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.
I own a 1999 new Beetle with the 2.0 engine with 37,000 original miles. The car quit running approx. 2 1/2 yrs ago, approximately two months after I purchased it from a certified Volkswagen dealer, used. A few days after delivery there was a rotten egg smell, check engine light on, engine sluggish. After one month the battery went dead completely. Replaced the battery, car would not run. Battery dead again after four days. I found info on the internet that security system must be set or the battery will last only four days. Inspected plugs, found heavy carbon buildup. Inspected pre O2 sensor, found same. Decided to overhaul eng. Found heavy carbon on tops of pistons and valves. Machine shop had to replace pistons, rings, all bearings, oil pump, plane the cylinder head, plane the head mating surface, replace seals, turn the flywheel. I had to also replace the water pump, timing belt, clutch, throwout bearing, O2 sensor, plug wires, and the dipstick holder. After considerable money spent, engine would start but not run. I found out from the dealer that if electrical power is lost, vehicle must be towed to a Volkswagen dealer and be reprogrammed. It will not run until that is done. The reason given was that Volkswagen did not want any owners to fix their own car. This could be a signifigant safety issue in a life threatening situation! there are reports on several internet forums of the original batteries blowing up and even after replacement of the battery the vehicle would not run until it was reprogrammed. Volkswagen should be required to fix this problem. I would like to see a full investigation on this model to see if it should be sold in the us. There are too many reported defects on this model to list here, some that apply to this car, that are much more dangerous than I described here. I hope that our government will straighten this company out and that owners will somehow be compensated.
Consumer has been having alot of problems with electrical features. Consumer has replaced 2 batteries/ 1 cd changer/ 4 headlight bulbs, and air conditioner outlet didn't work. Dealer stated vehicle had too many miles. Problems existed since day 1.
While starting battery exploded. Vehicle towed to dealer, and informed consumer that the probelm was due to an electrical surge from alternator. Feel free to provide any further information.
At 1 1/2 months of ownership the check engine light came on "with no fault found" took 1 1/2 years and 6 service visits to fix. The car often goes forward while in reveres and has shifting problems, have had the transmission "adjusted" 3 times still has problems. Oil light doesnT go on when oil is low. Battery light doesnT go on when the batter is dying. Wiring to headlight keeps "loosening" causing the headlights to fail. Had rear and front brakes replaced due to low ground clearance and snow getting lodged in them and freezing.
Three months prrior to the engine fire, a battery blew up in this car after turning the ignition key. Prior to that the headlights have been replaced three times and the A/C condenser replaced. We believe this car has some serious electrical problems. VW decided it was an "insurance" issue, because of the mileage of the car. In short, they are saying that it is ok for the engine to burn up on a 1999 car with 44,000 miles.
- Annapolis, MD, USA
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I purchased this vehicle because I was looking for a reliable and economical car. I have been very disappointed. This car burns oil at an unbelievable rate. I cannot rely on it and do not want to drive it out of town. I am now keeping jumper cables in the hatch because of constant battery problems. The radio is not working. I have already replaced a regulator (window) on the driver's side and it has broken again. Less than a year after it was replaced. Several dealerships told me that they couldn't get me in to fix the problem for 2 weeks - my window was stuck down inside of the door and would not roll up. The waiting time for an appt at a dealer should be an indication that the are not producing quality vehicles. The warranty period is too short. The problems seem to all happen after the warranty is up. Is that how long they expected to last - 2 years?I have been very disapointed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Oklahoma City, OK, USA