,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit
Filed Apr 13, 200764,500 milesTN

TURN SIGNALS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR CEASE WORKING AFTER A FEW FLASHES. THE IMMEDIATE FAILURE MODE"VIOLATES THE FMVSS, AND SUBJECTS THE DRIVER TO CITATIONS FOR FAILING TO PROPERLY SIGNAL A TURN AND/OR DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. SAFETY HAZARD FOR SURROUNDING TRAFFIC PUTTING VEHICLE AT GREATER RISK. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 6, 200723,775 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST OIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,775. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PISTON RINGS WERE INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN WHICH CAUSED THE OIL LEAK. THE CURENT MILEAGE WAS 23,800. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch
Filed Mar 3, 200755,000 milesMA

TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH. FIRST IT WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP, AFTER 2 MORE DAY IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. THIS CASE IS SIMILAR TO RECALL #04V584000, BUT THE CAR TYPE IS VW NEW BEETLE 2001. *JB

Wheels › Rim
Filed Feb 27, 20077,850 milesMI

2001 NEW BEETLE GL PROBLEM: DURING HEAVY SNOW FALLS GREATER THAN 6 INCHES, SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEELS (STEEL APPLICATION ONLY, NO COMMENT ON ALUMINUM WHEELS). WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE TIRES BECOME UNBALANCED WHICH CAUSES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO SHAKE WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE. MY LATEST EXPERIENCE WAS 2/14/06. THE VEHICLE SHAKE WAS SO BAD I COULD NOT DRIVE SAFELY OVER 40 MPH. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. ALL HE DID WAS PUT THE VEHICLE IN A HEATED GARAGE TO MELT THE ICE AND SNOW. APPARENTLY THIS WAS HAPPENING TO NUMEROUS NEW BEETLE OWNERS. THIS SITUATION WILL LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THUS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLS DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. *JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 27, 2007TX

2001 VW BEETLE - GASKET FOR HEADLIGHTS AND HEADLIGHT LENSES DETERIORATED. HAD TO HAVE REPLACED. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Feb 5, 2007CA

SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY VEHICLE 2001 VW BEETLE, I HAVE HAD A CONTINUOUS BEEPING AND ILLUMINATION OF VARIOUS CRAZY LIGHTS IN MY DASHBOARD. I HAVE CONTINUALLY TAKEN MY CAR TO VW, AT THE RATE OF $350+ EACH TIME, I AM AT MY WITS END...THESE ELECTRICAL ISSUES CANNOT BE FOUND OR FIXED BY A VW REP, AND ARE A DANGER TO MYSELF, MY PASSENGERS, AND SURROUNDING CARS. I HAVE CONTACTED VW AMERICA, AND HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS BOTHERING THEM. I HAD ONE SHOP IN SPRINGFIELD, MO FIX THE CONSTANT MIND BOGGLING BEEP THAT I'VE HAD TO LISTEN TO FOR YEARS NOW...THIS REPAIR OF THE BEEP LASTED THE LONGEST OF ALL...(1YEAR)...BUT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT MADE THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATE CONTINUALLY, SO THAT I NEVER COULD TELL IF I HAD BRAKE ISSUES OR NOT. THEN WHEN MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO HAVE A SMOG TEST FOR REGISTRATION BACK IN CA...THE VW SHOP IN CA SAID THEY WOULD NOT SMOG THE VEHICLE UNLESS OF COURSE I PAID ANOTHER $350 TO FIX THE BRAKE LIGHT, AND WHILE THEY FIXED IT, THEY BROUGHT BACK THE BEEP AND THE VARIOUS OTHER DASHBOARD ILLUMINATIONS...I AM SICK OF THIS COMPANY (VW AMERICA)...I AM DISAPPOINTED IN THEIR SERVICE, AND LACK OF CONSUMER WELFARE. I REQUEST THAT YOU HAVE THEM REPLENISH OUR DRAINED SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND RETURN ALL MONIES SPENT ON THESE TYPES OF FLAWS. WE AS CONSUMERS THOUGHT WE WERE GETTING A GOOD LITTLE GAS SAVING CAR...IT'S A NIGHTMARE!!! THERE ARE 110 COMPLAINTS SO FAR...ON THIS SITE...HOW MANY DOES IT TAKE FOR US ALL TO GET OUR MONEY BACK, AND THE REPAIR MONEYS AS WELL. I'M WILLIN

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Unit
Filed Feb 3, 200751,810 milesID

THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD SOME TIMES WORK , OR THEY JUST STOP WORKING FOR DAYS AT A TIME AM GOING TO TAKE CAR IN TO DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HAVE IT FIXED. NOW THEY HAVE FAILED ALL TOGETHER AND AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO GET IN TO A ACCIDENT IF I DON'T GET THEM FIXED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR. *NM

Air Bags
Filed Dec 25, 200637,000 milesNY

AIR BAG LIGHT ON FOR 2ND TIME SINCE AUG 2006 WHEN CAR WAS BOUGHT USED. NEWBEETLE.ORG MEMBERS ALL HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND I KEEP GETTING CHARGED TO READ CODE AND TURN OFF THE LIGHT BECAUSE IT'S AN "INTERMITTENT" CODE. I'M TIRED OF DRIVING AROUND A VEHICLE KNOWING THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. *NM

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 200649,175 milesIL

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS REPLACED. FOR $780 THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAG AND WIRING HARNESS. THIS AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN IS RESPONSIBLE! *JB

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 200649,175 milesIL

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS REPLACED. FOR $780 THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAG AND WIRING HARNESS. THIS AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN IS RESPONSIBLE! *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 19, 200688,274 milesNE

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 07/10/06 A REPAIR WAS DONE ON HIS VOLKSWAGEN BUG IN WHICH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKING WHILE IN PARK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD HIM TO BRING IN VEHICLE FOR A BRAKE SWITCH REPLACEMENT.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 26, 2006137,164 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ENTIRE ABS UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #02V031000, REGARDING THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT HER CAR WAS COVERED FOR THIS TYPE OF REPAIR HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE CAR WAS NOT COVERED. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A COPY OF THE RECALL LETTER. UPDATED 08/06/07 *TR

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit
Filed Oct 16, 2006119,750 milesMS

EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH (HAZARD SWITCH) THERE WAS A VW RECALL ISSUED TO REPLACE THIS SWITCH THAT NOT ONLY CONTROLS THE HAZARD FLASHERS BUT ALSO THE TURN SIGNALS, IN THE JETTA, GOLF, & GTI. MY BEETLE USES THE SAME SWITCH I AM WONDERING WHY IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL (VW RECALL VX). MY SWITCH HAS THE SAME INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE MARCH 2005 RECALL LETTER, I WILL BE REPLACING THE SWITCH ON MY OWN ACCORD, BUT THIS BULLETIN SHOULD INCLUDE THE VW NEW BEETLE MODEL IN MY OPINION. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 1, 200673,000 milesCO

THIS IS MY SECOND VW BEETLE TURBO THAT HAS AN ENGINE THAT HAS DIED BELOW THE RECOMMENDED MILEAGE FOR MAINTENANCE. BOTH VEHICLES DID THE SAME THING AND DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 75 MILES PER HOUR. I LOST POWER AND WAS NOT ABLE TO USE MY BREAKS TO PULL OVER FOR SAFETY. AFTER CONTACTING VW CUSTOMER SERVICE (800 882 8987 REF# 60353557 9-29-06) I WAS INFORMED, "THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THE DAMAGE OCCURRED BELOW THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE". MY CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73K AND MY CURRENT MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE USUAL MILEAGE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM IS 105K. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS NOT A UNIQUE ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN IS MORE THAN AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THEY THINK THEY SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 7, 200656,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE IN FEB 2003. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE TURNPIKE SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST POWER AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A CERTIFIED VW GARAGE WHERE I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I HAD NO WARNING THAT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING UNTIL IT STOPPED AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 56,000 MILES ON IT. THE MECHANIC IS GOING TO GIVE ME A REBUILT ENGINE BECAUSE HE IS TRYING TO SAVE ME SOME MONEY. SO FAR MY CAR IS IN THE GARAGE FOR OVER A MONTH BECAUSE IT SEEMS IT IS NOT EASY TO GET A REPAIRABLE USED MOTOR. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. ALSO I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR ONE MONTH ALREADY WHICH OF COURSE CAUSES A HARDSHIP AND A LOT OF STRESS. I DON'T FEEL THAT A MOTOR SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED WITH ONLY 56,000 MILES ON IT. I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE CAR. BOY WAS I WRONG!! *JB

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle → · Every Beetle year → · How the figures are calculated →