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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle Models:

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Volkswagen Beetle Problems

Power Window May Fail Due to Window Regulator

Miscellaneous -- Verified

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

Electrical & Lights -- Verified

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

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

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

Electrical & Lights -- Verified

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

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

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

Body, Interior & Misc., January 21, 2011

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.


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Roof Spoiler May Fall Off

Body, Interior & Misc., February 29, 2008

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.

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Volkswagen Recalls 1998-2002 Models Due to Malfunctioning Brake Light Switch

Electrical & Lights, November 27, 2006

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.

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Volkswagen Golf Recall 07V063000

Electrical & Lights, April 27, 2007

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.

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Volkswagen Recalls Certain 2006–2010 Models Due to a Possible Fuel Leak

Engine, December 14, 2010

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.

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Volkswagen Beetle Questions and Answers

DebbieC, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, Gasoline, Garden Grove, CA

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 ...

DebbieC, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, Gasoline, Garden Grove, CA

In your response if the engine turns over....I think it does. i turn the key and the engine won't kick over.

neese, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, Gasoline, Gaston, SC

1991 headlight removal complete and new headlight installation. Please note 1991 not 1998. It would not accept 1991

hahn1200, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, Diesel, Roswell, GA

cold air not coming out of AC

ecg, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, Ocean Park, WA

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

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Volkswagen Beetle Stories

love the car one glitch with the radio but other wise it is great

I bought my 2000 V/W beattle brand new but I had problems with it as soon as I put it on the road the coolong light come on have taking it to the dealer and so they said is fix that light is back on now I TOOK IT TO ATHENS V/W FOR OIL CHANGE THE CAR WAS GIVING ME PROBLEMS"after so many miles driven the car didn't want to start here comes and certified mechanic that my husband knows check the oil and guess what oil hs not been change for awhile,giving my money to the dealer and they never change my oil,filter and everything else that is include it,now the oil line is starting to cumulate some kind of greasy form and water I HAVE PAID HIGH DOLLARS TO HAVE MY CAR IN GOOD SHAP AND THE DEALER HAS RUIN MY CAR.... now the engine lite comes on in other words what I thought it was going to be my toy it has turn dow to a nitmare,no more V/w for me and no more dealers this goes to Jim Ellis and V/W of athens they suck and dont do the job just take your money.

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.