The speedometer stopped working. Shortly after this the drive by wire throttle also stopped working returning the vehicle to an idle (approx. 1100 RPM). This can occur at any time. You have to restart the vehicle to get the throttle to work again. This is very dangerous when it happens in heavy traffic. The manufacturer (VW) can offer no solution to the problem. I have discovered this issue, at some point in time, could affect all of the 1999 -2009 new Beetles along with the Audi tt. Again VW and the speedometer cluster manufacturer magneti morelli can offer no fix for the problem.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Defective plastic speedometer drive gear in transmission. After driving at highway speed for approximately 5 minutes the speedometer gradually drops causing you to think that your driving slower than you actually are. At 65mph the speedometer floats between 45 - 55 mph. At 80mph it reads 60. This problem causes the cruise control to constantly try to speed the car up. I'm afraid to let my teen driver use the car. Cost of repair at private shop is over $1000. Due to intense labor to replace broken gear. Transmission must be taken apart to fix. Dealer wants to replace the entire transmission for $4000. These Beetles are popular with new teen drivers and this is a dangerous defect. An internet search also shows the same problem occurring in the jetta.

- Hellertown, PA, USA

K I recently bought a 99 VW Beetle and now all of a sudden my car jerks when it hits like 3000rpm and it idles higher then it should.

- Janesville, WI, USA

I bought my 99 Beetle in October of 2007 and the day that I got the car the oil light came on and I took it back they had it for one month they replaced the motor and wire cluster. When I finally got it back about two weeks passed and I was driving on the interstate and my speedometer went from 0 to 120 and then the care lost power on the middle lane of the road. I took it back and they replaced the transmission I have tried numerous times to get them to take the car back and they wont. After I got it back that time the heater stopped working and the speedometer will not go above 40 when I told them this they said they would not fix it that it was my problem. Yesterday my mileage, speedometer, and gas gage stopped working my check engine light came on. And I don't know what to do if you know any one who could help me with these problems please let me know.

- Leeds, AL, USA

1)driver's side window had difficulty going up since vehicle purchase, have to push with hand to assist. 2) just a few months after purchase sensor behind brake pedal failed, vehicle would shift from park, replaced. 3) air bag came on and then engine light soon after, catalytic converter replaced. Both warning lights off and replaced. 4) headlights are constantly blowing out, evidence of a short when replaced. Burn marks, and exposed wiring because plastic on connectors got brittle and cracked off. 5) air bag light on again, two weeks later engine light on. Told two sensors on mass air flow and some others are malfunctioning and now been replaced. Told there is a broken clock spring in steering column along with bad wiring harness, both affecting air bags. Also, told air bag is now bad and needs to be replaced because other defective components have shorted igniter in air bag out. I am a college student and cannot continue to fund repairs to this vehicle. Cannot sell either because of these problems, and now reputation of Beetle for problems. Vehicle has never been in an accident, even so much as bumped. Meticulously maintained. Dims 11 IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis----------------770755.

- Grove City, OH, USA

While operating the vehicle on the expressway with the cruise control on, the brake was applied and the cruise control failed to disengage. Driver turned cruise control off manually to avoid accident. Problem was reported to dealer who advised that there was a faulty brake light switch and that the vehicle also had no brake light activation. There is no warning light to advise of problem with brake system. Dealer employee advised there are numerous incidents and switch has been redesigned at least once. No recall or notice of this safety problem has been sent. This problem could lead to a serious high speed accident, as cruise does not disengage when brake pedal is depressed to stop or slow vehicle. Upon release of brake vehicle surged and accelerated forward to regain speed. VW is aware of this and is concealing this problem to avoid notification/recall.

- W. St. Paul, MN, USA

While driving at 35 mph vehicle began to stall, and shake, showed a sign of vehicle losing power.engine check light illuminated on the dash panel, and vehicle shut off. Dealer has been contacted. Engine also hesitates when accelerating from the start. Vehicle has had complaints regarding trunk and fuel release actuator cable. Steering rods came loose and had to be resecured and mounting bolt.. window motor failed.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Runaway engine - engine speeded, tachometer to red line.

- Seattle, WA, USA

Vehicle experienced hesitation upon acceleration, dealer adjusted the throttle body control module.

- Palmyra, MI, USA

Rapid uncontrolled acceleration.

- Linfield, PA, USA

While traveling 50mph with the cruise control on, went to apply brakes to release cruise control & failed to release or to slow down vehicle. Instead, vehicle started to increase in speed & hit a concrete barrier. Also had hit or clipped 2 other vheicles. Then the vehicle slid sideways & came to a stop. No injuries.

- Lusby, MD, USA

Accelerator still activated when pressing on brake pedal. Too close together! I have confirmed this with many other new Beetle owners. Also, visibility is very poor when changing lanes because front headrests cannot be lowered enough and pillars obstruct

- Houston, TX, USA