One or more power windows may fail. Our technicians tell us this is commonly due to a failed window regulator which will require replacement.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Beetle Models:
Volkswagen Beetle Problems
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)
Volkswagen Beetle Recall 02V244000
Body, Interior & Misc., July 29, 2003
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Learn more »Volkswagen Beetle Recall 02V031000
Brakes, March 8, 2002
Summary: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Learn more »Volkswagen Beetle Recall 98V100000
Electrical & Lights, May 14, 1998
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE ENDGE OF THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY TRAY. THE WIRING CAN BECOME DAMAGED OVER TIME BY CHAFING AND THE AIR-CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND/OR THE FUEL PUMP CAN MALFUNCTION.
Learn more »Volkswagen Beetle 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.
Learn more »High Pressure Diesel Pump May Leak
Engine, February 8, 2005
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Some vehicles may have a high pressure diesel pump with an incorrect fastener, which may allow the fuel to leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began February 8, 2005. The Volkswagen recall number is VY.
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 ...
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 Reviews
Based on my one star ratings of all that has gone wrong, I can only assume that all other areas are soon to fail, hence the thee stars. This is a 2007 new beetle fully factory equipped. There are 33000 miles on this car and is driven exclusively by my wife. I bought her a ltd. edition sport bug in the 70's and sold it after one year because it was such a piece of crap. She never forgave me for that. Fast forward to 2007 to redeem myself. She babys and loves this car more than me. So far the a/c has gone out, all four center caps on the octopus wheels have flown off from the tangs becoming brittle and cracking off, center console arm broke at hinge, rear hatch support shocks worn out, gas door release spring broken, passenger side speaker failed, rear brake pads of all things and tires actually rotted before wearing out. yes the car lives in a garage. The most recent is the drivers side door handle breaking off the ridiculously engineered door panel. That dealer repair is nearly $800. Yes you are reading correctly. This fairly priced car when purchased new and in existence since Moses, will nickle/dime your bank account to oblivion. Cheap plastic parts o plenty, poor design, mechanical failure, you name it, it's inevitably coming for you. FYI VW of America could care less. Don't believe me? Call their "no customer care" department and learn for yourselves.
my ac is not cooling but the compressor is running i had the refridgeant checked it is full but the guy said that it was the compressor even thou it is running he said the the pressure should be level in the compressor but it is kicking in an when iwas looking on line for prices for a compressor it said the the compressor for a vw beetle has low pressure on one side n high pressure on the other so now i'm confused.the ac worked one day n the next it didn't anybody have any answers
Electrical Shorts in headlamps, battery is ruined in less than a year from no recharge, Electric motors for top and windows are crap, fabric on the interior is falling off, hinge on drivers side split in two for no apparent reason, A/C unit died, Oil Plastic Dipstick crumbled into the block, Over heated and now ceased up with a blown head gasket (no temp gauge), Piece of crap! There are about thirty other items that are subpar on this piece of crap! NEVER BUY GERMAN AGAIN!
My 2001 Turbo 1.8 Beetle had 25k on it in 2005 when we bought it. Now in 2013 it has 170k. I have had 7.5 years of pleasure driving it. The usual timing belt replacement, a new battery and a couple other things is all I've had to do. It recently has a slow transmission fluid leak, which we will keep an eye on. Yes the light bulbs are a pain to replace, but my husband watched a youtube instruction video, so can do that himself now. Bulb is only $7.00. Synthetic oil of course.
It's a 12 year old car and still amazing!
I have an 03 conv. and its is the biggest piece of crap ever assembled. Back glass is coming unglued and falling out, back pass window is broken (500.00 part) the power locks dont work most of the time and the tranmission is shot at 73 thou miles. DO NOT EVER PURCHASE A VW BEETLE!!!!!!!! THEY ARE JUNK!!!!!!!!
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