Volkswagen Beetle Complaints (1999)

174 consumer complaints on file.

#11006370July 19, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CONSOLE WAS MELTING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10983202May 3, 2017
ENGINE, STEERING, SUSPENSION
MY CAR- 1999 VW BEETLE WAS NOT FULLY INSPECTED BEFORE I GOT THE CAR FROM DEALER. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR HAS LONG LIST OF PARTS NEED REPLACEMENT TO REPAIR AND I FELT THAT IT WASN'T REAL SAFE BECAUSE OF STRUT SHOCK AND POWER STEERING ALSO CV JOINTS ARE GETTING BAD IN THE UNDER OF HOOD. I FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR HAS NO PANEL SKID FOR PREVENT FROM WETTING ON MOTOR PARTS AND GOT BAD ACID ON IT. I HAS TO ORDER THE PARTS FOR MY CAR AND HASN'T DRIVEN FOR ALMOST 6 MONTHS BY SO FAR. BY RIGHT I DON'T HAVE MUCH MONEY TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10888928July 27, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED NEAR THE LEFT PART OF THE DASHBOARD CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE NATURE OF THE SMOKE, THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND EXITED THE VEHICLE WHILE IN THE LANE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE OFFICER WAS PRESENT TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND 06V183000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING).THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MONTHS AGO AND WAS TO PROVIDE FURTHER TESTING TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT KEPT CALLING, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10721739May 27, 2015
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,403.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10721420May 26, 2015
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE BARS ON THE FREEWAY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NOSE AND A CUT TO THE FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10721463May 26, 2015
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND SWITCHING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE RETENTION WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE AND A LARGE CUT FROM THE LOWER LIP ALL THE WAY DOWN TO HER CHIN. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DOCTOR STATED THAT A PIECE OF METAL FROM THE AIR BAG CRACKED SOME OF HER FRONTAL TEETH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. ...UPDATED 06-12-15 *BF
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10561100January 22, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAD TO HAVE FUSE PANEL ON BATTERY REPLACED FOR 2ND TIME IN 2-3 YRS AND ALSO A FUSE BOX UNDER DASH. COST WAS VERY EXPENSIVE. CAR WOULD NOT START ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER SHOPPING AT A STORE. HAD TO PUSH START THE CAR TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. STILL DON'T KNOW WHY IT WENT BAD/APPEARED MELTED. IN FIRST EPISODE THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO AS THERE WERE BATTERY DRAIN PROBLEMS. THIS AN INDIRECT SAFETY ISSUE AS MY DAUGHTER DRIVES CAR AND SHE COULD HAVE BE STRANDED AT ANY PLACE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10559753January 14, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. SHORTLY AFTER THIS THE DRIVE BY WIRE THROTTLE ALSO STOPPED WORKING RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO AN IDLE (APPROX. 1100 RPM). THIS CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME. YOU HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO GET THE THROTTLE TO WORK AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE MANUFACTURER (VW) CAN OFFER NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE, AT SOME POINT IN TIME, COULD AFFECT ALL OF THE 1999 -2009 NEW BEETLES ALONG WITH THE AUDI TT. AGAIN VW AND THE SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER MANUFACTURER MAGNETI MORELLI CAN OFFER NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10524951July 15, 2013
AIR BAGS
SENDING MY DAUGHTER TO COLLEGE IN THIS CUTE LITTLE RED BUG. EVERY VW DEALERSHIP AND THEIR BROTHER, IS AWARE OF A DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEFECT IN THESE CUTE LITTLE THINGS. MY DEALER WILL REPAIR THE FAULTY WIRING AND BELT BUCKLE, AS THEY DID FOR THE SCHOOL TEACHER I BOUGHT THIS CUTE LITTLE THING FROM. WHAT SCHOOL TEACHERS WON'T DO IS REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAG IN THE SIDE FOR SIX YEARS BECAUSE THEY THINK, "OH I AM SAFE ENOUGH WITH A FRONT AIRBAG ONLY!" AND NOBODY WANTS TO SPEND $700 FOR A LITTLE SIDE AIRBAG. BUT I THINK VW SHOULD RECALL THE SIDE AIRBAG FOR PUTTING IN SO MANY FAULTY SIDE AIRBAGS AS A WHOLE BUNCH OF CUTE SCHOOL TEACHERS AND CUTE LITTLE FRESHMAN STUDENTS LIKE MY LITTLE PRECIOUS GIRL DRIVE AROUND THESE BUGS WITH A SMILE ON THERE FACE. AND THE CUTE LIGHT WITH A LITTLE MAN HOLDING A BEACH BALL IN HIS LAP! *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10520224June 17, 2013
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE CLUTCH, PRESSURE PLATE, AND BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10478455October 3, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT HOME WHERE THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY ENGOLF INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10466648July 19, 2012
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, CHILD SEAT:BASE
MY GRANDMOTHER HAD PURCHASED A EDDIE BAUER BROOKE STROLLER AND CAR SEAT SET ONLINE FOR MY BABY SHOWER END OF SEPTEMBER THROUGH BEGINNING OF AUGUST 2011. PURCHASE WAS AROUND $300+ WHICH I DON'T FIND CHEAP BY ANY MEANS. LONG STORY SHORT- MY 5 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER AND I WERE IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHERE I'VE LEARNED HER CAR SEAT BASE WAS DEFECTED DURING THE CRASH AND HAD ACTUALLY LIFTED OUT OF THE BASE AND BACK DOWN. COULD HAVE EASILY WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. SHE SUFFERED A BROKEN RIGHT FEMUR AND A FRACTURED LEFT FEMUR LEAVING HER IN A ALMOST FULL BODY CAST FOR 4 WEEKS. I HAD HIT A FULL SIZED TRUCK HEAD ON LEADING UP TO THE EVEN THE BASE AND CAR SEAT DETACHED. THE CAR SEAT WAS THROWN AWAY SOMETIME WHILE I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL. I WAS IN A MEDICALLY INDUCED COMA FOR THREE DAYS BEFORE STATING TO ANYONE AT THE HOSPITAL. ONE OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD GOTTEN THE BABY OUT FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM REACHING AROUND ME. I HAVE THE STROLLER AND THE BOX THE SET CAME IN BUT THEY THREW THE CAR SEAT AWAY. MY GRANDMOTHER SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOCATE PURCHASING INFO THROUGH HER PAST CREDIT CARD USE IF NEEDED. *TR
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#10458592May 15, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, HE TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AND EXIT THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS ABLE TO BE EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10423618August 31, 2011
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DEFECTIVE PLASTIC SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR IN TRANSMISSION. AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES THE SPEEDOMETER GRADUALLY DROPS CAUSING YOU TO THINK THAT YOUR DRIVING SLOWER THAN YOU ACTUALLY ARE. AT 65MPH THE SPEEDOMETER FLOATS BETWEEN 45 - 55 MPH. AT 80MPH IT READS 60. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE CRUISE CONTROL TO CONSTANTLY TRY TO SPEED THE CAR UP. I'M AFRAID TO LET MY TEEN DRIVER USE THE CAR. COST OF REPAIR AT PRIVATE SHOP IS OVER $1000. DUE TO INTENSE LABOR TO REPLACE BROKEN GEAR. TRANSMISSION MUST BE TAKEN APART TO FIX. DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION FOR $4000. THESE BEETLES ARE POPULAR WITH NEW TEEN DRIVERS AND THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT. AN INTERNET SEARCH ALSO SHOWS THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING IN THE JETTA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10403626May 28, 2011
VISIBILITY
DEFECT IN DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW. WINDOW NOT USED FOR SEVERAL YEARS. AS OF MAY 28, 2011 WINDOW OPENED & WILL NOT CLOSE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10384413February 24, 2011
AIR BAGS
1999 VW BEETLE. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON RANDOMLY AND WON'T TURN OFF. VW REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $99 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPLACE/FIX THE ISSUE. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I'M ESSENTIALLY DRIVING AROUND WITH NO AIRBAGS. I REFUSE TO PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE ISSUE ABOUT. SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10384078February 22, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM ON THE 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE: DURING THE LAST (4) WEEKS, DAUGHTERS BEETLE STOPPED RUNNING ON (2) MAJOR HIGHWAYS, AND ONE-TIME A SIDE STREET NEAR MY HOME. THE 1ST AUTO SHOP STATED THAT I HAD A BAD ALTERNATOR & A BAD BATTERY. THAN, 1 WEEK LATER, THE NEW ALTERNATOR BLEW AND THE SAME MECHANIC HAD THE ORIGINAL ALTERNATOR RE-BUILT STATING IT WAS THE HARNESS! THAN, IT STOPPED RUNNING ON MY ROAD NEAR MY HOME. A 2ND AUTO SHOP TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TOE VW DEALER AND THAT IS WHERE IT IS NOW! I HAVE PAID $640 SO-FAR & HAVE USED MY AAA FOR TOWING 3X'S! *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10366716November 18, 2010
TIRES
WE TEST DROVE CARS AT ROD & TYS ALL STAR AUTO IN PUYALLUP, WE NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE BALD AND ONE CAR HAD A BULGE AND TEAR IN THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR ATTENTION AND THEY SAID THEY AREN'T REQUIRED TO MAKE THESE CARS SAFE. THAT IS THE BUYERS RESPONSIBILITY. I WAS VERY UPSET. THESE TIRES ARE SO BALD THEY AREN'T EVEN LEGAL. I WOULD LIKE THIS PLACE INVESTIGATE TO SHUT DOWN BEFORE SOME IS HURT OR KILLED FROM THE DANGEROUS CARS. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10361157October 19, 2010
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
K I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 99 VW BEETLE AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR JERKS WHEN IT HITS LIKE 3000RPM AND IT IDLES HIGHER THEN IT SHOULD. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10339347June 21, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON THE SCENE TO ASSIST. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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