Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Beetle Models:
Volkswagen Beetle Problems
Power Window May Fail Due to Window Regulator
One or more power windows may fail. Our technicians tell us this is commonly due to a failed window regulator which will require replacement.
One or Both Head Lights May Not Work
One or both head lights may not work due to premature head light bulb burnout and/or bulb harness failure. Care should be taken to inspect the head light harness connector for damage when replacing bulbs. Damaged connectors should be replaced.
Check Engine Light Due to Ignition Component/Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure
Due to an ignition component and/or engine coolant temperature sensor failure, the Check Engine Light may illuminate. Replacement of the failed component will be necessary to correct this concern.
Flasher Relay Failure Can Cause Erratic Turn Signal Operation
Erratic turn signal operation can be a result of a failing turn signal flasher relay which will require replacement.
Mass Air Flow Sensor May Fail
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor may fail, resulting in drivability issues and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light.
Volkswagen Beetle Recalls (Recent)
Do Not Meet Federal Crash Standards
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The Federal government continually reviews and updates crash safety standards. The standards were updated on September 1, 2010. Twenty-seven Beetles built between September 1st and 22nd, 2010 do not meet the new standards. These vehicles will be replaced with a comparable vehicle that was produced prior to September 1, 2010. The recall is scheduled to begin prior to February 1, 2011.
Roof Spoiler May Fall Off
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On certain vehicles, the incorrect adhesive may have been used to secure the roof spoiler to the rear glass. The spoiler could fall off without warning. This could cause injury to someone outside the vehicle or become an obstacle for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the spoiler on affected vehicles. This recall is expected to begin on February 29, 2008. The Volkswagen recall number is 66D1.
Learn more »Volkswagen Recalls 1998-2002 Models Due to Malfunctioning Brake Light Switch
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Volkswagen has recalled certain 1999-2002 Jetta and 1998-2002 Beetle models because a brake light switch may malfunction if incorrectly installed during a safety recall. This can cause the brake lights to become inoperative or remain on. Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge.
Learn more »Volkswagen Passat Recall 07V063000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Learn more »Volkswagen Recalls Certain 2006–2010 Models Due to a Possible Fuel Leak
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2007–2009 Jetta, Jetta Sportwagon, Golf, and Rabbit, as well as 2006–2010 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles due to a possibly damaged fuel supply line. Under hood fasteners may chafe against the fuel supply line, resulting in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will perform vehicle-appropriate inspections and repairs in order to protect the fuel supply line from chafing damage.
Learn more »Volkswagen Beetle Questions and Answers
Sometimes my car won't start, the engine won't kick over. I've had this problem for about 10 mths. I've been to 2 mechanics and had fuel pump replaced twice, new starter. major tune up. Recently I ...
In your response if the engine turns over....I think it does. i turn the key and the engine won't kick over.
1991 headlight removal complete and new headlight installation. Please note 1991 not 1998. It would not accept 1991
cold air not coming out of AC
Hi I have a 1968 Volkswagon beetle, and I am trying to replace the inner tie rod end, but the damper is connected to the tie rod end and it is crimped how do I get it off
Volkswagen Beetle Stories
bought this car in 2004 with 36000 miles, have had nothing major go wrong except for headlights went out twice and needed cv joints after 206000 miles, the key to this car is to find a good NON dealership mechanic that will do the work reaonable and do regular oil changes and it will go forever,,,, love my car. cosmetically the interior is rather cheaply made , the plastic knobs will break after time, but it still runs like a top
I owe a 1998 VW Beetle in wish i loved, when it was in good conditions i drove it for 1 year than everything started to fall apart. I replaced the motor, changed the radiator,double cooling fans, thermostat, timing belt. cat. converters, did a complete 2 times tune ups in 6 months, changed the cables and all, water pump starter, and still check engine on. the interior started breaking, door panels, door locks, upholstery fading. headlights moldings broke, it seems that nothing works, but yet very expensive to get it going. I already spend $6,056. replacing everything. I didn't know what I was getting my self into. sucks!
I bought my 2001 New Beetle New; while the warrentee was in effect, only some minor problems, after the warantee expired, so did the beetle, slowly, piece by piece. The handbrake broke, came off in my hand, the catalylic converter went out, 600 bucks, the timing belt had to be replaced twice, the clutch went out, the air conditioner went out, the seat upholstery split, water pump went out... the headlights and tail lights take turns at going out, the tail light assembly popped out of the fender, seems the clips or whatever keeping the tail light assembly in place just simply disintergated, broke, to replce the tail light assembly about 300 bucks...all these repairs were very, VERY costly. I pity the fool who buys, and owns one. The ONLY GOOD thing about the beetle is the VW advertising....Das Volks is German Engernerring.
I bought mine used in 2006. Loved the way the body looked, and I even named mine. But to be honest, it is not a good car. Everything plastic on the car gets brittle and cracks/crumbles to pieces, without even being touched. Always throwing trouble codes; get them fixed and cleared and two days later it's something new. Working on it is a nightmare, it is major surgury to replace a fog beam or even things that should be simple like a bulb in the headlight. While driving to work this morning, I started smelling a horrible burning plastic smell and noticed smoke coming from my dashboard. Turned the car off but by then a fire had broken out in the wiring and plastic within the dashboard. Called 911 and fire department came quickly and put it out. My insurance claims representative says it looks like a total loss.
After the incident I started searching online and found many, many similar if not identical stories of electrical fires on this car. I wish I would have known this before learning the hard way.
I purchased my 2001 Beetle used, based only because it was cute and I had always wanted one since High School, big mistake, I had it for ony 6 months, and the engine completely went out, (it had only 54,000 miles on it), thank goodness for the extended warranty, they kept my car for a 1-1/2 months..ridiculous, it is now slowy falling apart, all the cheap plastic parts in the interior, glove compartment cheap handle broke off (replacement $200, because you can't just buy the handle),antenna rotted and snapped off, all the cup holders brittle and broken, the plastic covers over the seat adjustments, the cheap brittle plastic that sits inside adjustment, broke off. I have also replaced the plastic cheap emblem wheel covers at least 6 times, and gave up after two more fell of (at a cost of $30. each). Also the front lights and rear lights constantly going out at around $30 to $40 each time. The only positive thing I have to say, is alot of head room and width in the front seat. BUYER BEWARE!