The contact owns a 1998 VW Beetle diesel. Driver was traveling about 5mph on a clear day when she noticed a squeak in the engine. Took to dealer for a new battery and to check squeak in front end and check air conditioner. The technician discovered fuses were burnt and that both fans were melted. After repairs made contact states that squeak still present and fans still not working. Technician informed contact that repairs made correctly. Contact took vehicle back to dealer and it is still there. Failure mileage was 106,000. Current mileage 106,075.

- Stockton, NJ, USA

The lock mechanism on the passenger side door of my 1998 Beetle just fell out without warning. I discovered that it was missing and went to a repair shop to get it replaced, only to learn the this is a common problem with Beetles because the lock is held in by only one tiny screw. This defect will cost me $350 to repair, in a car that has only 50,000 miles on it. I also recently had to replace a fuse that powered the radiator fan because there is no early warning system in the car to indicate that the fan is not working. I was only aware there was a problem when the check-engine light came on, by which time there could have been extensive damage to the radiator. The fuse itself had gotten so hot it had virtually melted. This problem cost me nearly $370 to fix. The mechanic noted that he had seen this happen with Beetles several times because there is no temperature indicator on the dash -- you have no idea there is a problem until the check-engine light comes on.

- Seattle, WA, USA