9.2

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,667 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Volkswagen Beetle accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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1998 Volkswagen Beetle Owner Comments

problem #6

Sep 151999

Beetle 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When cruise control was engaged vehicle would suddenly accelerate beyond the set speed. The dealer examined the vehicle, and found that the throttle control module was defective. The vehicle's speedometer would not go past 60 mph. The A/C compressor failed which caused a loud squealing noise when turning the A/C on. The mil light illuminated intermittently. The dealer replaced the air hose, air pump and mass air flow sensor.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #5

Jun 182002

Beetle Diesel

  • miles
Plastic part on orig. Harness melted on both front headlamps. The part was changed to eliminate the plastic but no recall was initiated. I have had no problems since the redesign of the part.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #4

Jul 042001

Beetle Diesel

  • miles
Left headlight went out first, then again. Air compressor replaced 3 times. Car now stalls. Replaced fuel/air filters, still stalls. Car was recalled for the electrical system wiring harness under hood, recall states all problems I have had. I was not the owner at time of recall. Apparently was not fixed at recall.

- Lawrence, MS, USA

problem #3

Jul 042001

Beetle Diesel

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Left headlight went out first, then again. Air compressor replaced 3 times. Car now stalls. Replaced fuel/air filters, still stalls. Car was recalled for the electrical system wiring harness under hood, recall states all problems I have had. I was not the owner at time of recall. Apparently was not fixed at recall.

- Lawrence, MS, USA

problem #2

Mar 202001

(reported on)

Beetle Diesel

  • miles
The window switches have broken twice. They were repaired under warranty the first time. I have not had them replaced a second time, as the warranty had expired due to mileage (even though the switches broke twice within a year of purchase of the vehicle). I do not plan on having the switches replaced again, as I am convinced that they will simply break again. I have seen similar complaints on this website, so I wanted to submit further evidence that there may be a problem with the switches. The air conditioner stopped working about 2 years after purchase of the vehicle. Upon inspection by an independent service station, a leak in the air compressor valve was diagnosed. The mechanic stated that this was unusual and that there did not appear to be any trauma to the unit. I have contacted Volkswagen regarding this problem, but am not optimistic about a resolution, due to their response to the high mileage on the car which negates the warranty. As with the switches I have seen similar complaints on this website and wanted to offer further evidence.

- Phoenixville, PA, USA

problem #1

Feb 011999

(reported on)

Beetle

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Air conditioner compressor valve failed. Nlm

- San Clemen, CA, USA

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