2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Volkswagen New Beetle 2003

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle repairs by problem area

Engine (15%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (15%)

Suspension and Steering (15%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (31%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (8%)

Chart based on 13 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (27%)

$100 - $499 (45%)

< $100 (18%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 11 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen New Beetle in Ohio, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2016
Jan 2016

US $500
Plug wires,  EFI cleaning 
Apr 2016

147000 mi

US $175
Replace battery 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen New Beetle in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2018
Jul 2015

180800 mi

US $700
Alternator replaced Front springs replaced 
Dec 2015

190000 mi

US $100
Replaced one emergency brake cable that had frozen 
Jun 2016

200000 mi

US $220
Replaced one rear wheel bearing and exhaust clips 
May 2017

213159 mi

US $400
Driver's door would not stay closed door latch replaced 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Volkswagen New Beetle in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2015 - Jun 2022
Jul 2017

68110 mi

US $450
Fuse block and wire to the alternator. 
Jan 2022

75000 mi

US $1000
Replaces front/rear pads/rotors. 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen New Beetle in Nebraska, United States
Apr 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

99000 mi

US $1300
CV axles had been replaced with aftermarket units. The retaining clip failed on one axle, causing it to slip out, and damage the splines in the transaxle. Stick with OEM parts. 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen New Beetle in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2015 - Jul 2018
May 2015

129660 mi

C $950
Convertible top, replace broken cables 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks and Convertibles.
See TrueDelta's information for all Volkswagen models.

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.