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.
This is for a convertible Beetle: The rear window rolled down while opening the top, made a grinding sound, and now will not go up either with the convertible top close button, nor with the individual window button - the window motor works, but the regulator mechanism makes a grinding sound and the window stays in open position (on-line entry system won't accept correct phone # so I list it here: Correct daytime phone is [xxx]). information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Window regulator failed. This is the 3rd of 4 window regulators to fail. Rear passenger window failed to ascend leaving cabin open to weather. Potential for accident increased as driver was forced to divide attention between failed window and driving tasks at near highway speeds.
Right rear passenger window made a grinding noise and window became inoperable. VW acknowledges that this is a known problem, but not a recall. Repair is $1200 for one window regulator.
Well it has been nothing but trouble. First thing, the transmission went bad and then right after that there was no brake lights. The top will not come down by it self. The dash lights come on ( air bag, brakes, check engine, emissions). Sounds like there are holes in the muffler. Last but not least the right rear window fell down and they won't 800 to fix, there are several complaints about this and nothing is being done.
- Plainfield, IN, USA
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Driver side window failed in the down position on my 2004 new Beetle convertible. The regulator has failed on many new Beetles. The window regulator has been covered for 2003 - 2005 new Beetle sedans but not convertibles. I want to document that the problem exists on the convertibles as well.
The contact owns 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the rear window regulator was broken on the rear windows twice. The contact originally had to replace the parts in July of 2010. The dealer did not give a reason for the failure. The contact stated that this was a defect. The failure mileage was 60000 and the current mileage was 65000.
Power window regulators fail on 2004 VW Beetle conertible rear windows. I have replaced 2 of tm so far in 50,000 miles. The first one was $375 for the parts only and now they have decided to increase that price to $672! it is absolutely ridiculous that they charge that much for a faulty part and the new ones are no better. If I pay the dealership to install it, it is at least $1,200. Something needs to be done!
About 6 months ago my driver side window front window shattered as I was driving in my 2004 VW Beetle convertible. Luckily I only received a few small puncture wounds from the glass falling on me. A few weeks ago my rear window quit working. Then a couple of days ago my passenger side front window shattered. My car was just sitting in the parking lot with no other cars around. When are they going to recall these windows" I feel very lucky that there was no one in the car when the window shattered the second time, but really? how common is it for a car to have 2 windows shatter and another broken regulator in 6 months" this is obviously a problem VW needs to address.
The rear windows on my VW convertible keep breaking and the dealer wants to charge me $600 for the part that includes the motor and will not sell the regulator separately for $70. This will be the second one broken in less than 1 year.
Left rear window is stuck in down position. The component part is unavailable in the United States and has to be ordered from the factory in Mexico. It will take 2-3 weeks for it to arrive. Cost of repair is $800 for one side. Complaints to manufacturer who will not stand behind their product as there are no recalls filed even though this is an on-going problem with many of their vehicles. Additionally, the vehicle is a convertible. The hydraulic top has malfunctioned since the date it was purchased. It finally snapped off portions of the hydraulic mechanisms and portions of the interior flaps which are now all over the back seat. The top had to be manually raised and secured and does not function at all. Although they repaired it previously, manufacturer will not repair because vehicle is no longer under warranty. Driver's seat spring poked through the upholstery a month after purchase. Additionally, there is a terrible blind spot while backing out. The rag top completely blocks vision on the right rear. I have complained numerous times to the manufacturer who offers nothing. I believe the entire vehicle should be recalled. I feel ripped off by the manufacturer.
2004 VW new Beetle convertible. Vehicle has 39,000 miles and is recently out of warranty. Dealer service told me me that driver's side front window regulator is bad and needs to be replaced. Given the number of complaints entered regarding these window regulators, the manufacturer should replace them free of charge! how does a window regulator fail on a four-year-old car with 39000 miles"!?!?!"
Window regulators are made with cheap plastic clips that break in about 3 to 4 years. Some multiple times once warranty is up, cost consumer many dollars to fix and some don't fix and leave the windows broken.
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the rear window would not roll up. The failure occurred at least twice. The most recent failure occurred on August 26, 2008. During the first failure, someone assisted the contact with rolling up the window. The window was unsuccessfully able to be rolled up and was taken to the dealer for inspection. The contact feels that this is a safety issue because it puts her at risk of being carjacked or stolen. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Purchased brand new. Problems I have had with this car: 1. rear power windows have both taken turns falling down into the body. Will not power up. One has been replaced. Dealer now won't fix second one because they 'don't see it as a known problem.' 2. headliner around rear window has come undone. 3. headlights have to be replaced constantly. For example; a light bulb was installed on a Saturday, and had stopped working by the following Wednesday. 4. rubber coating on glove box and on interior doors is peeling off. Dealer would not even condsider fixing or addressing. 5. key assembly for arm console broke almost immediately. It took approximately 8 months, and several reminders, to get dealer to replace. 6. sometimes radio stays on after key has been removed from ignition. 7. air bag light stays on. Won't go off. 8. hand release on front passenger seat often gets 'stuck' and will not work. 9. cup holder has come off track. I only drive this car to-and-from work. No kids/passengers ride in it. It has not had any owner abuse. I will never buy another Volkswagen product.
When opening and closing the door window catches on the convertible top. As a result, driver has to close the door three to six times before it is completely closed. This problem caused wear to the soft top. The armrest would not secure and the window would intermittently roll down by itself.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Richmond, VA, USA