Volkswagen Beetle

Save up to $379 on Your Auto Insurance. Compare Quotes from Top Providers Now! Find the Best Deal and Apply! - Adv.

Volkswagen • Beetle • Cabrio • Jetta • Jetta Windows • Passat • Toureg • Windows - All Models --- • Engine Sludge • Ignition Coils • Oil Burning • Engine Fires • Paint • Automan's Advice --- News • VW Rabbit Tops Affordable Hatchback Tests • VW Fined $1.1 Million for Clean Air Violations • VW Admits Sludge Problems

Tracey of Johnston, RI September 24, 2008

Tracey of Johnston RI (09/24/08)
I own a 2001 VW Beetle, mileage 83,585. In August of 2008 I had a VW dealer repair 2 oil leaks on the engine. Last week the car stopped running; I took it to a local mechanic who told me the timing belt was broken and the engine needed to be replaced. I called the dealer, who explained that they would not have been able to see the timing belt where the leaks were repaired, but he also told me that the timing belt should last to 105,000 miles.

He recommended I call VW Customer Care at the number listed above. I explained everything to Cust. Care and was told that the car was supposed to be checked at 40,000 and 80,000 miles and they couldn't help me. I bought the car used in February of 2006. I've taken the car to the dealer for oil changes and other repairs.

I paid 865 in August of 2008 to repair an engine that now needs to replaced. I paid 120.00 to the local repair shop to diagnose the engine replacement and have been quoted a price of 3600.00 to replace the engine, which is about what I owe in payments on it.

Karen of Oak Grove, KY September 23, 2008

Karen of Oak Grove KY (09/23/08)
I own a 03 VW new Beetle. Back glass came unglued. Was told by VW dealer it would have to re replaced almost 2200.00! Called VW and was told they have not had any other VW complaints relating to the top (ha ha). Surfed on line and found lots of people with the same problems. Thanks.

Danielle of Murrieta, CA September 7, 2008

Danielle of Murrieta CA (09/07/08)
I was just told yesterday that my 2004 Covertable Beetle was basicaly dead. I have had several small issues leading up to the past 2 weeks of hell. The fabric holding the rear window glass in place disconnected long ago with no financially reasonable way to correct it. The covertable top itself never worked properly. It would always lock while it was lowering which caused me to wait for 5 minutes every time in order for the circuit to reset.

Shortly after buying it in 2006, I noticed that the dispplay which showed which gear the vehicle was in would select every gear at once. I had a diagnostic run two seperate times and both times I was turned away with no explaination. Also, about a month ago, my left window regulator malfunctioned and I have not been able to raise the window. Luckily, living in Southern California, it does not regularly rain. However, I was quoted a 800 bill in order to replace the regulator. From what I have read, this problem is beyond common, and needs to be recalled.

Like others, I also received a notice stating a recall on airbag sensors. One day later, my airbag warning light came on. Like I said, problem after problem. Within the past 2 weeks, my car began shifting gears jerkily and the engine would rev high prior to shifting. My check engine light also came on. When I took it in, I was told that I needed the following: a new thermometer, new triptronic switch, new range circuitboard, a water pump, a timing belt, and a new transmission. The transmission alone is over 5,100. The total cost for these repairs came to over 9000.

My car hasn't even hit 80,000 and has undergone regular maintanence. I have since been told that VW transmissions are known for breaking down between 60,000 and 75,000 miles. The damages associated with my car greatly outweigh the total value of the car. Due to the many problems that seem extremely common and the outrageous extrense of the parts needed, it is much more affordable to purchase a new car and expend the VW Beetle in my possession.

Dave of Granbury, TX September 3, 2008

Dave of Granbury TX (09/03/08)
I purchased a 2003 Beetle convertible in late 2003 from a dealer in San Antonio. The vehicle had about 7,000 miles on it when I purchased it and was under a full factory warranty. About two-three weeks ago, I noticed that the back glass window that is attached to the canvas convertible top has disconnected from the canvas. I contacted the local VW Dealer and was informed that they cannot reattach the window to the canvas and that I will have to purchase an entire new canvas top at a cost of about 2,400.00.

Of course, with the window disconnected from the canvas, I have no way to keep the water out of the car. Currently, the car only has about 21,000 miles on it and, when it has not been driven, has been garaged the entire time I have owned the car. I consider this a design defect that VW should step up to the plate and pay for.

Based on what I've read in these postings, it sounds like our chances of having VW Corporation or a local VW Dealer step up to the plate and fix this problem on their nickel are slim to none, but I guess I'll give it a try . . .

Karla of Longvview, TX September 1, 2008

Karla of Longvview TX (09/01/08)
I have a 2003 VW Beetle convertible purchased new. Yesterday (08/31/08) I noticed the adhesive that holds the rear glass window in place has become unattached. Has anyone else had a similar problem with this happening.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top |