In early may I had an accident with our 1998 VW Beetle which was caused by a defective part. The car was in drive, and I pushed down the brake petal. Then I changed gears to reverse and gently stepped on the gas pedal. The car lurched forward uncontrollably at an accelerated speed and hit a trailer at my place of work causing damage to both the Beetle and trailer. The car was brought in for servicing at vallejo Volkswagen (1401 sonoma blvd, vallejo ca) the previous Friday, so it was surprising that the car would malfunction so dangerously after having just been serviced. The car was brought back to vallejo Volkswagen Monday afternoon. The dealer told me that it sounded like this was due to a faulty brake lights switch and that they had seen this problem before. I left the car there overnight and they determined that the cause of the malfunction was indeed the faulty brake light switch. The part in question was subject to a recall and had apparently been replaced in my car in December of 2003. Vallejo Volkswagen disavowed any responsibility for the accident and attributed the malfunction to normal wear and tear of the break light switch. However, if this part is susceptible to breakdown due to normal wear and tare then it should be inspected when the car was serviced. Vallejo Volkswagen replaced the defective switch and had the audacity to charge me for doing so. Needless to say I am very unhappy with this situation and feel like both vallejo Volkswagen and Volkswagen are liable for the damage caused by the accident and are liable for placing me in such a dangerous and uncontrolled situation. Indeed, I am extremely relieved that the car hit the trailer, and god forbid not another human being which could have easily occurred had I been in a crowded parking lot. Addendum: I recently found out that as of May 30th 2006 there has been a recall of the recalled brake light switch.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

: the contact stated the windshield was replaced and the replacement part distorts the view along the bottom passenger side and the outer driver side. The independent repair shop where the work was performed has been alerted. The windshield was manufactured by sekurit model #43R-004527. Updated 05/10/06.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

My 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is falling apart. I've had to replace my headlights 6 times within the past 4 years that I've owned this used vehicle. My interior trim, window switches, gearshift knob & several plastic covers in the car have fallen now fallen apart. My 6 headlights have cost me approx. $600 plus rent-A-car fees which my warranty doesn't cover! please help me.

- Oakland, CA, USA

Drive time sold me a car that had the air bag light on, and said they were going to fix it, but they never did, now they have changed management and the person who promissed to repair is no longer there, leaving me in a position where the new manager says that the cost to fix the problem is not covered by their business. The car spent a week and a half on their repair shop, and nothing was fixed, my dash was scratched from the outside and they broke a piece between the seats.

- Irving, TX, USA