Volkswagen Beetle Reviews

Purchased 2001 Beetle for cash brand new. Shortly thereafter, electrical system died. I took it back to dealer in Glendale, CA and he informed me that there was nothing he could do. It has been sitting in my garage for years now because I can't find anyone to fix it. Please help.

2002 bug - had it for 8 years nothing but problems, have replaced every major component water pump, fuel pump, injectors to name a few. Dash lights always on for one reason or another especially air bag light. It's 2 to 3000 every time gets to shop. Why kept it so long? Wanted to keep till it was a classic. Lol, I should of bought it and parked it..

I purchased my dream car, a convertible bug, on 7/9/14. I was terribly disappointed when five days later I saw rain pouring into the closed top. After 6 trips to two dealerships, the problem was fixed. Quite a headache and not very encouraging for a new car, but since vw did finally fix the problem I am thrilled with the car. I haven't had any other problems, but I have to admit I cringe every time it rains. I just have to remind myself that leaks don't matter when the top is down and hope that nothing else goes wrong. I can't say that I would buy another vw but I also won't say I won't.

1999 VW Beetle. What do I even say that everyone else hasn't already said about Beetles. ABSOLUTE WORST CAR EVER MADE! I have put far more money into the car to keep it running than what I paid for it. (about $6000+) Starter, air compressor, clutch, alternator, o2 sensor X4, transmission, catalytic converter, every electrical component... you name it, chances are I fixed it. The first words my mechanic uttered when learning I had purchased a beetle were "The best advice I can give you is get rid of this car immediately." Did I listen? Nope. Now yet again, my car has left me stranded. Damn you VW, why can't you just make a decent damned car? Man up and take these heaps of junk off the roads. Admit it, you effed up. Do not buy anything VW ever! If you do, prepare to shell out a pile of money over and over again.

Bought a 2005 VW new Beetle convertible with 78,000 miles on it and drove it for 10,000 miles and the transmission starts to slip, we take it into the VW dealer and they tell us it's going to be $6000 for a new transmission on a car with less than 100,000 miles on it, ridiculous!!! I will never buy a Volkswagen again!!!! Hopefully my VW Routan doesn't start to act up! Used to trust this company, not anymore!!!!

Driver’s door has fall off its hinges. A/c system has been replaced 3 times. Headlight constantly fall out of car while driving. Leather seats are plastic and started cracking within first year. Car smells like a burnt crayon no matter what you use to cover smell. Transmission replaced at 40,000 miles. Plastic console broke within first year. Aux cable fell into dash first time used. Tail lights pop out while car is parked. Multiple buttons on radio have stopped working. Plastic straps on convertible top have all broke. I really cannot think of a single item that has not broken or had to be replaced. Car has been in shop 42 times in 2 years. All parts are expensive and are made in mexico or brazil. Looks nice but is absolutely horrible. I am in constant fear when I drive my plastic lemon.

I purchased a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle last year in May 2014 and ever since I had it been giving me problems. Like when I come to a complete stop it starts jerking so bad I have to put it in park and when I do that it's cut off and won't start unless I sit there for awhile and have to quickly put it back in drive and pull off real fast. Most time I'm in traffic and it's so dangerous because someone can easy reel end me in the back.

I have a 2001 VW with 205,000 miles on it. The last 141,000 miles the check engine light, airbag light, EPC light have been on. Quotes from 1240.00 dollars to 3000.00 to fix upstream and downstream O2 mass airflow and a myriads of others. It's the ground that meets at the transmission. They get oily, dirty, grimy-- clean it and all problems for free are fixed. Check ohms of resistance to the contact point. Use contact cleaner after disconnecting the battery shine it up and the lights will go out and your stress will go down. Or drive it and forget it. Check engine light is emissions related. Who cares. With all lights out. 26 miles to gallon. All lights on 33 miles to gallon gas is 4 bucks air is free. Greatest car ever.

Reading some these reviews I swear they were driving my car, I fell in love with a Beetle since Herbie the Love bug! I bought my 2003 VW convertible Beetle in 2004... Only 1 1/2 years later, I started having trouble with the transmission. It only had 38,000 miles on it. Thank God I bought an extended warranty! 6 months later the driver’s side window regulator broke. Since then, I've replaced 4 of them. The glue on my top has come apart from the rear window. I've kept up with all the normal up keep of my car, but every time I turn around there is always something else. I check every now and then to see if there has been any recall on any of my issues... aawwh NO! Does anyone have any ideas what to do?

2004 New Beetle convertible top - Well had this year and half now. I had replace the transmission, head gasket, water pump, and the air compressor. Now the convertible top is leaking and needs a head o steel which is another 750. Also the back leaks around the edges. Then all the sides are coming unglued and sticky.

Transmission issues, oil leak issues, power window issues, heat issues, controller box issues, shifting issues...there is more. Will never buy another VW car again.

2002 New VW Beetle. Total mileage 54.000 average use 450 miles a month. Construction and reliability the worst of any car other than a Jeep Cherokee that I have owned. Three window regulators required replacing, water pump failed at 40,000 miles, glove box door latch broke (plastic), rear ash tray broke off (plastic), convertible top rear window has separated from the canvas, drivers side air bag warning light is on, both drivers side and passenger side interior door trim fabric has fallen off. The glue has failed. The transmissions is causing intermittent slips. The fuel pump failed spilling gasoline into the interior of the car and ground, this occurred at 51,000 miles. This cars interior and options are very poorly constructed and unreliable. I will never buy another VW of any type and tell that to anyone who will listen. I have a 2006 Honda pilot with 164,000 miles and had to do nothing other than normal maintenance, what a difference a commitment to customer satisfaction makes.

2001 Volkswagan Super Beetle - I can't believe this is a German engineered car. Started having brake and transmission problems in first year. Got that all fixed. In 2007 the interior started falling apart. Both door close handles broke loose from the top. The headliner came unglued and is sagging all over. In 2009 the dash and all interior plastic covered parts turned so gooey and sticky that the goo rubs off on you. In 2013 the tiny remote control mirror knob broke off (it's plastic). The car runs great, that's why I keep it. But inside now, it is a piece of pure junk. Does anybody know how to get the goo off the dash?

As long as I can remember, I have always wanted a little VW beetle, silver, royal blue, with flames on the sides, or Kermit the Frog green. Any of those would have made my day. So to my eternal surprise on my 33rd birthday, I got a silver one as a gift from my then boyfriend. I took over ownership of the car about a year ago and the car has sadly been a pain ever since the first summer I have had it. I have had the coolant system flushed and all small plastic parts, hoses, and sensors associated with that replaced.

ABS light and signal came on, radio went off and when I turned it off it would not turn back on. I attempted to jump it but it would not hold a charge. Had it towed and mechanic claims the fuse box melted down and he is trying to find out why and how to fix it. I have found out the cost of remedy or cost to repair. In doing research now I find that this is a common problem with VW? Why has there not been a recall? I love my car and will keep it. Just feel that the manufacturer needs to be held responsible.

I was in an accident and the airbags didn't deploy.

2000 VW Turbo - I just took my VW to the garage because of ABS light on. It wasn't a brake problem, it was a assembly defect that caused my fuse box to melt. It seems to be a big problem with Volkswagen "melted fuse box assembly". I am a 74 year old single woman on a small fixed income. I feel VW is responsible for my bill.

Damn, how do I start...I bought my 2001 VW beetle turbo charge 1.8L two years ago. SO MANY THINGS happened. Well let me start this off, I spend 7000 ** dollars on it. I thank to my uncle he could help me with this. When I first got this car, yes it was more than amazing, it was beautiful to my eyes. I loved the way it ran, had a lot of power. Pretty much, it ran GREAT. A bit more than a week after I got it the engine light came on, not just that, it flashed!!! Well bad for me I did not get a warranty on that. I knew nothing about cars, this was my very first one with my own money. The mechanic told me if I'll pay 100$ he'll solve this. Sorry but I don't really remember what was the problem. Well it came on and off. I got to another mechanic (my uncle's friend) which instead of paying 95$ an hour, I paid 50...Still a lot for a worker who gets less than 9$ an hour, but I got help with all this. So with about 5000$ worth of fix, I gave up. I could not afford this no more. I did not want to solve it, but I thought to myself, after all of this money you are going to trash it. So I kept it.

Over the past month, I have noticed a strange, plasticky smell that seems to come from the driver's area somewhere. It's like melting plastic. I changed perfumes, thinking it was me... but it is getting worse. Every time I turn on the A/C or now the heater, there it is. Thankfully my friend Bob could smell it yesterday and said it smells like an electrical issue. I already have an appt with VW to look at it.

2005 turbo with 59,000 miles on it. While driving transmission goes into neutral by itself and shifts gears rough. Has happened several times nearly causing accidents. I called the VW headquarters and they said that it was 4 years past the 5 year warranty and even though it's under the mileage, they could not help me. I never received a letter about a problem and extension of the warranty due to the class action law suit. VW should be responsible for fixing this problem with any car that was built with this transmission no matter what the year or mileage. They want $6000.00 for a new trans and the car's not even worth that. Never buy VW vehicles!

2005 VW Beetle Convertible - Headliner has fallen/pulled away from the back window. Feels like the liner has a metal bar inside of it that must have snapped in around the window. For anyone who has had this problem, have they had it fixed and if so has the fix worked. I've owned the car four days. Reply is greatly appreciated.

I purchased my 2013 Beetle in September of 2013. It's a 2.5 L 5 speed. I had the same problem as many others where my window would not come back up all the way after being rolled down. Also, the automatic window would not work. I had to hold the button down the entire time. Now that it is warmer, this does not happen. I still think it's odd that a brand new car with 3 miles on it when I purchased it had that happen to it! Now I am having the issue that my car will die while it is in neutral. It has died 7 times in the past 3 months and both Puyallup Volkswagen and Auburn Volkswagen have not been able to find the problem. I have not seen anyone else with this problem either. It is very frustrating for this was my first brand new car!

I really loved my 2005 Beetle convertible. Loved driving around with the top down and the wind in my hair. But alas, it's the crappiest car I've ever owned... and I have owned a Vega and a Datsun b-210! The interior of the car has been a joke since day 1. The automatic windows broke so many times the mechanics fixing it broke the door panel screwing it back in. But the dealership (Dwight Harrison in Snellville, GA) wouldn't take ownership of that because I didn't notice the big crack in the passenger side before I drove it off the lot. And how embarrassing that the paint is peeling off the door handles every time they are used. But even that I could have overlooked.

The fuse box on top of my battery has burned up 5 times since my purchase of the vehicle 6 years ago. The mechanic now tells me because of the extensive damage caused by the continual burning of the part.... it has done such extensive damage it cannot be fixed without replacing the alternator and other major electrical parts. I am so mad I can hardly stand it. I have read hundreds of the same complaint and am not sure why there has not been a recall on this car.

Purchased a 2009 Blush New Beetle, top of the line, paid over $30,000+ for the car mainly because of its appealing looks. Nothing but problems, problems, problems... Problem 1: Shortly after receiving possession of the car, the steering column repeatedly locked up. Car repeatedly had to be towed by AAA back to the dealer. Five repairs to key lock cylinder, Service Manager advised problem existing is known to Volkswagen Corporate Headquarters staff and to alleviate problem, car must always be parked on flat level ground. No other known remedy for problem. Is condition existing in my ownership of a Volkswagen car acceptable, I think not!

The inside plastic has developed a sticky residue that cannot be removed. The inside door handles fell off leaving no way to close the doors. The inside door panel coverings pop out. The aerial broke. Recently the plastic panel holding the glove box cracked and the glove box and panel had to be removed. The headliner also needs to be replaced. Mostly every plastic part inside of the car breaks very easy or crumbles.

My daughter just had to have a VW Beetle. I told her I was suspect of their practices related to design for failure and high service costs to follow. Having been in the auto repair and racing business for years, I knew they were guilty of making their cars very hard to diagnose or work on, no company does that by accident. In three years my daughter could not afford to keep fixing the constant $300 to $600 bites it was taking out of her income. We dismissed VW forever. Then I married a lady with a 2008 Beetle with 100,000 miles on it; she claimed to love it. After a water pump, a/c compressor, brake failure, electrical problems and the constant drain of her money for a myriad of minor to major ailments, NOT SO MUCH NOW!!! She let it sit for a month while we were vacationing.

Going down interstate, speed limit 65. Doing speed limit with Semi truck behind me. Beetle lost all power at 65 mph. Took about 5 seconds for Beetle to regain power. Almost got rear ended by Semi truck while beetle lost power. Pretty Scary. Also having problems with driver's window going up in car. It sounds as if the motor is on its last leg. VW states car is fine, However I drive this car everyday. Their only in the Beetle to go around the block. They bring Beetle back & say Beetle is fine. Well, something is wrong & it should be address. A fix for everyone should be mandatory, not bushed under the rug.

The transmission on my 2004 VW convertible Beetle started malfunctioning 14 months after I bought it in 2010. The VW engineers have designed it so you have to buy the exact one for that year and it has to be for the convertible. Most mechanics are not familiar with its sensitivity. It is best to replace with a brand new one and have the dealership to do the job. I would never recommend this car to anyone. It's a money pit and VW needs to man up and do a recall on all Beetles.

I have a 2007 Beetle which is a very cute car, but beginning at about 55000 miles we noticed a problem with the automatic trans. At the time the dealer and the car mechanic said just use high grade gas - will be fine. We are now being told this year that the transmission must be rebuilt at least at the cost of $4000 and that may not resolve all the issues. The car had EVERY correct maintenance at the exact time. We took excellent care of it. This year and others are now part of the LEMON LAW and are part of class action suits. It is really too bad - VW should own up to the problem.

I bought a used 2002 Beetle in 2011. It's the first car I ever owned. I love my car for sentimental reasons, but would not recommend buying one. While I expect an older car to have mechanical issues from time to time, some of these problems are serious and costly design flaws. It is not a cheap car to own and keep running. Issues I have experienced:

I bought this VW Beetle in 2001. After 13 years, I have 73000 miles on it. The majority of driving has been done with just the driver in the car and I have been the only driver. I have had a number of "small" mechanical problems; however the real downfall of this car is the interior. The inside plastic has developed a sticky residue that cannot be removed. The inside door handles fell off leaving no way to close the doors. The inside door panel coverings pop out. The aerial broke. Recently the plastic panel holding the glove box cracked and the glove box and panel had to be removed. The headliner also needs to be replaced. The outside of the car looks like new and while it is old I see no reason for so many problems with the interior.

Have a 03 beetle conv. Love it when it works. Vw, however forgot how to build quality and treat customers. Besides the crappy regulator and slow window motors (regulator window gears made of cheap plastic and wear and break way too many times), costly repair. And the valve assembly in the transmission, Vw knew and no recall to fix. Cost me $2500.00 to repair. Vw of America was rude and unhelpful.

We've had our 2005 VW Beetle since 2009. It's been a great car with quirks like every other car.. buttons quit working etc...but a few months ago it started bucking when driven around town a lot. It would stop if you drove long distance for awhile but start back up again.... It got worse... The transmission guy said VW are too hard and expensive to have him rebuild but it would be better for him to buy a rebuilt and install it.. Said maybe 1200-1500.. We weren't thrilled, but car was to be daughter's car and you can't buy a car for that price. He just called us today... It will be $3761. For a rebuilt, way too much - the car isn't worth more than that. It's a bunch of crap. VW knows their transmissions in this year and others are bad... Suck it up and recall them.

When a timing belt is recommended it is because it is a wear item, meaning if not replaced it may break causing damage to the engine. Also when purchasing a used vehicle regardless of make there is a chance that it wasn't maintained properly which leads to costly repairs. Bringing down a manufacture is not okay. There is always the saying you get what you pay for, so if you got a super awesome low deal on a car there is a chance it might cost you more in the long run. As far as some vehicles having problems, yes that is true, we all have returned an item because it did not work well.

I have my car 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. It's like two month almost with me. After fixing timing belt, when I am driving it's like someone puling my car back. I don't know what happened. Its 2.0 car. It was very good but now it's not going fast. Please let me know what I need to do. Thanks.

Bought in August 2013. The convertible has been a fun ride until it started getting cold. As soon as the temperatures started dropping the driver's side window (and on some instances the passenger side too) will push down to open but will not push back up into the seal. The only way to re-seal the window is by making the window go up from the inside. This problem has been "fixed" at a current total of 3 times, typically with just a reset of the window settings - one time with the replacement of a broken part that held the window in place. (At one point the problem reoccurred in a 2 week span!) It's April and the problem has popped up for the 4th time. Please feel free to respond with how you handled your situation as I am frustrated and stumped.

My girlfriend has a 2005 Beetle convertible w/ similar/identical problems. Recalled items that were replaced: fuel pump - loss of acceleration for her throttle body component of transmission - cutting out on the freeway. Door regulators go bad - that is the noise in the door you are hearing. Now it goes really well except for ANOTHER window regulator needs to be replaced - yep. Hope this helps. It was a fight w/ VW to get the transmission issue acknowledged but they ended up paying for it w/ the help of our transmission mechanic in San Diego.

2003 VW Beetle - Like everyone else. The car has had so many issues 01 to current. Beetle owners, we should file for a class action lawsuit. I know for a fact I've spent thousands and it's just sitting in my driveway. Loved it and a classic once a point of time and it's not fair that VW won't take responsibility for their problem. Someone needs to be held accountable. Who's with me!

My sisters-in-law's 2000 Beetle TDI just had a serious dash fire most likely totaling car. Good thing it was in her garage.

I purchased my 2013 VW Beetle Convertible in the middle of August 2013 with less than 5 miles on it. So, it was NEW. As of today, March 12, 2014, this is the 4th time I have had to take my car into the dealership because (1) when I pushed the window button to go down, it would not automatically go down all the way (2) the window did not go up all the way automatically while driving or when locked in the evening, creating a gap where water could get in or a lot of road noise if I didn't manually raise the windows, (3) when putting the top down, the passenger window only automatically lowered 1/4 of the way and stopped. It had to be lowered manually.

Bought used 2001 Turbo VW Beetles. Had to replace the leaf springs right away. The engine light came on before I drove 78 miles, then the guys at garage said they could tell the engine light had been shut off. The VW garage said it needed sensors, then the guy at VW garage said it needed timing belt not that this one was bad but they needed replaced when the mileage got to certain point. Then the transmission went out, replaced along with some other items like water pump. I drove it out of garage, wasn't even 2 miles and engine light came back on... called garage guy said, "Unless it flashed, don't worry." Okay, hmm, then before I could drive 20 miles I had no heat in - 0 deg on way back to shop. I couldn't even go up small hill, dropped into 3rd to get uphill, then it didn't do good to shop, no codes on computer, guy says another transmission. Wth? NEVER AGAIN.

I first purchased my convertible 2005 VW Cabro Beetle in 2009 after many years of wanting one. Within 2 months I had the airbag warning light come on. I was told I needed to replace the crash sensor which I did - $890.00. Eight months later problems with blue engine warning light. Had to replace engine's temp sensor. Three months later replaced timing belt and tensioner - another $700.00! Then driver's window would not go down. Had to replace door lock cylinder which required removal of inner door panel - another $600.00! Then yet another warning light - I had coolant leaking - so mechanic removed and installed coolant expansion tank and new hoses and pump - $750.00. Then the worst thing, the car starting jerking - you guessed it, a new transmission - $6,865.00.

On November 2013, I purchased a 2005 VW Beetle on a used car lot in Orlando, FL two weeks after lights on dash started lighting up. First the air bag one then the engine and last the coolant then the car cranks but powers off. I took it to a foreign car mechanic and he tells me it's the timing belt. Then he said it needed to be recoded and said it would cost $1000 max. I also noticed that when I would drive on bumps on the road the car would power off so I opened the hood and looked and shook things and the car powered on, then got online and read that the 2005 fuse box had been recalled. I ordered a new fuse box that will be installed today. Hopefully that will solve the problem. I had a vehicle history on the car one owner under 100000 miles in great condition garage kept. I hope this solves my problem. I have missed several days of work due to the car's problems. I would drive and it would power off while I was driving.

It is too long to write. Here is a brief summary. Bought it brand new from Boardwalk Auto in Redwood City, CA. Took it in several time while under warranty for every issue. Transmission, electrical, recalls, window problems, headlights falling out and not working, leaking fluids, check engine light on, heater not working... I can go on. The dealer would tinker and take care of recalls, but could never pinpoint any real problems while under warranty. Since the warranty expired, they have found problems THAT NEED REPAIR, DUH. I have contacted VW of America. They are not helping, except only in asking for records from the dealer. These cars are a piece of crap and VW knows it.

No warning sign. Got off interstate mash gas felt like car was not moving. Call my mechanic on the way, car started making a sound like it wasn't in gear. Just have right at 100000 miles. Have kept my car service. Had to pay $3200 to have it rebuild at a transmission shop. I think that we as consumer need to take action against VW and hold them responsible.

My interior door panels cracked and fell off. When this happened it disconnected all electronics. I cannot use electronic key door locks, cannot open any windows or sun roof. Also my glove box literally fell off. I don't abuse this car. The parts are so expensive that I cannot afford to replace them.

2013 Beetle TDI Windows - We purchased the above hardtop Beetle in March 2013 with 488 miles on it. Everything was fine (good mileage, fun to drive, etc.) until November 2013 when it got cold here in Rhode Island. Then the windows would not operate as intended. When you open the door to get in the windows are designed to lower approximately 1/2" in order to clear the groove along the roof line in which the window sets when closed as there is no door frame around the doors - they are just glass. Then when the door is closed, the windows are supposed to go back up into the groove. Once the temperature dropped down into the 30s the windows no longer depressed and the doors could not be opened.

I bought a 2005 VW Convertible Beetle. Took it home and found windows didn't work, wouldn't go up. Took back to get fixed. OK for a while, now back window will not go up. Also problems with transmission. Put on brakes and transmission jerked. It is now worse. Sometimes switches to neutral on hills. Only 45,000 miles. Will take it to Gunther soon.

My 2007 Volkswagen Beetle convertible has had repetitive issues with the window actuators, the AC system, and the back window of the convertible top. The car has less than 25,000 miles on it and is garage kept. Prestige Volkswagen in Melbourne Fl was the dealership making the repairs on the window regulators (which took 4 trips to resolve) and AC (which took 7 trips and was only partially resolved). They didn't know how/care to put that dash back together properly and now my horn doesn't work properly either now.

So my 2003 vw beetle has been having a few issues lately. About a week ago my EPC (electrical power control) light has been coming on. Mind you my check engine light has been on since I got it as well as my battery light yet my battery is just fine. My bug is having issues starting. It turns over but it won't actually start and twice it has just completely shut off while in the middle of driving. Thankfully both times I was pulling into a driveway so there hasn't been any accidents. My dad refuses to take it in but he seems to believe there is just a bare wire that is grounding out somewhere which can cause the readers to say it's an issue with the alternator or the battery causing people to spend tons of money and still have issues. The readers won't tell you if there is a bare wire which is why the dealers don't know what's wrong with them; they can only replace what it reads. So if you are having issues like this CHECK YOUR WIRES. It could be as simple as a bare wire causing aaaaall those problems.

My windows stopped going up and down. I have a hard time with them. Electrical problem under the hood with the alternator wire, car not starting some times, engine light jumping on and off.

Just over two weeks ago, I was on my way to the library with my five year old daughter in our 2001 VW Beetle. A horrible smell started coming from the heater so I quickly turned it off. As soon as I did that, flames started dripping from the passenger side onto the floor. I stopped, told my daughter we have to GET OUT and we did. I poured a bottle of water on the fire, it went out but only for a second; the fire went POOF and started again. I flagged down every vehicle on the road. Thank God the first woman knew my daughter from her school!!!

I once owned a 2000 VW beetle back in 2007. It required me to put oil in it every month, every other month at the longest. Sometimes after I would park my car, would get stuck in park. One time it was stuck for about an hour. Not to mention I had to change the battery about 3 times after only having the car for a year. The engine eventually went out in the car so I refused to finish paying for it. Therefore, the finance company picked it back up. Earlier this year I purchased a newer model 2005. Upon the test drive, everything seemed to be perfectly fine.

Whilst in heavy traffic on M62 motorway, applied brakes and car powered up. The only reason accident avoided was no traffic in next lane which was able to swerve into. Very frightening. If wife would have been driving, would have resulted in crash as wife does not drive much and I do for living. Going in garage tomorrow, will update you then as I have been told could be ecu fault. Did expect from VW.

My friend's car was engulfed in flames within 15 minutes - an electrical fire emerged from under ac unit. If she would have not stopped and jumped out of her vehicle, she could have been badly burned as the vehicle was completely burned as firemen arrived on the scene. This is horrible! Yes, insurance will cover it but VW, y'all better wake up and see that this is a serious problem that needs immediate recall before there are burn victims and casualties as a result of your negligence to address this dangerous issue. Seeking counsel for damages because this situation could have been avoided with a factory recall.

My daughter-in-law has a 2007 Beetle. While still under warranty, the wiring in the entire car went out and needed to be replaced. They kept the car for TWO months! Eventually repaired. Now again, 2013, it again needs to be replaced. It's no longer under warranty. I keep reading about electrical issues with these cars. I also have a new VW EOS so I'm worried. The seat belt light warning goes off when everyone is correctly seat belted in. I take it in and they can't find an issue. How is it that VW has not been made to address the electrical issues?

I just bought this car a week ago, it has 65,000 miles. The rear driver's side window will not roll up completely - so I don't use it. I pulled it into place with my hands. The MOST important issue is the flashing Convertible light where the temperature should be. And the car BUZZES for ten seconds EVERY time I take my foot off the brake. Which means Every red light, every stop sign. I took it to Corona VW this morning, told him about window - first thing he said was, "That's $700.00 to replace the window regulator." Then he put a numbered ticket on rear view mirror after telling him the buzzing scenario. I waited (!) hour in view of my car - no one touched it in the service bay. I went back inside and asked, "Is anyone going to check my car?" He said, "Oh I'm going to look it up right now (on his computer) and give you a price." I said, "You are charging me $135.00 to sit an hour, then check on your computer? I don't think so. I have no intention of paying anything if no one is going to ACTUALLY do a sensor test or physically drive my car to understand what's wrong." He handed me my keys and said, "Okay then, have a nice day."

So we bought our 2003 VW New Beetle 2.0 back in 2008. Since then, we've replaced the battery 5 times and the alternator 3 times. At least (the VERY least) we've gotten the battery changed on warranty MOST of the time. For some reason, it always shuts down during the summer. We just don't know why. And each time we take it to a shop or dealer, THEY don't know why. All they do is test its voltage before telling us to either get a new battery or replace the alternator. Again. Long story short, we paid it off last year but haven't been able to use it since May. It just sits in our garage.

I have a little over 100k miles and I'm putting in the third transmission. The first went out at 60k miles. VW refuses to refund a dime even though they know they sold a car with a defective part. I'm thinking about taking them to small claims court.

Over the summer, I had a problem with the panel lights coming on. I took it to my local mechanic and he noticed that the fuse box that sits on top of the battery with burnt out. I went to the Volkswagen dealership and bought a new fuse box. We replaced it. 3 months later, I smelled something odd and took it to my mechanic. We opened the panel over the fuse box and surprise, it had burned out again. I went to the Volkswagen dealership and picked up another fuse box. We replaced it. The next day, after driving the car one time, the fuse box burned out again and the car would not start at all.

Bought 2008 VW Beetle 74,000 miles on it. Have had less than 10 days and now air conditioner went out and car is overheating. Called used car dealership and told problem. Owner won't call back. Problem is going to cost over $1,000.00 to fix. Thought Volkswagen was a reliable car, evidently not.

Wow, glad to know I'm not the only tortured person out there. Bought my 2007 brand new... It only has 60,000 miles on it. It's been garage-kept and taken care of very well. In the first few years of the warranty, I created a file full of repair work orders several inches thick. Gas tank makes horrible popping noises when it's cold, on an incline, whenever it wants... Electric panel went HAYWIRE one day... Luckily, it was a recall part, but still a huge pain at less than 20,000 miles at the time. Driver's window has issues (will roll up and down when I roll down the 1-touch window feature, about 50% of the time). Alarm spontaneously kept going off (faulty sensors)... Luckily, this was right before the warranty expired.

Remember that commercial back in the 70's? Well, a lot of people bought VW's and had a lot of issue with them and told themselves "never again" -- then came the 90's when people started buying VW again because after two decades, people have "forgotten" how bad they were. Well, lo and behold, VW's are still bad. Not just the product but also the dealership experience, horrible. I have to put on bullet proof vest when I have to go to VW dealer because most of them just look depressed and want to beat the crap out of you. Okay well, I've VW's since the late 90's and each one of them had express windows up/down issue. They just can never seem to get it or fix it. And my last VW (and also my LAST) was a 2006 Beetle 5 Speed TDI.

2004 Turbo Volkswagen convertible - I've poured out so much money on my beetle. They are poorly made and I will never buy another. Had to rebuild the motor. $150 to replace a bulb because special tools had to be used. Coolant was leaking - $500 to Gateway for this. Alternator went out both left and right. Now I'm being told that I have an oil leak and it is going to cost $500.00. This cute little bug has been a nightmare. Since part of the engine was replaced the beetle still feels like it is shifting gears when coming to a stop and this cute little bug only has 90,000 miles. If I had read blogs, I would have never bought this car.

All of a sudden, the window does not go up or down and is stuck in a halfway up position. This the second time it has happened and it costs $400.

We bought a used 2004 VW Beetle with very low mileage (44,000 miles) two years ago. I have put fewer than 10,000 miles on the car by only driving it to and from work. Recently, it started lurching and shifting hard when driving after a few miles. Took it to 3 different shops, spent $400, and had several opinions about what the problem was. Finally, the VW dealer diagnosed it with a faulty valve body. After researching it, we found out that VW actually had a class action lawsuit against them for this exact problem. The dealer said it was out of warranty, but gave me VW's customer care number to see if there was anything they could do.

I love my 2004 Beetle and would recommend it for a reliable and safe car. The problem I do have is the service from the dealership. The warranty is 10 yrs. on the body. On my driver's side exterior door panel just underneath the door handle, the paint formed a bubble about the size of a toonie and if it rained a rust color would run down the door. I took it to the dealership, before warranty had expired, and they took pictures of the door and would send them off to head office. I was told that nothing would be done because problem was from a faulty door handle but that I would be contacted in about 6 weeks. Six months later and I have never been contacted. Therefore I will never take my car for service to that dealership nor would I buy a car from that dealership. Service means everything and your car is nothing without good service.

You name it, it happened. The biggest lemon I've ever had. Would never buy another bug no matter how much I love it. I have had many of the same issues I have read about like the back window lining coming detached. Both the passenger window and driver's window will automatically go back down when I am trying to close them. VW has adjusted them and there are many times that the windows don't line up and then I have glass-on-glass issues. My overheat idiot light will come on intermittently even when I have not yet turned the engine over. The sensor has been replaced to no avail.

20001 VW New Beetle - Passenger side window regulator failed causing the window to fall. (This is a common problem for VW.) Transmission would not back up sometimes. I took the vehicle to mechanic and was told the transmission need to be replaced. I was told this is a common (KNOWN) problem in the transmission shops that this transmission was junk. How does VW get by with people knowing that their problems are costing consumers money. I would never ever purchase another VW unit because of what I have experienced and have read on this blog today. People need to bond together and hold VW accountable for their actions. Their actions being bad engineering of transmissions.

I have a 2006 New Beetle Convertible. I’ve had BOTH rear quarter window regulators fail, one only after 3 months after a repair. VW refused to honor the part warranty or vehicle warranty. The car had only 21K miles the first time and not even 23K the second time (same regulator RR quarter window). The current mileage is 34K. The driver's side rear quarter failed just days ago. This vehicle is driven only in summer months and stored during the winter months (November through April). I spoke with rep at VW America, and he listened patiently and placed me on hold to see what he could do. Of course, when he returned to the line, he apologized and said there was nothing VW could do!!! I have had several VW's starting in 1963. This is the very last I will ever purchase. Very poor PR from a multi-billion dollar company.

2008 VW Beetle - I hit my brakes to stop and my car accelerated about 5 ft. into the rear of the car ahead of me at 3:30 pm on 4/16/13 ...1st accident and there were no drugs, alcohol or little green men. Please contact me if you have had the same problem. I, again, will state that I did not hit the accelerator. Thank God there was no injury except my pride.

I have a 2003 VW Beetle with 15,000 miles, garage kept. It has been an ongoing source of frustration. I have never had a car with so many things that break. Recently, the rear driver's side regulator went out. I took it to the dealer; it was repaired for $600 and then the flapper broke off as soon as I tried to put the top down. I went back to the dealer and he said he couldn't do anything and that I didn't need it. Huh? Then why did they make it? Now a month later, the regulator went out on the passenger side. And then the rear window became separated from the canvas cover. The entire dashboard has some black stick film. The rear ash tray won't close, when no one ever used it. Other than that, the car is great. The car is truly a gem and I wouldn't buy another one again.

VW Beetle 2004 - Two weeks after buying, the rear lights went out, then the rear window regulators had to be replaced. Now the transmission is shot, with a cost of $5700 to repair. VW knows about the defects and won't do a thing about it! Can you say lawsuit?

I bought a 2013 beetle hardtop. I want to buy the convertible but I was told that VW would not be making a convertible 2013 Beetle but they do make one. I have had problems with the windows and the brake light is out and the handle on the driver side is loose. I have bought 4 bugs from the same dealership and I just want to know what I can do.

I have a 2003 VW Beetle Convertible with only 61,000 miles on it. Three weeks ago, I started having transmission problems and promptly took it to the dealer to see what was wrong. They told me that I needed to have the transmission replaced and that it would cost me $4,800 for a rebuilt or $6,000 for a new transmission. I spoke with my daughter's friend's husband and he has been doing a lot of research for me. He found out that VW was to replace the valve body inside the transmission for free on a lot of VW Beetles with this type of transmission. But when I spoke to them, they said it was already out of date. Yet Chris found out that it does not end till the end of 2012.

I bought a '05 Beetle brand new, but it started hard-shifting almost immediately. I kept taking it in but the mechanics couldn't recreate it. Finally, it got so bad that they said I needed a new transmission at $7,000 with 80,000 miles on it, so it sat in my driveway for 1 1/2 years, until VW came out with the extended warranty. I thought it would get fixed. Fortunately, it was the valve body and they repaired it for free.

Window regulators on 2004 VW beetle convertible, convertible top - My window regulator went out on the rear driver side of car, and cost $500.00 to repair. Looking online, I saw that it was a very common problem. Then, my convertible top became unglued from the rear glass window. I repaired it myself instead of paying for a new top and replacement. Again, this was a common issue. Volkswagen should stand behind their product

I bought a 2001 VW Beetle that had bad transmission and bad catalytic converter. The car costs more to fix than it is worth. I got sucked into buying the car because the outside looked good. I think the only thing good on these cars is the body. The motor is a joke. I have read and talked to the previous owner of the car and she was in tears after spending over $3000 in repairs. I bought this car at the auction and I am kicking myself in the **. Never again, only Honda or Toyota.

My 2008 VW Beetle died while driving on 7/29. The check engine light came on. I took it to our mechanic. After paying over $600 to him, light is still on. I had it towed to Boardwalk VW. That was on 8/2. It is now 9/7 and the car’s still there. They have changed and tested numerous parts and have involved VW's corporate office. They called us about twice a week and say they need more time. Although, I would think that after 37 days something should be resolved and it is under warranty, thank God. However, we have no car to drive. VW's position is that since the car is a certified pre-owned (we bought in 2010 and have put 11,000 miles on it), they will not furnish us a loaner car. All they say is "Rent a car, send us the bill and we might pay it."

My wife owns a 2004 VW Bug Convertible and the following have occurred to her vehicle: Headliner at rear came down. Frame at the interior of rear glass window separated from canvas top. Canvas separated from rear glass window at exterior. Interior vinyl door panels separated from substrate. Rubber surface on dashboard has become sticky. Wife drives vehicle less than 2500 miles per year. It has 20150 miles and is garaged in South Florida. We have been to the dealer and they stated no recalls on any of the above items and the warranty does not cover any items. What can we do?

Interior lining falling off: I have a 2007 VW Beetle purchased new with only 37,000 miles on it. The headliner fell off and hung down in the back seat which made it unsafe and almost impossible to drive home from work. I called the dealership and asked approximately how much it would cost to fix. Unbelievably, it was estimated at $1600.00. I took my car to the dealership, so they could see it; and their solution was to offer to pay for the cost of the part but that I would have to pay for the labor, which was only "approximately" $600.00.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Beetle. It is a 2006 and to be honest, it saved my life. I was in an accident a year ago and by all rights should have at least been hurt badly, but that little car stayed in one piece and held together and I walked away. The car probably should have been totaled but they fixed it. Mechanically it is fine. It's just that the interior is falling apart. I just replaced the window regulator, the door panels are coming apart, the headliner is falling down and the interior door panels are loose. Structurally, the VW Beetle is great. Mechanically, it's okay but the interior is cheap and not very well done. I had a young girl at McDonald's tell me she loved my car. She said she had one too and the door panels completely fell off. So I'm sure I'm not the only one in Florida with this problem. I called Volkswagen and they said they don't guarantee interior in a 2006. I think that's called not taking responsibility for your problems.

On May 20, 2012, as I was driving my 2002 Volkswagen Beetle (I had only been on the road for about 5 minutes), my signal lights suddenly started flashing and I immediately lost power. I coaxed to the side of the road and within a minute I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. A passing police officer noticed the smoke and called the fire department. The car was in flames as the fire department arrived. I am not sure what caused the fire, but it definitely seems like a safety issue that needs to be addressed by Volkswagen.

I have a 2003 VW Beetle that I received a letter from VW stating the company was extending a warranty to fix a known issue with the transmission’s valve body impacting the shifting mechanism. When I took the letter with the “extended warranty” to the dealer, I was told that, unfortunately, my car did not qualify due to the extended warranty timing - although I received the letter. My car had under 60,000 miles at the time and the hard shift, noted in the letter, was occurring. Since then the hard shift has caused issues on the highway when drivers have had to stop short when the car won't shift into gear or it would shift so hard it appears the car has stopped first. This issue has cost me $650 to date and VW has increased the price of the part by almost half from when they sent the letters initially. I feel this is a consumer scam and violation.

2004 VW Beetle valve body and numerous repairs - This car was my sister's who passed away 14 months ago. It has a custom paint job and was her signature around town. I bought it from my brother-in-law since he emotionally could not keep it. I have receipts from issues with window regulator and lifter, water temp sender, sensor o-ring, thermostat, water pump and impeller, anti-freeze replacement, timing belt, CV axle replacement culminating in a valve body replacement and electrical reprogramming. I just found out about the extended warranty, which expired 3 months before my sister died. This would have covered the valve replacement. After speaking to VW, they said they could not help because my sister did not report the problem before the extension expired. Well my sister kept every piece of paper and did not have anything in her file about the extension. She was fighting for her life the last year of the extension and most likely did not give a crap how her car was running. I am amazed on how many complaints this has.

My 2008 VW Bug convertible was my life-long dream that turned into a nightmare. I bought it brand new. Within the first month, I was back in the dealership. Four times the ground wires were not connected, the car would not start then upper right light displaying car would not shut off. It kept blinking. I could not replace it as it was out of stock. I had to wait many months to replace. The window on driver side started going down by itself. They could not fix it, and to this day, it still happened. Once in a while, the rag top latch would not catch on the passenger side, that was another two weeks in the shop. I go through headlights like crazy this past month, two same sides. Now the side window, in which I hardly ever use, is broken and needs new regulator. And I take very good care of my car. I kept it because I love my car, but my husband is ready to take a chain saw to it. Now, I have to replace my dream car, and I am very upset.

I purchased a used 2001 VW Bug from a dealership in 2005, for my daughter so she would be safe. It only has 100,000 miles on it now. When I first bought the car, everything seemed fine. Two days later, the headlights wouldn't work. When I took it back, they worked. A month later, the air conditioning didn't work. About a year after that, the break relay switch went out. I replaced it, and 6 months later, it went out again. Shortly after that, there was a problem with a sensor, fixed that; then several months later, another problem with a sensor. These problems with the sensors cause your electric system to malfunction in the car. So no lights, or you have one headlight.

A few years ago, long after our 2000 VW Beetle was out of warranty, the plastic on the dashboard, door panels, glove box and door handles began getting sticky. We tried cleaning it with every product we could think of, but the cloths or towels we used just stuck to it. This was because it was actually breaking down, disintegrating, decomposing, and nothing could clean that away. Accidentally brushing against the door panels ruined my leather purse, and touching the disintegrating surfaces left sticky black goo on our hands. There is also a very strong, very unpleasant smell due to this breakdown and the fumes are, no doubt, toxic. The only thing we could think of to do was to try and cover the plastic with a water-based acrylic paint to seal in the stickiness. It helped, but now it looks awful and still smells very strong.

I purchased a VW Beetle Convertible last year. This is a 2005 model. I will never buy another vehicle from Volkswagen. This car has all the noted problems that almost all owners of this model have experienced and I personally have had to repair the following in one year: window regulators, thermostat sensor, and airbag malfunction. I am currently looking at all the class action lawsuits being brought against Volkswagen and I recommend any VW New Beetle users do the same if they have experienced problems.

I wrote an awful review a couple of years ago about my new Beetle Convertible. Many of you have had the same problems. It's simply not a good car. But I have to give a positive shout out to VW. I had to pay to have my transmission replaced at 60k miles, the warranty ran out at 50k. However, not too long after that, Volkswagen made the decision to extend the warranty to 100k miles.

Wow, I wish I would have seen this site before I bought the worst car in my life - 2005 Beetle Convertible. Do not buy or even take one free, unless you like fixing things or spending money needlessly. Too many things going wrong. I bought this car with only 60,000 miles on it and thought I would get to drive it for a while before I had to shell out big money to fix. It broke down the very first week I got it. Alternator, fuel pump, tiptronic switch, axle boots, turbo leaks, window motor, oxygen sensor, engine light that can't be figured out by a dealer just to name a few. I could not even tell you what else is wrong because I cannot get past the first round. What a disappointment! I have already steered 2 people away from buying a Beetle and will continue to spread the word. I will never buy a VW again!

My wife and I purchased a new Volkswagen Beetle Convertible in 2005 and to date, have logged only 50k miles. My only hesitation in the initial purchase was the fact that it was built at a Mexico plant but I was assured it was of the same quality as the ones built in Germany. Not true! In 2009, the passenger side window just fell into the door twice. Once it was covered under warranty. The second time in 2010, we had to argue to have it repaired. Later in 2010, the rear passenger window wouldn't come up at all and required a $1,200 repair. Rear cup holder popped out of its spring holder and I was quoted $145+ to have it repaired. Multiple electrical issues as well.

I've never had such a love-hate relationship with a car. I love my Bug, but it's the worst car I've ever owned. (And I had a Vega!) It's one thing to have a car with problems, but the dealership makes the problems even worse by not facing up to the issues. Having had the window regulators fixed numerous times, the mechanics destroyed the interior door panel by taking it off so many times. Now it's cracked and broken, and they won't replace it.

I wonder why they don't make Beetles the way that they used to. You still see the 1969 models on the highways. Whenever I need to replace a part, instead of just needing only a rear view mirror, the dealership customer service reps tell me that I need to replace the whole assembly, which costs $500.00! The little rear view light was going out, I thought, but fortunately for me the light started to work again after I stuck a pen inside the little hole. The light has worked for me since then. Otherwise, I would have just used my highly beamed flash light that I keep in my glove compartment.

My check engine light came on and I took it to be checked. The dealer said I needed to have spark plugs changed and a tune up. Three days later the check engine light came on and the transmission failed. Thank god I bought an extended warranty as it is being covered. Otherwise, it would be a $6000 fix. The window regulator on the driver’s side has also gone out. That is not covered under warranty, and I am waiting for the parts to come in and having a mechanic do it for much less than the $600.00 dealer charge. I have a mind to dump the car once I get the new transmission in after reading this board.

Power Window failure, 2005 VW New Beetle convertible - The front driver side and rear power window malfunctions/broken. My online research shows many other consumers with identical issue.

I have a rebuilt title on my daughter’s VW beetle. We went to the dealer to have the valve body changed as there was a recall. I was told they do not honor a recall on rebuilt titles. A rebuilt title should not have bearing on a recalled part.

For the last year or so, I have been very nervous about driving my car, a 2004 Turbo Convertible Beetle. I will be on the freeway going 65 miles per hour and it will suddenly die on me. This happens on city streets too. I make sure that I stay in the slow lane just in case it happens and I have a place to get off the freeway. This is very scary and very unsafe. It makes me nervous when my teens drive it. I am a single mom of three teenagers and can't afford to "fix" this problem - which they have not been able to duplicate or diagnose - or to buy a new car and have a car payment. This is a severe safety issue. I rarely take it out of town and am very leery about driving it anywhere due to this problem. My car has only 76,000 miles. I have always had strange electrical issues with it as well, lights coming on and off, windows going up and down, blinkers, etc.

Oh and does anybody else's Beetle convertible leaks water whenever it rains? My window allows water to seek in the car whenever it rains. I don't know if the convertible top prevents the window from closing tightly, but because it rains in my car it also caused my floor mats to develop mold! I leased my Beetle first, which was not a smart idea. My husband and I decided to buy the car. So by the time we are done making the payments, we'll have paid on this car for 8! Highly not recommended! We've learned to not do this again with any car. To me, Beetles are not worth what they set them out to be. Too many problems!

I have also had that transmission issue. Mine started at like 30,000 miles! I would be driving down the freeway, and it would go from 65 to 30 in a matter of seconds. They replaced my transmission then, and it never fixed the problem. I have brought it in countless times, and nobody can solve the problem. Every time, it costs me a fortune.

I purchased my 2000 beetle in 2005. I asked for a car fax, which did not indicate any accidents, major repairs, or needed repairs. About a month or two of purchasing the car, the airbag light and engine light came on. I've spent thousands of dollars trying to have these issues fixed, and it's 2012, and I'm still repairing the same issues. Both VW Springfield and Woodbridge, located in Virginia, have not been able to fix any of the problems. I just spent another $1,800 in repairs for the engine, and other things that they claim came from water getting into the engine coils. The engine light just came back on, after only a few months. Why can't VW mechanics repair VW vehicles?

In 2007 I purchased a brand new Volkswagen Beetle. Now that the vehicle is paid off and only has 73,000 miles, it is giving me problems. My daughter was driving on the freeway about 60 mph and the rpm went in the red area and the speed went from 60 to 30 mph in seconds. We took the car in to have them check it out and said we need to replace the transmission. They gave us a price which is $5600.00. I explained all the cars I have had in the past never had to replace a transmission especially a vehicle that haven't hit 100,000 miles.

I'm not exactly dissatisfied of having purchased a Beetle. In my opinion, I don't think that Beetles should cost as much as they do, brand new. I believe that Beetles are overly priced. I also noticed that they had a recall on the windows for some models right around the time my window went out. They should have had a recall on all of the Beetle models. I had a lot of problems with my front window and my car is not old. The dealer refused to pay or at least give me some kind of deal to negotiate. Beetles are fantastic on gas, but they can be better. I wonder if these newer Beetle models will last as long as the older models.

I bought a 2007 automatic hatchback New Beetle in 2009. I love it and I haven't had any problems with it (except one of the clips broke that hold in the cover to the sunroof control, which I fixed easily with mighty putty). I'm sorry that some people are having trouble, but not everyone is. Mine still looks and drives like new. I do wish it got better gas mileage.

I own a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle limited convertible. The top was repaired several times a year while under warranty. Now it's not under warranty and does not work. The rear lights kept blowing out and bulbs were very expensive. I finally had it repaired and then the company has a recall after I paid monies to repair the problem monthly, not to get a moving violation ticket. Window regulators were repaired every time the car went in for service about 2x per year. Window regulators not working and I was told by the dealer that the entire window assembly needed to be replaced at $800 a window.

I purchased a 2004 VW new Beetle convertible for my wife. We use it very little, currently at 45,000 miles. I have replaced the rear window regulator on passenger side about two months ago. Yesterday the driver passenger window regulator failed. The interior vinyl door covering is sagging and coming off the doors, the ash tray on the center console will no longer close, and the axle boots have split. VW has convinced me to never buy another car from them. From all of the web site postings I read, window regulators are a big issue with owners. $365.00 to replace a $30.00 item.

I bought my '98 Volkswagen beetle after working my first job for about 8 months, for my 17th birthday. I soon figured out it was a huge mistake. When I bought the car, the people who sold it to me completely rushed me into buying it and would not take it back . The day after I bought it , I tried to start it and it just wouldn't start. Soon we found out it was the charging system! So to drive it now, I have to charge it every night. Very, very irritating when I come home from a 10-hour day and I have to plug my car in and worry about it not starting all the time. Also the check engine light has been on since I got it. Battery light comes on, off and on and the cooling system light comes on. I recently took it to some to get have it looked at and I was told that would be expensive and most likely I would have to take it to Steven Volkswagen. Wow, what a great 17th birthday present. I just wish the people I bought it from would not have sold it to me. They knew the problems but hid it from us. They charged it before we test drove it so we had no idea it had these problems.

I own a 2004 1.8 turbo Beetle convertible. I bought it in 2006 with 30,000 miles. I replaced the clutch at 40,000 ($1400.00). I have replaced both rear windows ($390.00 for kit), driver’s side window ($680.00) and window regulator ($300.00). The airbag light on at 55,000 and passenger side seatbelt assembly ($280.00) were also replaced. Now the airbag light is on again. There are problems with convertible top mechanism, convertible flap problems, thermostat light on, oil light and chimes on randomly (antifreeze and oil changed regularly). It ends up being $1000 plus every time it is taken to a shop. I had a Volkswagen years ago but will never buy another Volkswagen.

My overall experience has been very disappointing. Every single thing that can go wrong has happened to that car. We own a 2004 VW Beetle Turbo convertible. When we got it, we had the transmission problems, problems with the headlight, and with the control module.

I have a 2006 VW convertible, closed the drivers side door when the window on the drivers side was down, and it spontaneously shattered. This is the second time, this window has shattered, (once previously when it was rolled up), since I have owned this car. The replacement cost is $193. I have read that this is common. VW should be held accountable for this equipment failure and recall, and repair. Loss of money, time, and glass all over my garage.

I used to love VW for their quality and craftsmanship. That is no longer true. I’m having problem with burnt oil with 60K miles on the car and the transmission shift, like it slips them, finally slams into gear in the morning. VW said there is nothing to be done since it is a sealed transmission. I have other minor problems, such as coolant sensor, O2 sensor, power door lock, lights popping out of socket, crumbling/disintegration of oil dipstick, and yearly replacement of head light bulbs. From the very little to big things, it is just not a good brand anymore. Sorry.

I am currently paying on a used 2005 Volkswagen Beetle. I am 76 years of age with not a lot experience in mechanics. But, I know when I have paid twice times for the same complaint without results that something is wrong. The problem is that after letting my car sit for a day or more, the battery dies on it. The last time this has happened, shortly after Thanksgiving, my battery began to smoke after one attempt of jumping the battery. I believe the repair people were putting bandaids on the problem instead of fixing it all together.

My car has given me so many problems and very expensive ones too. I have spent easily $1000 every time and this isn't maintenance. The most recent being headlight lens falling off. I have bought 2 headlight assemblies at $400 with labor for each and the one I replaced a little over a year ago is falling off again. I called up VW customer care and they told me that because it is over a month over a year, the warranty is void and I will have to replace again the second time for the driver side.

I purchased a 2004 convertible new Beetle about 6 months ago for $58,000. New transmission and refurbished transmission valve assembly were installed a week prior to my purchase due to lurching. I now have 62,000 miles and the transmission that was supposedly fixed is acting up again.

I used to be a VW enthusiast, having owned 3 VWs since I got my license at the age of 17. It is safe to say that I will never own another VW again.

I purchased a 2004 VW Beetle convertible 1.8L turbo new and it has had all kinds of problems from the very beginning. These problems are complicated by the actions of the dealer in my area and my communications with VW directly have been unproductive. I have had numerous problems with the engine light. This time, I was told it was a problem with the thermostat. After replacing the thermostat, I was told the problem was with a sensor. I replaced that and now they say it is the water pump and its plastic impeller.

When is someone going to do something about these 'so called' VW beetles, which are a total piece of junk?

I purchased a 2005 Beetle in March of 2006. Two years later, roll over bag light came on. There's too much to fix, six months later the top came unattached on the passenger side and 2 months after that the knob fell off of the emergency brake. A week after, the handle to the left seat for back entry broke and now the transmission needs to be replaced right after the 5 years 60,000 mile warranty expired. The car is so cute and I really love it but I can't afford it. Others had told me about Volkswagen but I just didn't listen. Before you go shopping for a new car, read all you can about a Volkswagen.

Two months after I purchased a new 2003 Beetle convertible, I found myself coming back for a service almost every 2 months. Most were for the blasted check engine light that could, and I quote, "be anyone of a thousand things!" I was under warranty so other than the inconvenience, no money exchanged hands. After 50,000 miles, I was forced to buy the extended warranty because the car was in the shop every other month and I had grown fond of it because it is fun to drive, when I had it.

On 09/06, I took my VW Bug to Gabriels Automotive due to the check engine light on and popping out of gear, tranny problems. They kept my car for 4 days, replaced the 4 spark plugs, and repaired a light bulb, which I did not request. They flushed my engine and charged me $608.00. My check engine light is still on. The car is behaving the exact same way. When I asked why it costs so much for the repair and the car is not fixed, Gabriel stated to me: "You work at the prison. It's not a big deal. You make money.” I said: “What difference does that make? My car is not fixed.” I produced a coupon advertisement from the yellow pages and he refused to accept it. My car is still not repaired.

I bought a brand new 2003 convertible Beetle. It only has 60,000 miles on it, but needs a new transmission. I am seriously worried about the safety of these vehicles; my car jerks, lurches and gets stuck in first gear. I can't bring passengers in my car because it is embarrassing and it's unsafe. Volkswagen wants to charge me $5500 for repairs, which is more than the car is worth. I have purchased three new Volkswagens and will never do so again unless the company rectifies this. It is unacceptable for a transmission to go bad at 60,000 miles.

Our 2004 VW Beetle Convertible developed a transmission problem in June of 2010 at approximately 87k miles. We immediately took the car to the VW dealership in Orlando, FL for a diagnosis.

2003 Volkswagen Beetle Transmission

The basic description is that I have owned a 2004 VW Beetle for about 3 weeks now. The first week, the car was great. The guy I got it from informed me that the airbag light was a recall so I didn't worry. I took my car to VW and they replaced the recalls (there was actually two) and checked over the car because I told them sometimes when I put it into drive, it didn't go. It came down to I wasn't putting it all the way in drive? Anyways a week later, I left for work and turned on my car, I was looking for a CD and then my car just turned off. I looked on the dash and my battery symbol was on and so I was like "so, my battery died".

I just bought the car the past month, a 2006 New Beetle Convertible. The edges of the convertible top have peeled away from the back window. This car has a little over 18K miles on it and a "clean" car fax report.

I went to this dealership, Coral Group Inc, on the last week of june 2011 to try to purchase a vehicle. This gentleman, named Gus, was my sales representative. He showed me the car that I was looking for which was a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. I fell in love with it. So a week later, I purchased it with a loan I had gotten from a bank. The total for the car was $9000 which included one year warranty on engine, electrical and transmission. About three days after I purchased the car, I noticed that the roof was leaking; pieces were detaching. I took the car back and they said that they would order the pieces and fix the problem.

I am seriously concerned with the safety of people driving Beetles. I have a 2004 Beetle automatic transmission bought in 2006. I bought it when it was around 30K miles and still under warranty. From the very beginning, lights would constantly go out. Windows electronically failed and my airbag malfunctioned. I had to get all of these items fixed around 2008 (at this point, it was maybe 40K miles because I worked from home!). Around 07- 08, I was on a CA Freeway (scary!), just driving along at a highway speed. And all of a sudden, it would grind and almost downshift to a lower gear. I would push my foot on the gas pedal strongly. It would slowdown to almost a stall, then jerk really bad and kick in, and finally go back to acceleration. I was almost killed not just once but several times, when this happened on freeways and side roads. It was very scary.

I bought a 2005 VW New Beetle in November 2010, right before Thanksgiving. I was so happy because it was shiny, clean with leather heated seats and has a sun roof that was awesome. I'd owned a Jetta prior, but lost my job. So, I lost the car, as well. I absolutely loved that car, so when I came across the Beetle (the one I always thought was cool), I jumped at the chance.

I bought a 2005 VW special slate gray GLS convertible with all clean records from the carfax from a very trusted dealer here in Nashville,Tn. I bought this ** in the end of September last year. It is July and I have not even had it for a year. I have put about $4,000 into it since then and got into an argument with the morons who work at the VW dealer in ** about the warranty with the ** transmission. The ** convertible top sensor and bolts holding my engine, fell out leaving my engine hanging out of my car. The ** windows that squeal when you roll them up, gets stuck over the convertible top. The ** suspension, not to mention the ** inside squeaks as well. The ** headlights, tail lights, turn signals and backlights, ALL have to be replaced every single month pretty much.

On February 1st 2011, I purchased a used 2003 Volkswagen Beetle for my teenage daughter. With 80,000 miles on the car, I thought that I was getting a good deal but it really was a nightmare deal. The car transmission started slipping and getting stuck in a gear. The car would lunge forward with no warning and sometimes, it would barely move when starting to move after you have stopped at a red light, etc. The car was in the shop for three weeks and had to get another transmission. I went to pick the car up and the check engine light is on. Please somebody help. These cars should not be allowed to be sold to anyone. By the time we are done paying to keep the car running, she could have a new Kia or something.

VW has a transmission that is in a variety of VW models but has a ton of them in this particular car. The short of it is that this transmission has known issues and at any speed can go out and in the case of my wife, it was while she was driving and her tires squealed and it threw her forward. Luckily she wasn't hurt but this is not an isolated case. VW knows they have a design flaw in the transmission as acknowledged by their letter to all the affected owners which extended their warranty to 100k. However, they are offering to replace them until your car has too many miles on it (leaving you with a defective transmission).

My 2002 VW Beetle had its seat belt switch need to get replaced. The airbag warning light is still on and I have had to replace the wheel bearings (both rear), windshield wiper motor, and many other things. I would understand this if the car had tons of miles on it, but it actually has 80,000 km. That is not bad. But I have to get the air conditioner engagement clutch replaced and the door latches need to be replaced since it alarms itself.

I bought a 2001 1.8L Turbo Volkswagen Beetle in 2007 and since the day I bought it, I have had nothing but problems with it. It was the worst investment I've ever made. I'll never buy a Volkswagen again. I bought it at 60,000 miles only to find out that's when they start falling apart. I have had my car for four years. Out of those four years, it has managed to run a total of one. Right after I bought it, I already had it in the shop for a check engine light and an air bag light. I loved how it looked and figured it would be a quick fix and I'd have my pretty little 5 speed back.

My 2005 VW Beetle convertible makes me want to cry. I adore my car and in return it is sucking me dry. It has 45k and has required a rear window regulator, broken ashtray (I have never even used it), water pump, timing belt, fan, battery, alternator, finicky convertible retractor, tires and the front driver window does not seal. I want to cry now after thinking that I have put the same amount as I purchased the car for in repairs, only to read that I have a transmission failure to look forward to. I am going to have to sell my baby!

I bought my wife a cyber green 2005 Beetle convertible for her 40th birthday. She loves it, but it has been a nightmare. So many things have gone wrong with the car, it would take me an hour to detail them. We actually filed a lemon law suit against VW of America and lost on a technicality! They spent at least 3 times to proposed settlement in attorney fees because they are arrogant fools. Or are they smart? Depends on your view of customer satisfaction.

2004 Beetle Convertible had to have transmission rebuilt, back windows do not roll up or down. It seems that many have had a lot of problems with this model. A new transmission costs $5000 and the car is worth only slightly more. I had to rent a car for 2 months because we did not have the money to fix the car. I have been out of work for 2 years and this was a strain on our family.

I recently purchased a 2005 VW Bug Convertible with 63,000 miles on it. On two occasions, I have started the vehicle and after placing it in gear, it lunges forward four times with my foot on the brake. Has anyone had the same problems? I had the transmission fluid changed and the problem is still occurring.

I bought my 2005 Volkswagen Convertible Beetle, approximately, 6 years ago. I have every receipt of service done by Danbury Volkswagen in Danbury, Ct. During the first year, while the car was under warranty, I experienced several problems with the car. One issue was the car front window on the driver side, did not drop down as it should when closing the door. Problem supposedly fixed.

There is a well documented problem with VW transmissions, but VW has chosen to limit their exposure by only covering certain models. When in fact, the design flaw is present in many of their vehicles. The problem is a slipping transmission that puts the occupants at risk of collision due to unexpected loss of drive at unpredictable times. I bought a 2004 VW New Beetle GLS 2.0L for my daughter to drive. I have since taken her out of the car fearing for her safety. The car only has 70K miles on it and is a danger to anyone who drives it. VW will only replace the entire transmission for over $5000 (approx current worth of the car) even though the problem is a faulty valve inside the transmission. VW should be forced to recall any and all cars with this transmission and replace the faulty parts at their expense. What is it going to take? Will someone have to be killed and sue VW? Probably, but they haven't figured out the likelihood of exposure compared to the cost of repairs to the affected vehicles and decided to take their chances. They should not be allowed to place the driving public at risk.

I purchased a 2003 VW New Beetle with 79,000 miles on it from an individual. I had several issues fixed when I got the auto. I had 85,000 miles checked & asked the mechanic to check the transmission because it was jerking hard when shifting. Making this long story short, I had to replace the entire transmission (cost $6,020.05). This was in July 2010. In Dec. 2010 I rec'd a letter from Volkswagen stating they had had consumer complaints about the transmission jerking & they would extend the warranty & replace out of warranty expenses on the transmission. I sent in all my papers.

I have had every window in my 2005 New Beetle break. I was one week over warranty and VW said, "No, sorry. We won't honor fixing it for you." So I fixed it and it cost approximately $300 to fix. Three months later, my back window would not roll up. VW mechanics stated that this is a common problem with Beetles. I called again to VW and they would not help and said that it's not a common issue. That back window has remained broken due to huge cost and my own finances. As I see, many people who have Beetles have the same problems. Shame on VW!

My wife and I own a VW Beetle 2004 convertible. The transmission shifts hard and sometimes gets stuck an a low gear. This is a problem numerous others have had, which can be seen from Internet forums. I cannot afford to keep making the payment on the car and replace the transmission so I am dealing with a delinquent payment and creditor phone calls.

I have a 2006 Convertible VW Beetle. Just 3 months after warranty, the rear window broke. I thought it would, at the most, cost $300. Instead, it is $560 for just the part; this does not include the cost of labor. I started doing research and found out that this is a common problem. There needs to be something done about this. The part was obviously not made properly (and cheaply) if this has happened with so many people. I went to a certified VW mechanic and he knew what the problem was without even looking at it, because it happens all the time. When is VW going to step up to the plate and admit that there is a problem!

The 2004 Volkswagen 'New Beetle' has serious design/OEM-component flaws in the transmission and/or transmission control module. These are creating very dangerous and unpredictable 'stalls' (step on gas, motor revs, but transmission does not engage immediately) in traffic. VW is aware of this because they have sent a 'warranty-extension/replacement offer' letter for the valve-body of the transmission. However, dealer 'computer' says it's not the valve-body, but rather a 'mechanical issue due to an incorrect gear ratio' and offers a complete transmission replacement for $5500. It is not a very helpful solution for a car worth that or less. It would seem there is a control problem with one of their OEM components (ie. transmission control module and/or solenoid-pack) as there are thousands of owners with such problems, across this country.

Purchased my new beetle in 05. Have had numerous repairs both in and out of warranty: window regulators in all four windows, electrical, headlights, turn signals, batteries, rear window, trunk latch, and transmission repair (hard shifting). Volkswagen denied that there was any other owners with same issues and tough luck. I own the cost of repairs.

Why doesn't someone help us out? It's terrible that VW has sold such shoddy products as the 2004 VW Beetle convertible (mine with a 6 speed automatic transmission). It's been one thing after the other. Windows at approx $1000 per pop, door locks that was approx $1000, tail lights, head lights, blinkers, water pumps at approx $1000, the wings that pop up when the top is let back at approx $650.

We bought a new '04 VW convertible beetle for our daughter. It has been nothing but one mechanical problem after another. The turn signals keep messing up. The windows keep messing up. The whole rear ashtray assembly keeps falling out. The air bag light and check engine light keeps coming on and now for the past 10K miles (starting at around 75K miles) it's been having serious transmission problems.

I have, or should I say, had a 2006 VW Bug Convertible. I traded a hard top 2001 bug in for this one last year. I had little issues with my other on, but attributed it to age. The electronic pressure control light would come on, but immediately go right back off. It would loose speed as it seemed as the gas was no longer being pressed. Immediately, it would pick back up as take off again. Only once did the car not pick back up. I couldn't get it to start after I turned it off so I had it towed. I got the new beetle as was thrilled for a year or so I had no problems other than the same gas pedal issue of the gas cutting out. I took it into the dealer. I bought it from (not a VW dealer) and they said they couldn't find anything. In August, I noticed a water puddle in the driver's side floor boards.

I have a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle and I bought it new in 1999. The car has been good with respect to the engine never failing or breaking down on the freeway. However, the "cosmetic" parts on this car have been a nightmare. I too have had to deal with the window regulator a couple of times. I've also had to deal with the emergency brake switch, the emergency flasher switch, 2 catalytic converters and broken glove box and stereo. The latest nightmare is my turn signals. Those ** signals have gone out on me 3 times in the last year.

I have 2006 New Beetle, 5 Cyl AT, 5k miles. The windows are going haywire. They go up and down on their own. The car leaks oil. The engine codes come on that causes hundreds at the VW dealer to fix. This car is a lemon. I am used to Toyota quality. VW has a long way to go before consumer reports upgrade their reliability rating from a black circle to anything resembling the quality of even a Hyundai.

Our '05 Beetle Convertible has the same transmission problems that probably thousands of other owners have. The hard down shifting and slipping between gears. It is the Tiptronic 6-speed automatic. I am sick now that it is severe and VW does nothing. How can we ban together, as consumers, stuck with known faulty transmissions to take some kind of action? All I want is a transmission that works.

We have a 2005 VW Beetle Convertible with all the standard problems listed here in this site, except, knock on wood, the transmission. We change outside lights regularly. We have had both rear window regulators fail. Just had the drivers window regulator fail. Convertible top, the back window fell out. They wanted $4000 to replace but I figured out how to redo that seal. Top is still good. Has anyone figured out how to do a class action suit against VW for the window regulators? It is our first and last VW.

I own a 2005 VW Beetle convertible which is losing its back window. I have 58,000 miles on the car and an extended warranty. I was informed that the problem was to be dealt with VW who said that I needed a new roof and they would paid for the roof but I was to pay the $600.00 labor fee. Also the insides of my doors are coming loose (the leatherette away from the panel).

This is about a 2006 New Beetle Convert. The right rear window regulator has failed and is stuck in the down position. Shortly after we bought it, the right one failed under warranty. From what I've researched, this is an all too common problem. Also the Tiptronic switch has failed. This too, is a common problem. One web site suggested the best solution would be to buy a Toyota, Honda or Mazda. In addition to the current problems, the headliner came loose from the rear glass, three recalls, and switches with minds of their own (no one can figure that out), cracked emission hoses are the other problems.

I contacted VW about a design problem that they have with the window regulators for VW beetles. They want no part of it since the warranty ended at four years and yet the mileage has not expired. I asked for assistance by having them provide the parts and I would have them installed. They emphatically stated no. But from what I read online, all the vehicles have this same problem. They told me that if I bought the parts, they would then warranty them for 12,000 miles but I have 28 and they have all gone or are starting to go.

The transmission on my 2005 New Beetle GLS TDI failed due to an internal failure of the flywheel that caused the entire transmission to blow apart, even cracking the external case. There were no warnings of the failure (no strange sounds or performance issues) prior to the event. The vehicle has only 86,000 miles on it and is driven almost entirely on the highway.

I own a 2004 VW Convertible Beetle. It now sits in my driveway and cannot be driven because the transmission jumps and jerks really hard. The last time I drove, it was so scary that I parked it. It all started a few months back when after stopping at a red light, it would not shift out of 3rd gear. I had to pull to the side of the road, turn off the engine and wait at least 15 minutes. Then I could drive it okay. But this is dangerous for a lone woman to have to sit at the side of the road. Needless to say, I refused to drive it in any traffic. After that it started it's jerking and jumping from 2nd to 3rd and to 4th gear. So you never know if it's going to stick in 3rd gear, besides all the jumping and jerking.

I own a 2002 VW Beetle. My grandfather paid cash for it and I drove it out of the showroom a proud new owner of a new bug. I now have approximately 131k miles on it. Since the expiration of my 4yr 40k warranty I have spent over 6000 in repairs. I have had both of the window clamps replaced that were made of plastic originally. My car would start and then die. I had it towed into the dealership and was told that the immobilizer was going out and needed to be replaced and that I would also have to pay for a new laser cut key at a total cost of about 600. My timing belt cost 700 to be replaced. My transmission fuel pump cracked because it is made of plastic too.

My daughter has a 2004 VW New Beetle convertible. The car only has 48,000 miles on it. On top of other continual issues with the vehicle, not one but both rear windows have failed, one of which failed at 35,000 miles. I could not afford to repair the one until recently. And while waiting for the part to come in, the other one failed. Our mechanic obtained a salvage window. When he installed it, it failed as well! We now have to shell out over $2000.00 to repair both windows.

I had a faulty window regulator on the 2005 New Beetle; I read about the extended 7 yr warranty. They replaced it but did not honor the warranty on my convertible which had 46,000 miles (we all know that the regulators are the same plastic mechanisms in all the VW's). I think this is discrimination but I paid bill anyway. When I get home, I realize the window recently repaired did not "jump back up" and seal. Now, the rain will run in. I called VW again and they said this was a different problem, they say I will have to bring car back in before they can tell me what it will cost. I feel that this mechanism was disturbed when the regulator was replaced. There are so many histories of window regulators going bad. VW needs to be made responsible for this kind of problem.

My 2004 VW Beetle was having driving issues. Brought it to a VW dealer and they checked a few things, eventually said it needed a new transmission. Mileage was 83,000. VW would do nothing about this. It is clearly a recall on the design of the transmission. Brought it to a Amco garage and they put a new transmission in and redesigned a few things. Many others have similar problems (edmunds.com). VW will do nothing and barely will listen to me when I have called. The car was not safe to drive. It would suddenly go into "neutral," would drive very rough and would not go into "gear" (an automatic). Lots of other specifics but just want to get this complaint registered. Spent about $5,000.

I own a 2004 VW Beetle Convertible. I purchased it used in October of 2008 used with approx. 43000 miles. LUCKILY I purchased an extended warranty. The repairs I've had made on the car since I've owned it in less than 2 years: New/Rebuilt Transmission ($7000), transmission body($1500), coolant sensors, water pump, regulator, and sensor ($1200) plus I had to have it towed b/c the red coolant light was flashing and car was overheating, and most recently, just a moment ago, my passenger rear window stopped working.

It's a 2004 VW New Beetle Convertible with only 8000 miles on car. It is garaged its whole life. The driver side rear window regulator failed. There are so many people with the same problem, why isn't there a recall on this?

My 2004 VW Beetle at 44,000 miles had to have the automatic transmission replaced. I allowed the VW dealer to do all the work. The problem that occurs is it jerks and won't shift gears when on the freeway or in other dangerous situations. Over a year later at 54,000 miles, my same car is now doing the same thing on the freeway. This is extremely dangerous and occurring on a so-called "brand new" transmission VW claims to have put in. My parts warranty from a year ago recently expired. A car should not have two automatic transmissions under 54,000 miles! I found several message boards full of the same complaint, same problem in the Beetles from this time period. The transmission jerks on people when they are driving down a highway or road. There are hundreds of these complaints online. I am filing mine with you in hopes that you will start investigating these complaints before someone gets killed driving from them. I have lost thousands of dollars repairing this vehicle.

I own a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle. On July 10th, 2010 around 1pm while my daughter was making lunch in the kitchen, she heard the sound of a car being started outside. After five minutes the sound didn't stop and she looked out the window to find the source of the sound. She noticed that the starting noise could be coming from her Volkswagen beetle parked on our driveway two feet from the house. She went outside to verify that the sound was indeed coming from the bug and it was. The car was violently shaking on the driveway to the point of the seats moving back and forth. She alerted my wife who called me at work and told me to come home and fix the problem, since she had never seen something like this happen before.

I have a 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. I purchased this car used and do have a warranty. The vehicle presently has 76,000 miles. I have read over and over on numerous other sites about complaints related to the transmission jerking when the gears are changed. I have the 6 speed manual transmission. The car jumped when I shifted from first to second gear one afternoon at a gas station and then once I drove down the road, there was a horrible metal scraping sound when I was driving. I drove it immediately to a mechanic and left it and it has not been driven since except for being tested. The transmission is gone.

I have a 2004 convertible bug I have owned for 2-1/2 years and has put 5,000 miles on it. I barely used it. The auto roof broke, the passenger window mechanism broke, the water pump broke, and the engine block broke. I got no help from Lindsay Volkswagen and many, many complaints of similar problems from other owners. I have car payment for 3 more years, and a broken car that will cost over $4,000 to fix.

I bought a 2004 VW Beetle on April of 2009. I had to take the car to the mechanic several times for the same reason (water pump, timing belt, battery and headlights) every 3 months for the same reasons or sometimes, for other reason I had problems with the passenger window I had fixed already 3 times. I've been reading and other people with the same model of car had experienced the same exact problem. I think the we should be entitled to a lawsuit or do something about it or VW to do a recall on these cars. Many people had the same problem. Please help, it is very stressful. Do I have to take this car to get it fixed? It is not cheap to fix this kind of car. This car is not reliable. I experienced some jerking with this car. I'm scared that it may be the transmission but I'm certain it's going to be the transmission.

Here is yet another sad story about Volkswagen's rear window regulators. Last year my 4-year old 2005 VW Beetle Convertible hit ~ 76K miles and the driver side rear window regulator mechanism went out. At first I wasn't too worried, thinking it's just a small window and it's probably not a big deal. But when the VW dealer told me the repair might cost $1200, I was shocked! I couldn't believe it! $1200 just to fix a little window? The glass isn't even broken? That's more than I paid for my first car!

I have a 2005 Convertible VW Beetle that I bought new. It has only 50,000 miles. I haven't had any major problems with it until this week. I was rolling my window up and the window dropped down to the bottom of the door. The mechanic had to take my back seat out and the back side panel out to get to this window. I am waiting for a new window regulator to come in because it is back-ordered. I am without a car and this window regulator will cost an arm and a leg! I think VW should recall this part and fix this free of charge! If another one of my windows break, I don't know what I will do. Please help.

I have a 2005 VW New Beetle Convertible with 90k miles. Last year, I paid nearly $800 for a window mechanism replacement. There's currently another (small) window mechanism going bad. And yesterday, a third window mechanism suddenly broke. What is going on with these windows? I use a/c a lot and the windows are up; I rarely put the convertible top down. I'm usually the only person in the car. These windows are not overused/abused!

I am just sick with regret after reading all of these complaints about the issue found with my Beetle last week. I got the news of a $6000 transmission replacement when I had the lurching shifting into third gear, just like so many others on here. I filed a complaint on the USDOT Office of Defects website, and now, I am doing the same here. But do I have any other options? I am at a loss.

I purchased a new 2005 New Beetle GLS. Within a month of buying it, I would notice that sometimes as I was commuting to work (30 miles each way, 5x week), the gas pedal would "lose" power and thought something was wrong with my transmission. I had to take it in to the dealership more than once, because there were no error codes. I finally found a knowledgeable mechanic who told me the problem was in the back brake light and this was a "common" problem or a recall that the back brake light would come on intermittently and was connected somehow to the automatic transmission, causing it to think the brakes were being applied and putting the car in neutral. They changed a brake switch and all was fine. I had no more problems until the warranty ran out.

I purchased a 2005 VW Beetle new in 2005 and in that time, I've had both rear window motors fail, the convertible top never worked right, I always had to raise it manually so I quit using it. Now at 97,700, the transmission went out and they want $7,500 to replace and I was told this is done on purpose so you have to buy a new car. I started looking online and there are thousands of complaints, but it appears that no one is looking into this. I did file a complaint with the NTSB where there are about 28 complaints just on the 2005 and they won't say what they found. I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but not everyone knows about this site yet.

I have a 2006 VW Beetle (Diesel) and have replaced the headlights and tail lights numerous times, and had the air bag light and seat belt light replaced. Now it's the engine. The car keeps stalling while I'm idling. I took it into the dealership (because no one else seems to be able to work on these things) and was told they checked everything and it all tested "ok." The very next day it stalls out again. Now today I'm on the interstate and suddenly the car won't go over 40mph. luckily I was close to home and managed to turn around but not before it stalled once again. It does eventually start again after stalling, but I still have no confidence in the car. I bought the car brand new and for 3.5 years it was a dream car now it's a nightmare. I'm taking it back to the shop one more time and if they tell me nothing is wrong with it, or worse, the transmission needs to be replaced (I have 57K miles on it) I'm trading it in.

I too have had problems with my 2004 VW Beetle. Thankfully my son in law is a mechanic and has been able to back me up when dealing with the dealership. When my transmission went out they tried to get me to pay for it and a new fly wheel but when I told them my mechanic wanted to see the bad parts they change their tune and covered it under the warranty. Then my turbo went out 5 months ago and now the EPG valve has gone bad. I have had the leaking problem and the tire problems and the light problems! I am finished fixing it after this valve is replaced I am trading it in.

Wow, that's all I can say. I thought I was alone in all of this but it seems as though everyone who owns a VW Beetle has the exact same problems as I do. I bought my car in November of 08. The car ran great for about 2 months and it is now May 2010 and guess what I am in the shop every 3 months fixing the same things that have been fixed 1,000 times. The windows, tail lights, transmission, airbag light, engine light, the list goes on and on. I have read and know that there is no reason to explain each and every one of my problems because you all already know exactly what I am talking about so no reason to go into details. I will never purchase a VW ever again in my life and if I ever see or know anyone that wants to or about to buy one I will get on my knees and beg them not to. Because they honestly have no idea what is ahead of them. I hate VW and I think something seriously needs to be done about this. They are a pathetic excuse for a company and obviously have no idea what they are doing and do not care about their customers at all. It’s sad when you pay more every single month in costs for fixing your car than the payment is and it never gets fixed or if it does it will just be broke again in another month. To anyone that reads this and doesn't already know, don’t ever buy a VW!

I too am a victim. I purchased a 2005 Turbo VW convertible beetle for my daughter. I had to replace the transmission at less than 60K miles, and now, the rear passenger window will not roll down. It made some horrible metal-against-glass sound, and it is now being manually pulled up by someone standing outside the car. The convertible top will not go down, unless the windows can go down an inch or so.

First, I want to start out by saying that I plan on writing to my congress person with copies of all my work orders when I had to take my car in for constant repair on the same problems and I will also send copies of all the correspondence from all the others that share the same problems. I'm also contacting my local police department to find out about the laws of picketing an establishment and plan on picketing on the week-ends. If we hit them in their wallets they might do something.

I am only just finding out that the VW 2006 Beetle Convertible was quite a dog. When mine had about 10,000 miles on it, I found out that I could not drive it in traffic at all or the clutch would burn up and the car would need to be towed. Of course, the dealer blamed me. I was always given lessons on how to drive a 5 speed. I went to other VW dealers and there was a debate about whether I needed to replace my flywheel, at an expense of about $3,000.

Purchased a used 2003 New Beetle convertible 6 months ago. Car had complete service records from VW dealership. Car has 56K miles and jumps and jerks while braking. Needs $2500 in transmission work. Volkswagen, both locally and nationally, doesn't seem to think there is a problem with needing transmission work at 56K miles. This was an impulse buy for a cute convertible. Had I read what other unhappy customers wrote, I never would have purchased this car. First and last VW for me for sure.

I have had many, many, many problems with my 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. To start off, I bought an extended warranty, which is the best thing I have ever done; otherwise, I would have been forking out hundreds, even thousands of dollars on repairs. I bought my 2004 Beetle used in the Winter of 2007 in Minnesota. It was regularly serviced and had been well-taken care of.

Wow, let me begin by saying that I am glad I am not the only one experiencing all the problems with my car. It is sad to know that VW makes terrible cars for everyone but at least we are not alone. I got my car brand new. Lucky me (or so I thought). Looking back, I really wish I would have gone for something else but at 16, you don't know these things. First of all, within the first 3 months, I was having trouble with tires and going through them left and right. In the 7 years I have had the car, I have replaced more tires than I care to remember. Thankfully, I still had the financial support of my parents. Then came the last 4 years in which the headlights seem to go out every 3 months, only one of my windows rolls down, my back passenger window is stuck down (my car is constantly rained and or snowed in), the driver window is stuck up, and the back passenger window is now manual - as in push it down pull it up.

I own a 2005 convertible turbo bug. I had it about 1 month when the check engine light came on the first time. It went into the shop and they claimed to fix the problem, but 2 months later it was on again. It went in several times to the point where I was told they were "aware of the problem and did not have a fix for it". About a year later, they claimed to have it fixed, but I did not even get out of the parking lot before it came back on, I got to the point I just drove with it on cause the frustration over the light and dealing with the dealer was more than I could handle.

I have had countless electrical problems with my 2004 Beetle convertible since day one. I had to replace sockets in head and tail lights. I have had window motors and regulators replaced up to 4 times. I have been told "the part was bad" several times. I also had the water pump replaced twice because the first one "was bad". My car has been at the dealer a total of 90 days in the past three years. Here's the best part: it has less than 40,000 miles on it and I have spent close to $7,000 on repairs!

2004 Volkswagen New Beetle convertible.

Let me join the list of disgruntled VW Beetle owners because my 2004 Beetle convertible with only 40,000 miles had its transmission go out. The estimated repair cost is $6,400. Add this to the approximate $3,000 that I have already put in this vehicle for unexpected repairs. Thus, I will never purchase a VW again.

My wife’s 2004 Beetle convertible started hard shifting and jerking between the first and second gear over the last 4 months. We took it into the dealer to have them look at it, and they said they could not recreate the problem. They did not test the car like I told them to test it. I took it to a transmission shop here to have a look at it, and they could recreate the problem, but they did not have the codes to detect the problem because VW did not release that information for 7 years. I have read lots of complaints about this on the Internet and they all point to a very expensive problem to solve. This is a safety issue that needs to get resolved from VW.

I recently bought a 2003 convertible Volkswagen beetle with about 50k on it. I had the car for about a month when the check engine light came on. I had it tested at Autozone and was told it was the alternator. My fiance goes through all of the trouble to take the alternator out and bring it to another auto parts store just to make sure that was it before having to buy one. Guess what? It wasn't the alternator. Finally we figured out that the battery was corroded and needed to be replaced; the terminals weren't tightened enough and was causing things to short out.

Wow, where to begin? I own a 2005 Volkswagen Bug Convertible. Shortly after my 36,000 passed and warranty had expired I began having big problems with my Bug. First my cigarette lighter popped out the spring broke and I could not put it back. I’m shocked that broke--I don’t even smoke. Next my rear windows do not roll up or down. At around 45,000 miles my air conditioner quit working. When I took it too the dealership they told me the switch from hot to cold air had broke. The cost to replace was $1500 plus another $1000 in labor.

The past several months, my 2004 Volkswagen beetle convertible has been shifting hard, causing my vehicle to jerk forward. I took my car to the dealer and was informed that the 2004 beetle convertible needed a new (rebuilt) transmission, costs $7,000 (+/-). I could not afford this. I then took it to a transmission shop and was told that Volkswagen has not released any codes for the transmission (this would allow a transmission to be rebuilt for cheaper costs) and that my transmission was so specific that my only chances would be from a wrecked 2004 beetle convertible (not regular hard top).

My 2004 VW Beetle Turbo Convertible has been a headache since the beginning. I have replaced many headlights and taillights. Front Window regulators have been replaced and due to this problem the roof had to be replaced. The rear windows have broken at a cost of $800 each. The triconic transmission required the 'valve body' to be replaced at a cost of $3000. The VW dealer advised that they found nothing wrong with the transmission when I brought it in for banging into gear. But the final note was when it caught on fire after leaving work.

Did I fail to mention the brake lights which go out spontaneously?

I purchased a vehicle January 2010 from Hoselton Toyota in East Rochester NY. This vehicle while being cleaned to deliver to me had the sensor go on for the airbag. Hoselton had the car taken to Dorschel Auto who determined that it needed to be replaced. It was ordered January 22, 2010. It is currently March 25th and this part has been given 3 estimated delivery dates since Jan. and the current estimated delivery date of the part is March 8th. I am not sure if I should ever trust future repairs since it takes 2 months for a part to come in from what I heard currently is Mexico. I am very disappointed in the delay of this part and would like to know what Volkswagon is going to do about this unacceptable delay and my time as I spend hours every week trying to find out when I will ever see my car again. I am currently scheduled to make my first payment on this vehicle March 7th that I purchased in January and I have not been able to see or drive it since I test drove it in January 14.

My 2004 VW Beetle had a water filter melt and head gasket blow at only 35,000 miles! The car needs a new engine and it is at least a $2-$3k job with a refurbished engine. I was devastated that this happened. The car was stuck in the Northeast blizzard the first week of February at which time the engine was working overtime. The car was awful in the snow. On the drive home the engine light started going on for the first time. Later that week the mechanic tested the car and put in a new sensor.

Recently, I bought a 2005 VW beetle with 50,000 miles from a local dealer. While driving it home, the hubcap fell off. Then I discovered the back up light was out. Then I found air conditioning did not work and the driver side window would not roll back up. Driver side windshield wiper fell apart during hard rain. CD player did not work. Driver side headlight fell out while on the interstate and was hanging on by the wiring. I took the first exit and bought duct tape to hold it in until I got home.

I am the owner of a 2005 VW Convertible Beetle. Last spring of 2009, my car began experiencing jerking and hesitation when changing gears. Not knowing what the problem was, I brought it to my local VW dealership to get inspected. They put the car on the computer for a diagnosis and found nothing to be the problem. I drove the car home and still the problem persisted. I later took it to another VW dealership and at length described the problem to the technician. Once again, the car was put on a computer and they found nothing to be the problem. The technician told me that this was a common problem with this make and model. He suggested that I do a transmission fluid flush and maybe that would help the problem. Not knowing what else to do, I did that, and $700 later, I drove home.

Volkswagen of America. I bought my daughter a 2005 turbo cony beetle in Oct 2008. In Sept 2009, I started experiencing lurching and jumping out of gear, with all gears being highlighted on the dash. I took it to the dealer with less than 60k miles on it and was told it needed a new transmission. They put a rebuilt transmission in and told me the airbag light and engine light that were also on, were sensor issues and would cost approx $400 each to repair. I told them to just replace the transmission because I was getting rid of the car.

On November 12, 2009 we sent a complaint about this company, but have heard nothing from you. This is what happened: I installed a Fram #PH8A oil filter on a rebuilt Volkswagen Beetle engine using a commercially made remote oil filter bracket. The filter was defective, that it failed to bypass the oil to engine after it was in service approximately 1500 miles, causing catastrophic engine failure. The company, Honeywell, refuses to honor their warranty after much correspondence. I have all the parts needed for further inspection and all the letters written and received. The engine was destroyed.