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.
Our rear, driver's side window failed to roll up and we discovered it would be $1,200 to repair/replace the regulator. This is the second window to fail. We paid around $1,000 to have the rear, passenger regulator repaired two years ago. This time, after researching the problem online, we discovered there are hundreds of complaints about the same, recurring problem. Reading reviews on edmunds.com, you'll find people saying they'd never buy a VW again, due to this and other recurring issues (e.g. sensors going bad, transmission problems, convertible top leakage, etc.). one individual posted a recall letter from 2002 on the newbeetle.org forum saying VW would fix the front, driver's side window regulator and warranty it for 7 years. But, they obviously didn't solve the regulator issues, and have denied us a similar extended warranty. This model car is a maintenance nightmare, and VW won't admit their utter failure in producing this lemon and taking responsibility for the numerous mechanical problems. Apparently, they have chosen to practice caveat emptor to the financial detriment of their naive customers. This just isn't fair!
Window has stopped working for the second time. Repairs have already been made to 1 rear driver S side window. Now it's the passengers side rear window.
Today, 12/3/13, I had my 3rd window regulator go out in the past 12 months. Each occurrence has been on a different window, and each repair has cost from $400 - $600. The service advisors I've spoken to have all said this is a common problem in Volkswagen Beetle convertibles because the part is poorly engineered and they're surprised a recall has not been made. This poorly engineered part is not only a financial abuse to the consumer, but also a safety issue. If this happens when the convertible is down, then one is not able to put the top back up, which now does not only cost you a new window, but the loss of the car if it's stolen while unattended. Additionally what could happen, as it did in my case. The window made a noise on Sunday, this morning (Tuesday) I took my car in, the part won't be in until tomorrow or potentially Thursday. In the mean time, it's raining in my city and I live in apartments and have to park on the street. Therefore, my car runs the risk of not only getting stolen, but the interior being damaged if the plastic on the outside comes off during the heavy rain. Again, major inconvenience to the consumer, while the manufacturer not only pockets the customers car payment on a monthly basis, but is also making money in the service department with a vehicle that was produced by them with faulty parts in the first place. Finally, the window at any moment can fall into the door and shatter, which would make the broken window a health risk if the individual is in the vehicle when the window shatters; the driver or passenger could be injured by the glass. In conclusion, there seems to be multiple risk and consumer complaints on the same issue, it is ludicrous that a recall or permanent solution has not yet been determined.
2005 VW Beetle convertible, pushed the button for all windows to open at the same time and the back drivers side window would not go back up. Made a grinding sound like scratching noise on glass. It just stuck there about half way opened. I have since taped it up with cardboard and duct tape for security reasons and not to get rain inside. Asked mechanic at VW and he said it is $600 if it's just the regulator much more if it is the motor. Also said they may have to replace the entire window. Really? I have read many, many reviews on this very same issue, too many to count actually. Something is obviously wrong, (like the manufacturer defect issue). I worry every day while at work someone will break in to my car, I've cleaned out the inside of everything and now resort to locking my compartments which I never have ever done before. A recall is necessary for all of us who love our Beetles, have taken such good care of them only to be subject to such events. Safety issues for this female Beetle owner has been compromised and this is not acceptable and should not be by those with the power to correct this for the safety of those of us suffering from the neglect of the VW manufacturer. I pray this falls on the eyes of someone with a conscious who puts people and their safety above profit. A recall for this very issue is needed and to return those of us to a safer driving experience and lifestyle.
Rear window would not go up. Automatically went back down, and then I hear what sounds like glass breaking! think there are plastic parts down in window that were actually tearing up! had seen numerous complaints on this problem before and was hoping my bug was not a lemon like so many others! VW has seen this problem repeatedly, but still continues to do nothing but charge an astronomical amount to "fix" (put a bandage on it) ! love my bug, but this is ridiculous! seriously thinking of getting rid of it before something else happens!
Driver's side rear window won't roll up entirely. Sounds like the motor still works, but when it wouldn't roll up, there was a loud popping noise, like glass breaking. Have seen this be an issue on multiple forums. Is there anything like a recall?
Driver side rear window fell down. I'm told the rear window regulator snapped and they have to repair it. For $600! from what I've read online, it seems to be a common problem in the 05 model. It's a shame that Volkswagen doesn't stand behind this and put out a recall.
Rear power windows not behaving. On passenger side, it doesn't move at all - lots of scratching noises. On the driver's side, when powered 'up' the window goes up halfway, then immediately back down. The register appears to work but has a will of its own. At present, the first window can be closed manually, the second (driver's side) will not close at all. There appears to be a great deal of complaints on the web about the rear windows on several years of the VW nb - that's why I'm going in the recall direction. There is clearly a structural problem in this area of the car.
There seems to be an issue with the rear windows and rear window regulators in the new Beetles from 2003-2010. I have experienced and read numerous testimonials that indicate this is a design flaw that VW is making money repairing.
Left rear window regulator stopped working in July 2012. In October 2012 the right rear window regulator stopped working. Both have to be replaced. Car is very well maintained but was bought used. VW dealer covers nothing but charges an enormous amount to fix. Reading other blogs there are many, many with the same issue. There should be a recall and VW should be responsible for replacing the rear window regulators. The rear windows not working means you can not put the convertible top down without risking further damage to the car.
2005 VW Beetle convertible. Rear windows regulator/motors broke. VW issued an extended warranty for front windows (7 years) rear windows have the same problem. Dealer wants $700 per side to fix. Windows do not roll down on command. Often fall on their own after a bump in the road.
The car is convertible and both rear windows stopped operating normally and there was a window-crunching sound and the windows were stuck, had to move them in the upright position by hand and put some kinds of rubber door stops to keep them in the up position. It is funny how both stopped working around the same time (probably a week apart) literally right after the warranty expired. It seems from what I have seen to be a standard problem in these cars and I just wanted to share my experience as well. Also the front window regulator started acting up and you could feel something was not properly aligned because when you move the window you could feel like it was not moving as smoothly as the passenger's door. It would not go all the way down and it would be sticking up like an inch or so, then other times it will go down all the way but it will make this funny sound like it is stuck on something. I tried opening the door cover and before even got to disassembling of the inner panel and realized the cable had broken. I don't know what is the reasoning for all this but it looks that because of the fact that the windows will travel a bit down everytime you have to put the roof up or down it might put extra strain and wear that was not planned for initially. In my honest opinion if you get 3 out of 4 window regulator problems in less than the cars first 4-5years, there has got to be something wrong or flaws with the design thanks
The window regulators on the vehicle are predictably failing approximately every 2 years without much use at all. The part is poorly engineered and expensive to replace. It is a known issue that VW refuses to fix. I have had my window regulators replaced on each of my 4 windows twice: September 30, 2006right rear window regulator replacement July 18, 2007left rear window regulator replacement April 29, 2009left front regulator replacement August 15, 2009right front window replaced (shattered when a friend closed, not slammed, the door) July 21, 2010left rear window regulator ? repaired by VW October 31, 2010right rear window regulator July 20, 2012 left rear window regulator failed (not yet repaired) this is unacceptable for a company that claims to have exceptional engineering. Web searches have revealed that countless customers have this same complaint and that the issue is also with jetta, passat and other VW vehicles. They should be made to manufacture a better part and fix the issue free of charge for all customers.
According to all the info I have gathered. It seems my car, along with so many others have this same problem. It happens way too often for it not to be a major problem for the owners to pay for the repair. When it is a fault of the VW makers. My rear passenger window regulator is broken. Something should be addressed about this issue. VW is responsible for the bad mechanical design of the windows in these vehicles. Why should we (as consumers)have to pay for their screw up?[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Both rear windows have stopped working. (second one is completely down and does not go up) VW dealer advises that the regulators have to be replaced and due to the "design" of the car to have this done would require taking out the back seat for a total of $1085 with parts & labor. I have searched the issue online and have read numerous articles where other VW Beetle owners have had the same issue. A recall for this costly and repeated issue should be passed. Please help.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Colorado Springs, CO, USA