Volkswagen Beetle Problems and Repair Histories
Volkswagen Beetle problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen New Beetle Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2001 | Volkswagen Beetle | 12 Beetles, 6.3 months of data per Beetle, average 92600 miles Small sample size. Join or 12 Beetles, 6.3 months of data per Beetle, average 92600 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs |
2010 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 0 | Air bag light was on when purchased, service dept was closes and battery was dead when they tried to start in showroom. Told computer had to reset light but the diagnostics showed fault in system igniter, one of the connectors pins bad | |
2010 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible
150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 0 | replaced right rear backup light assembly due to water leak. | |
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible
150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 0 | Drivers power window was not dropping when door opened every time. Returned to dealer, who fixed it with a new switch. | |
| Oct | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen New Beetle in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 0 | Replaced right lock switch which the plastic had split. | |
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | Replace Coolant level sensor and coolant bottle. Coolant system warning light had come on with no cause. | |
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
150-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2012 | 0 | Check engine light was on. PCV hose was disconnected. Dealer reconnected hose. Passenger side door lock failed to engage using the key fob or door-mounted switch. Dealer replaced latch. | |
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible
150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 0 | both rear window rattles/repaired driver window automatic window close intermittent/repaired heater smell/coolant leak fixed trunk lid replaced and adjusted to close right/third time to get paint color right sound system won't come on after car resta | |
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2006 | 0 | Turbo making a fluttering noise, wastegate actuator replaced | |
| Nov | 2006 | 0 | Wire for passenger windshield wiper came loose, wiper was not operational. Warranty repair. | |
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Arkansas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 150 | bolt holding passenger seat back on backed out. this prevented seat and seat back from moving forward to allow back seat entry and from being moved back into locked position. Bolt was replaced and it operates fine now. | |
| Mar | 2010 | 450 | channel/track? for R rear window broke. window motor worked but mechanically wouldn't go up or down L rear window stopped working (same type problem) May 2010 - repair cost $450 again. | |
| Jul | 2010 | 250 | Key fob remote stopped working, dealer said needed to be reprogrammed, bought additional valet key, 2 seperate trips to dealer/ 2 attempts at reprogramming, 3rd trip-finally determined faulty remote, was replaced with new fob remote. | |
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Convertible
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Louisiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2012 | 5 | Several minor repairs: Rear marker bulb replaced; headlamp bulb replaced; broken washer hose spliced (v. brittle - will prob break again); some interior trim reattached. | |
| May | 2013 | 1875 | AC compressor trashed itself and filled system with metal fragments so most components had to be replaced, system flushed and refilled. Also driver's side fan was replaced because it had stopped working. | |
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 0 | Convertible top repair | |
| Oct | 2011 | 0 | PRNDL switch repair Replace valve body | |
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Queretaro, Mexico | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2006 | 70 | The LED/turning signal from the left rearview mirror was changed. | |
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2003 | 0 | replace window raising/lowering mechanism under warranty | |
| Jul | 2004 | 0 | reattach plastic enclosure under engine | |
| Dec | 2006 | 14 | replace left front turn signal bulb and repair socket | |
| May | 2007 | 220 | replace glow plugs | |
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 150 | intake cleaning | |
| Mar | 2008 | 600 | timing belt and water pump replacement | |
| Jan | 2011 | 400 | replaced failed EGR valve | |
| Jun | 2011 | 1600 | Had to replace failing diesel injection pump | |
| Oct | 2011 | 500 | passenger seat airbag light on, fault found. I replaced all seats with used interior, solved problem. | |
| Nov | 2011 | 65 | replaced leaking fuel return lines at engne | |
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2003 | 0 | Power window regulator clips - no charge, replaced under warranty. | |
| Nov | 2003 | 0 | Passenger-side mirror defroster - no charge, replaced under warranty. | |
| Mar | 2004 | 6 | Passenger-side front headlamp | |
| Sep | 2005 | 0 | Driver's seatbelt sensor - replaced under warranty | |
| Dec | 2005 | 1257 | Timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, brakes, coolant replacement | |
| Jun | 2007 | 468 | Left front wheel hub and wheel bearing | |
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Saskatchewan, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2006 | 415 | Replaced oil pan | |
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 650 | Oxygen sensors replaced, Rear brake pads replaced | |
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 67000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 67000 | 700 | Preventive maintenance - had timing belt and water pump replaced before 70,000..............very happy with the 2001 New Beetle! |
| Sep | 2010 | 68000 | 65 | The 3rd center stoplight needed to be replaced...I did it myself for the cost of the bulb ($65.00)...Yikes, what happened to BULB replacement rather than nearly costing a car payment??? |
| Jul | 2011 | 75000 | 290 | Had a recall regarding ignition coil possible failure...took to dealer, they said it didn't need fixing...car became inoperative...Called VW factory...they promised to cover cost of coils...which amounted to $180.00...hope they pay!!! |
| Sep | 2011 | 79000 | 0 | The mechanic that we use for the car replaced the left-front headlight. |
| Mar | 2012 | 85000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 58000 | 300 | Brake lights not working Brake lights not working again |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 82000 | 100 | valve body in transmission stuck |
| Sep | 2010 | 86000 | 100 | cel was evaluated, determined to be fuel connected. protocol followed. final item was replacement of injectors, which was done. |
| Sep | 2011 | 89000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 86800 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 88040 | 80 | lost an exhaust clamp |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Oklahoma, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 105000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 105000 | 244 | Automatic transmission would not shift from second to third. Found the speed sensor was faulty and replaced it. |
| Sep | 2011 | 121000 | 1000 | Power steering pump hose split |
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
Engine not specified
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 131000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 134000 | 200 | CV axle |
| Jan | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 151000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 151000 | 16 | Wiper wash plastic hose disintegrated from the washer pump to the hood hinge. Replaced same with 3/16" rubber hose from pump to washer nozzles. Mounted same to chassis using electrical tie-wraps. |
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2003 | 16 | 107 relay | |
| Dec | 2010 | 272000 | 342 | MAF replacement replaced clutch |
| Feb | 2011 | 18 | glow plug replaced | |
| Aug | 2011 | 285700 | 25 | replace turbo VNT vacuum controller $99 replace right front wheel bearing |
| Sep | 2011 | 287000 | 52 | wheel sensor failed |
| Oct | 2011 | 288000 | 72 | failed EGR solenoid replaced |
| Nov | 2011 | 289000 | 72 | replaced N75 valve, regained full turbo function |
| Dec | 2011 | 293000 | 59 | remove and clean intake and EGR valve. 65% clogged from normal used over many miles replace both stabilizer bar links |
| Mar | 2012 | 299000 | 144 | right front inner tie rod end worn, replaced all 4 due to mileage on vehicle. |
| May | 2012 | 304000 | 75 | replaced left axle due to worn outer cv joint |
| Jul | 2012 | 308000 | 589 | replaced noisy dual mass flywheel |
| Jan | 2013 | 319000 | 180 | replaced starter |
| Feb | 2013 | 321000 | 14 | replace leaking vacuum pump oil seal, o-ring on CCV line and CCV diffuser grommet. |
| Apr | 2013 | 323000 | 70 | R/R caliper sticking, burned pad |
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 170000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 172000 | 0 | Left fog lamp fell off. Put back with tiewraps. |
| Feb | 2011 | 176000 | 700 | Alternator bearing failed. replaced alternator (original). |
| Apr | 2011 | 177000 | 250 | original starter motor failed completely in garage, replaced there. |
| Mar | 2013 | 189000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 128000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 149700 | 300 | Check Engine light for "air flow problems"; Fix was replacement of damaged vacuum lines. |
| Dec | 2012 | 168000 | 1510 | Vapor canister purge solenoid. Oil leak repaired by replacing valve cover gaskets. Right inner tie-rod end replaced. Right Rear wheel bearing replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 176000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
1999.5 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen New Beetle in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 138000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 138000 | 470 | #1 Hood pull release handle broke. #2 Gas cap door cable/solenoid replaced. |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
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