The driver's side door hinge just disappeared and broke for no apparent reason. I do not know when it broke but it had to have just happened as I noticed it now makes an awful cracking noise when the door is opened or closed. After inspecting it the hinge is gone or broke off inside the door that you cannot see; therefore, if there is a wind, it could swing clear back and break the door off as there is nothing to let it swing only a certain amount back. We've only had the vehicle 1.5 years. We've checked and alot of body shops do not know what to do with it. It will take some body work with welding and taking the door off.....and no doubt paint replacement. I can send a photo if need be.

- Hastings, NE, USA

I have a 2006 Volkswagen Beetle convertible that I bought about a year ago.the Beetle is in excellent condition and has extremely low miles. It has been well taken care of to say the least. However, I have noticed a very strong odor that smells like crayons. The odor is so strong that my hair, clothes and skin smells like this scent. I have a special needs child and he coughs and sneezes the whole time while riding. Not to mention both of us get horrific headaches and our eyes water from the odor. I have no idea if this crayon smell is toxic or what fumes we are breathing in but it cannot be good from the side effects we are having from it. I have tried to sell it but no one will buy it because of the strong odor it has. I have had it professional cleaned, changed the cabin air filter etc and the smell is still there.

- Statesville, NC, USA

My car shifts hard between 1st and 2nd gear and between 3rd and 4th gear.

- Sedro Woolley, WA, USA

While driving on highway, about 70 mph, car bucked and seemed to begin to lose power. Tachometer dropped to 0 then swung back up to 2-3. epc light came on. I couldn't accelerate beyond 65 mph. During slowed traffic, car began idling extremely high. Had to control it with clutch. (it's a manual.) car is drivable, but continues to buck and epc continues on. Dealership suggested replace throttle board, but all my research suggests that most drivers who have done so say this did not solve the problem. There are huge discussions about this problem on multiple message boards, so it seems to be an ongoing, recognized, consistent problem, and probably a safety hazard, as a car stalling on the highway, or idling too high in traffic is not a good situation.

- Kingston, MA, USA

Oil leaking and vacuum pump needed replaced with less than 60,000 miles on it. From online research this appears to be a common issue with 5 cyl Volkswagen. I contacted Volkswagen of America and was informed that there was not a recall on this part.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

2006 VW Beetle loses power when driving. This has happened at least fifteen to twenty times. Car taken to VW dealership service six times for repair. Twice while under the new car manufactures warranty. They have tried to fix the problem, but have not as it still happens. We no longer drive the car. VW of America has been notified. Fortunately no one has been injured as we have been able to pull off on to the shoulder. Just hired a lawyer as VW's position is it's my problem.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA