My engine light came on and the ac stopped blowing cold air. I also noticed a beep sound that would come on when I turned the headlights on but the sound would turn off and on while I drove. Then the alarm stopped working and the interior lights malfunctioned, the radio also gave out and the vehicle seemed to hesitate while driving it. I checked the fuse box on the battery and discovered that the slot where the fuse slips into on top of the vehicle battery was melted and there was something on the driver side headlamp cover like some type of gas or fumes had escaped the battery and sprayed the headlampcover. I changed the fuses around and got the ac going again, then I changed them all out, and everything worked great for about 5 days, then the interior lights went out again, the alarm stopped working, radio is out, the beeping sound is back and when I checked the fuse, it was melting again. I am afraid that while in the vehicle with my children I will have a malfunction and be injured. I just paid off the vehicle... what a gift for paying off a vehicle... seems like everything in and on that vehicle is a hazard and an accident waiting to happen.. its sad because I use to love my new Beetle.

- San Antonio , TX, USA

Have noticed over the past few years, and getting worse, a strong chemical odor. It causes bad headaches, allergies, worsens my asthma. It seems like a film of it coats my hair, skin and clothes, even after being in the heat for a small amount of time. It isn't as bad during colder months, but smell is still there. It is unbearable during the summer months, my husband and I have to avoid being in the VW at that point. I have read many forums about this problem and it seems like a health risk. I called VW last fall to report it and they said they would put complaint on file but had not heard anything about it.

- Houston, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving at approximately 30 mph the contact noticed the smell of fuel. Also, the engine light had illuminated on the instrument panel.the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic stated the fuel pump had to be replaced due to a leak. The fuel pump was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

- El Paso, TX, USA