I just bought a Volkswagen new Beetle, 03. The smell makes me physically ill to be in it. The day after I bought it, I had the cabin filter changed and it still smells. This smell is a chemical smell and my throat started hurting and swelled up. I saw a doctor and she could not identify the problem but added that my throat was filled with puss. I stopped driving it and asked my husband to drive it. He is now complaining that he is having headaches and having new allergies after just one week. We called VW who said it was a rust proofing material that they used to put on the car and that nothing could be done. But I have been reading many websites that say it is a parafin sound proofing mat under the carpet. This material is being removed by VW for some people after contacting NHTSA. There are many posts online concerning this chemical smell (like burned crayons). I am concerned for my family's health. I have 3 kids who have to ride in the car as well. I want VW to remove the parafin sound proofing mat at VW cost.

- Round Rock , TX, USA

Car will not start. Engine not receiving fuel. Fuel pump, sender, relay, & fuses are now being replaced for the third time within 3 weeks time. Dealer will not warranty parts even though they have acknowledged 10 or 12 other incidents within the last couple of weeks. Foreign car mechanic and independent tow truck drivers have also reported knowledge of other instances of the same situation in this area. Repair costs have already exceeded $800. Not including towing the vehicle on 3 separate occasions. Concerns are related to fuel safety issue and maybe related to 2003 VW passat fuel pump recalls.

- Ihb, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen new Beetle convertible. On December 19, 2008, the contact's vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the relay was malfunctioning. All the components attached to the relay failure were repaired, but the vehicle still would not start. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an international center for more information and they stated that the fuel pump was the cause of the failure. The contact spent over $800 repairing the fuel pump three times. The failure still persists. His last resort was to have the dealer repair the fuel pump; however, the parts would not be under warranty. There was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 59,968.

- Indian Harbour Beach, FL, USA