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.
Have had issues with the front automatic windows in this car since August 2008. In May 2010 the rear windows would go up part way and then go back down. I had repairs done (reinstalled window seal at a cost of $96) then in September of 2011 the other rear window would not go up and the dealer said that I needed a "kit" to correct the problem of the cables binding up and keeping the window from going up. This repair cost $800. Today the other rear window will not go up and is making the familiar grinding sound. I suspect that I will need to go to the dealer and get a "kit" for this window which is the one that had the seal replaced on it. Another $800 or so for something that will only temporarily fix this issue. I have only had the back windows down on this vehicle maybe a dozen times since I've owned it. This is clearly a cheap and faulty design by the manufacturer. If I do not continue to make these repairs I cannot properly secure my vehicle and risk damage or theft.
Left rear window replaced under warranty 3/11, warranty ended 5/11, right regulator goes out 8/11. Every time the doors open all 4 window regulators activate. Aprox 100 to 200 cycles separate the failures.
My passenger window regulator needs to be fixed $400-500. Ok, but I already replaced the one on the drivers side rear window. I am reading this is a problem. Should be a recall item.
We are complaining about my granddaughters 2005 VW Beetle convertible VIN/[xxx] currently in shop for front drivers side electric window relay problem. Was advised there had been a recall on some VW Beetles for this problem but this was not one of the recalled ones. In searching the internet it appears it should have been, seems there have been numerous individuals having the same problem we have. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Rear driver side window regulator just stopped working as the window was going down. It would not respond to the button and made a grinding noise. I had to manually return it to the closed position and now it will not operate at all. When checking online for this issue and speaking to the VW dealer I found that they are aware of this problem and have already settled a suit for the front window regulator but it did not include the rear one. The dealer advised me that VW would replace the part but they would not pay for the labor. So they are aware of the issue yet are not willing to include the rear window problem because it was not specifically addressed in the settlement of the suit.
Left rear window regulator needs replaced. $675 for the repair. Left front window squeals when raising/lowering and sometimes when raising it - when it gets to the top it just pops back down and you have to raise it again. Suspect the regulator to be at fault on this window as well. The window regulator on VW products seem to have a pretty bad track record. What can be done to have VW step up and fix these shoddy parts? I can't afford to have this fixed! now I just have to keep driving with my window partially up.
VW 2005 convertible bug both rear window problems, will not roll up or down. Passenger side window is making a horrible squeaking noise, seems to be the next one to go. Along with head light shortages. The last 5 years I have at least replaced the headlights at least 8 times. Recently both headlights have turned themselves off/out. This is ridiculous! this is unacceptable and VW should be ashamed of themselves to not fix the problems that are obviously flawed! I understand putting out a product will have some flaws, but not standing behind their brand name and not making things right is a slap in the face. I was a proud owner of my first car I bought myself. And all I have to show and get out of the deal is an empty wallet and embarrassment when I drive down the road because features don't work right. Do what's right VW and man up to your mistake. I would buy 10 more cars like the one I have if only they took pride in their product and honored the average loyal customer. I'm a 25 year old girl who supports myself on my own dollar. I was raised knowing you fix what problems you create. Be accountable and do what's right! it's your turn VW please do what's right.
We have a 2005 VW new Beetle. It has 2 broken rear window regulators. VW quotes hundreds each to fix, with the same faulty parts it was built with. No assurance it will not break again at any time. Also, the 2 front windows have a "drop down" feature when opening to allow glass to enter seal. This does not work either. VW is well aware of these problems & refuses to fix.
I have 2005 VW Beetle convertible with only 43,351 miles on it. Recently I had to replace water pump due to the impeller being made of plastic attached to metal and now my rear window regulators have broken and wont roll up or down the windows. I paid $650 to fix water pump and was told I could expect to replace it again in 40000 miles due to its poor manufacturing. This from a Volkswagen mechanic. A week later the window regulators on my Beetle also broke. Looking through the internet I found alot of complaints with Volkswagen for the same thing that im experiencing with my car. I can understand nothing is perfect it just seems to me that everyone experiencing the same type problems with similar vehicles both year model and make and someone need to protect the consumer now. I hope enough people complain to institute a recall for Volkswagen to act upon.
The driver's side rear window no longer opens or closes. This has happened before on the passenger side and, luckily, VW replaced the regulator on that side under warranty during the 1st year of ownership. All it does now is make a 'grinding' noise. A local VW repair shop said they have had a lot of these - there is a defect in VW's regulator. It's a convertible, and you can't put the top down now. The window will not go up or down, and is presently held in place with a rubber door stop. Last VW in our stable, for sure!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fredericksburg, VA, USA