3.8

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,595 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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1998 Volkswagen Beetle Owner Comments

problem #3

Apr 252005

Beetle 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 97,785 miles

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

This vehicle has had a series of problems since I have owned it. I have always been a Volkswagen enthusiast. So when I saw the new Beetles I was naturally excited and couldn't wait to own one. What I expected was Volkswagen usual excellent quality and value for money. What I got was a vehicle that not only is an inconvenience to drive, but is also a safety concern. This vehicle has had at least 8 major defects. I call them defects because so many others have experienced similar issues with their new Beetles. Keep in mind the vehicle is regularly maintained, and is only at 97,000 miles. 1. check engine light is on and vehicle stalls or cuts out on a regular basis. 2. the low beams on my headlights always burn out. I change the lights and they just burn out again. I always have to drive instead with my high beams on. 3. my driver side and passenger side windows have fallen into my doors. Meaning that they wont roll up, a loud, noise can be heard when you try. I was told by Volkswagen that they were "aware" of the problem. They even told me that it was because they used plastic clips to hold the windows and they are now replacing with metal clips. Fine and good, but while my windows were down my seats became severely stained. (they stain easy) who's going pay for that"?? 4. the window switch that controls the windows going up and down broke off in my hand. 5. the radio tries to load a tape when there isn't one. Hood latch broke, has to be opened with screwdriver now. Thanks vwoa!! 6. heater motor turns up and down on its own 7. engine holds high rpms in highway, rapid iol consumption. 8 reverse lights malfunctioned. Questions vwoa" call me, we'll chat 269-986-0996.

- Tekonsha, MI, USA

problem #2

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 #1

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

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