2003 Volkswagen Beetle Problems

MY 2003 NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE HAS BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHERE IT WILL JERK VIOLENTLY WHEN IT SHIFTS UP OR DOWN AND SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT SHIFT AT ALL. IT WILL GET STUCK IN A GEAR AND I HAVE TO STOP IT AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART IT. IT WILL JERK EVEN WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT. I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I AM FAR AWAY FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I NO LONGER DRIVE IT BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF ALSO, SO I'M NOT SURE IF IT WILL EVEN WORK IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT. TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD NOT BE JERKING THAT WAY AT ALL AND IF SOMEONE WAS TO WALK IN FRONT OF MY CAR AT A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN, IT COULD JERK FORWARD AND HIT THEM. NOT A SAFE CAR. *JS

I COULDN'T WAIT FOR THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE TO COME OUT. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. NOW, AFTER ONLY 60,000 MILES, I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE--IT WILL GET STUCK IN FIRST GEAR, IT WILL KICK BETWEEN GEARS ONE AND TWO, AND IT WILL JOLT SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THESE VEHICLES ARE UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD. *KB

The airbag sensors were issued a recall. The dealer confirmed this. The car dealership is refusing to replace the airbag sensors until other issues with the car are fixed. I paid to have them do a diagnostic on the car to address the other problems. They are refusing to give me the codes to check what other problems exists with the car.

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON..WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY AIRBAG MODULE ...VW DEALER SAYS PART HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED AND I CAN NOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED.

REAR WINDOWS FALLING. REGULATOR BROKEN WHILE MOVING. CITY.

ON THE SOFT TOP CONVERTIBLE THE WINDOWS DROP WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED AND RAISED WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. WINDOW STILL ROLLS UP AND DOWN HOWEVER THE WINDOW DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE DOOR OPENING OR CLOSING ANYMORE. THIS IS A COMMON AND POPULAR PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! EXPENSIVE DEFECT FOR UNSUSPECTING OWNERS. *TR

Vehicle does not shift properly, vehicle does not shift to drive correctly and either shifts down or stays in neutral

. GETS STUCK RANDOMLY IN 1ST GEAR ... SOME OF THE TIME IT SHIFTS BUT IF I LEAVE IT RUNNING IN PARK FOR A FEW MINUTES (ESPECIALLY THEN) OR WHEN IT WARMS UP NICELY AND I THEN HAVE TO SLOW DOWN INTO 1ST LIKE AT A LIGHT AFTER I EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND THEN TRY TO DRIVE AGAIN IT WON'T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST . AND. I KNOW WHEN IT'S ABOUT TO START THIS BECAUSE IT STARTS SHIFTING SO HARD THE CAR LURCHES (SOMETIMES SO ROUGHLY THAT IF I HADN'T MADE SURE TO BE EXTRA FAR AWAY FROM ANY VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME THEN MY CAR WOULD HAVE LEAPED RIGHT INTO THEIRS - EVEN IF I AM BRAKING) VERY SCARY:( AND I FEEL UNSAFE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT LURCHES BADLY AND ALSO WHEN THE CAR STOPS GAINING SPEED BECAUSE IT GOT STUCK IN 1ST AND THE CARS BEHIND ME ALMOST RUN RIGHT OVER ME ) FROM WHAT I'VE READ WHILE RESEARCHING THIS, THIS ISSUE IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT. V W MADE A MINUSCULE EFFORT TO ADDRESS IT ... AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH IS USELESS BECAUSE IT DOESN'T COVER FIXING THE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION THAT THIS DEFECT CAUSES, LEAVING US OWNERS TO HAVE BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION BASICALLY BECAUSE OF THIS KNOWN DEFECT. VW SHOULD FIX IT SINCE THEY CLEARLY KNOW ABOUT THIS AS A DEFECT. IT EFFECTS NEW BEETLES YEARS 2003 TO 2007! AND IN MY RESEARCH IT IS CLEAR THAT MANY MANY '03-'07 NEW BEETLE OWNERS HAVE VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND MOST FEEL LIKE I DO...THAT THESE CARS ARE SCARY AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.VW IS AWARE OF THIS BUT DOESN'T CARE SO I IMPLORE YOU TO PLEASE TAKE A DEEP AND SERIOUS LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND HELP MAKE VW TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX THIS DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE DEFECT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLIGHT SHORTING OUT FOR 7TH BULB REPLACEMENT AND NEW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. STRANGE, ALL WITHIN 6 MONTHS. MY 21 YR OLD NURSING STUDENT OF ECU UNIVERSITY HAS HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WHILE ON HER 4 HOUR TRIP HOME 7 TIMES NOW. THE WIRING CONTINUES TO FRY ITSELF IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX , NOW AFFECTING THEABS BRAKING SYSTEM. I PAID $9K IN CASH AND HAVE ELECTRICAL RECEIPTS, SEAT BELT, CONVERTIBLE TOP, BLOWER DOOR, FRONT END REPLACEMENT, RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, TRUNK LATCH, HYDRO LICKS ON CONVERTIBLE, TIMING BELT, 4 BATTERIES, AIR BAGS! I COULD CONTINUE WITH A LONGER LIST. I ADDED UP TO $17,000.00 I HAVE IN THIS PIECE OF CRAP THAT CONTINUES TO BREAK MONTHLY . I WOULD BE ECSTATIC TO PROVIDE ALL RECEIPTS. ISN'T PROBLEMS OF THIS GREAT NATURE UNREASONABLE FOR A CAR WITH 70,000 MILES ALSO CONSIDERED A LEMON? ALL INCIDENTS HAVE LEFT MY DAUGHTER STRANDED ON INTERSTATE 85 WHERE SHE HAS FEARED HER LIFE FIGHT OFF THE HOMELESS PSYCHOTIC PEOPLE. IT HAS LEFT ME UNABLE TO BUY HER A NEW CAR WITH NO SAVINGS DUE TO FIXING SOMETHING NEW EACH MONTH. AND 27 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITH NO ABILITY TO START IT. THE SEAT LEVERS BACK AND FORTH HAVE HAD TO BE BOLTED IN ONE POSITION TO PREVENT SEAT BELT ELECTRICAL TOO SHORT ELECTRICAL CORD SO THE FAULTY AIRBAGS MAY BY CHANCE DEPLOY IF SHE EVER GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. LATEST IS. SHE NEEDS ANOTHER WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT FROM JUST BEING DONE 2 YEARS AGO!! SOMETHING MAJOR DEFECTS WITH THIS CAR. I FEAR FOR HER LIFE! LAST TRIP HOME A CAR DID NOT SEE HER PULLED OVER ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE SWIPED HER BUMPER. WATER PUMP AGAIN.SEE PHOTO OF IT LEAKING MORE WHEN WE HAD IT TOWED HOME IN GARAGE. ALSO REAR BUMPER OF INCIDEN

ELECTRICAL MAIN FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD BURNT AND MELTED INTO BATTERY. SEE PICS OF BURNT FUSE BOX, AND INDENTION OF MELTED BATTERY. CAR CUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING MY 19 YEAR OLD COLLEGE DAUGHTER TO ALMOST WRECK IN ROUTE TO SCHOOL LAST WEEK AT 8PM EST. HER MAJOR IS NURSING. I WANT TO MAKE SURE SHE'S ALIVE TO SEE HER GRADUATE. OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WAS 65 DEGREES. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, NOT TO MENTION THE COST THAT WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH PAYING FOR VOLKSWAGONS POOR DESIGN ELECTRICAL MISENGINEERING FLAW, A NEW ALTERNATOR, ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING, A NEW BATTERY, AND POSSIBLY NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP MOTOR. HER VW IS/WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH FEWER THAN 80K MILES. VW ESTIMATES COSTS TO FIX OVER $5K TO 6K. KBB VALUE IS MUCH LESS. MY DAUGHTERS LIFE IS PRICELESS. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE SEATBELTS UNDERNEATH THE SEAT ARE TOO SHORT!! IF YOU SLIDE THE SEATS BACK, IT BREAKS ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WHICH TRIGGERS SEATBELTS LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH DISENGAGES AIRBAGS TO WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE 2 FRONT SEATS ALSO MUST SLIDE FORWARD IN ORDER FOR BACK SEAT PASSENGERS TO ENTER VEHICLE. IS THIS HOW VW SAVES MONEY, BY SHORTENING ELECTRICAL WIRE TO CONNECT SEATBELTS? PERHAPS IT'S ON PURPOSE TO AVOID MILLIONS OF ELECTRICAL LAWSUITS?

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING. THE BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE, AND EPC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND, UPON OPENING THE HOOD, NOTICED THAT PART OF THE ENGINE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE MOTOR MOUNT AS THE BOLTS WERE CRACKED AND STRIPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

I WAS COMING HOME FROM BY ERS APPOINTMENT TODAY AND ON THE HIGHWAY 2, TOWARD HOME MY CAR LOST ALL POWER I HAD CARS ALL OVER FINALLY GOT OFF ROAD. WOULD NOT START SO HAD TOWED HOME. NO REASON FOR THIS. DATE TODAY OCTOBER 20 2015 AT 730 @ NIGHT. COLD BY MYSELF IN CAR.....UPDATED 01/13/16 *BF

INNER DOOR HANDLES TO CLOSE THE DOORS, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, HAVE BROKEN OFF, SNAPING. AS I DID RESEARCH TO FIND REPLACEMENT; I CONTACTED OVER 20 DIFFERENT JUNK YARDS IN MY AREA AND I AM BEING TOLD THE SAME; "ALL PANELS HAVE THE HANDLE BROKEN". THE ONLY WAY I CAN REPAIR IT IS BY BUYING THE WHOLE PANEL FROM THE DEALER AT AN OUTRAGE PRICE OR BUYING IT FROM A USED SELLER WHICH IS STILL AT LEAST $600.00 FOR THE PAIR PANELS. I NEED THESE HANDLES TO CLOSE THE DOORS SECURELY .

THIS VEHICLE PERMEATES AN ODOR OF CRAYON WAX IN HEAT OR COLD. MORE SO IN HEAT AND WHEN THE HEAT OR A/C IS BEING USED. THE ODOR STICKS TO YOU HAIR AND CLOTHING AND IS EXTREMELY NAUSEATING. IN RESEARCH IT IS A WAX THAT COATS THE UNDERLAY OF THE CARPET. IF YOU GOOGLE "CRAYON SMELL IN VW OR HOW TO REMOVE CRAYON SMELL IN VW" YOU WILL FIND SEVERAL FORUMS. I BELIEVE IT IS A HEALTH HAZARD. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THE VEHICLE PRIMARILY & REFUSES TO USE THE A/C OR HEAT DUE TO THE SMELL MAKING HER SICK &STICKING TO HER HAIR AND CLOTHES. I DROVE IT FOR A WEEKEND AND HAD A NAUSEATING MIGRAINE ALL WEEKEND LONG. WHO KNOWS WHAT LONG TERM AFFECT THIS CAN HAVE ON ONES HEALTH. I CALLED VW, THEY SAID ITS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS ISNT DUE TO LACK OF CARE OR MAINTENANCE, THIS IS A POOR QUALITY MATERIAL USED TO MANUFACTURE THE VEHICLE THAT IS CAUSING THE ODOR THAT IS MAKING PEOPLE SICK. *TR

PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLIGHT SHORTING OUT FOR 7TH BULB REPLACEMENT AND NEW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. STRANGE, ALL WITHIN 6 MONTHS. MY 21 YR OLD NURSING STUDENT OF ECU UNIVERSITY HAS HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WHILE ON HER 4 HOUR TRIP HOME 7 TIMES NOW. THE WIRING CONTINUES TO FRY ITSELF IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX , NOW AFFECTING THEABS BRAKING SYSTEM. I PAID $9K IN CASH AND HAVE ELECTRICAL RECEIPTS, SEAT BELT, CONVERTIBLE TOP, BLOWER DOOR, FRONT END REPLACEMENT, RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, TRUNK LATCH, HYDRO LICKS ON CONVERTIBLE, TIMING BELT, 4 BATTERIES, AIR BAGS! I COULD CONTINUE WITH A LONGER LIST. I ADDED UP TO $17,000.00 I HAVE IN THIS PIECE OF CRAP THAT CONTINUES TO BREAK MONTHLY . I WOULD BE ECSTATIC TO PROVIDE ALL RECEIPTS. ISN'T PROBLEMS OF THIS GREAT NATURE UNREASONABLE FOR A CAR WITH 70,000 MILES ALSO CONSIDERED A LEMON? ALL INCIDENTS HAVE LEFT MY DAUGHTER STRANDED ON INTERSTATE 85 WHERE SHE HAS FEARED HER LIFE FIGHT OFF THE HOMELESS PSYCHOTIC PEOPLE. IT HAS LEFT ME UNABLE TO BUY HER A NEW CAR WITH NO SAVINGS DUE TO FIXING SOMETHING NEW EACH MONTH. AND 27 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITH NO ABILITY TO START IT. THE SEAT LEVERS BACK AND FORTH HAVE HAD TO BE BOLTED IN ONE POSITION TO PREVENT SEAT BELT ELECTRICAL TOO SHORT ELECTRICAL CORD SO THE FAULTY AIRBAGS MAY BY CHANCE DEPLOY IF SHE EVER GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. LATEST IS. SHE NEEDS ANOTHER WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT FROM JUST BEING DONE 2 YEARS AGO!! SOMETHING MAJOR DEFECTS WITH THIS CAR. I FEAR FOR HER LIFE! LAST TRIP HOME A CAR DID NOT SEE HER PULLED OVER ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE SWIPED HER BUMPER. WATER PUMP AGAIN.SEE PHOTO OF IT LEAKING MORE WHEN WE HAD IT TOWED HOME IN GARAGE. ALSO REAR BUMPER OF INCIDEN

ELECTRICAL MAIN FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD BURNT AND MELTED INTO BATTERY. SEE PICS OF BURNT FUSE BOX, AND INDENTION OF MELTED BATTERY. CAR CUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING MY 19 YEAR OLD COLLEGE DAUGHTER TO ALMOST WRECK IN ROUTE TO SCHOOL LAST WEEK AT 8PM EST. HER MAJOR IS NURSING. I WANT TO MAKE SURE SHE'S ALIVE TO SEE HER GRADUATE. OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WAS 65 DEGREES. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, NOT TO MENTION THE COST THAT WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH PAYING FOR VOLKSWAGONS POOR DESIGN ELECTRICAL MISENGINEERING FLAW, A NEW ALTERNATOR, ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING, A NEW BATTERY, AND POSSIBLY NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP MOTOR. HER VW IS/WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH FEWER THAN 80K MILES. VW ESTIMATES COSTS TO FIX OVER $5K TO 6K. KBB VALUE IS MUCH LESS. MY DAUGHTERS LIFE IS PRICELESS. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE SEATBELTS UNDERNEATH THE SEAT ARE TOO SHORT!! IF YOU SLIDE THE SEATS BACK, IT BREAKS ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WHICH TRIGGERS SEATBELTS LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH DISENGAGES AIRBAGS TO WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE 2 FRONT SEATS ALSO MUST SLIDE FORWARD IN ORDER FOR BACK SEAT PASSENGERS TO ENTER VEHICLE. IS THIS HOW VW SAVES MONEY, BY SHORTENING ELECTRICAL WIRE TO CONNECT SEATBELTS? PERHAPS IT'S ON PURPOSE TO AVOID MILLIONS OF ELECTRICAL LAWSUITS?

PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLIGHT SHORTING OUT FOR 7TH BULB REPLACEMENT AND NEW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. STRANGE, ALL WITHIN 6 MONTHS. MY 21 YR OLD NURSING STUDENT OF ECU UNIVERSITY HAS HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WHILE ON HER 4 HOUR TRIP HOME 7 TIMES NOW. THE WIRING CONTINUES TO FRY ITSELF IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX , NOW AFFECTING THEABS BRAKING SYSTEM. I PAID $9K IN CASH AND HAVE ELECTRICAL RECEIPTS, SEAT BELT, CONVERTIBLE TOP, BLOWER DOOR, FRONT END REPLACEMENT, RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, TRUNK LATCH, HYDRO LICKS ON CONVERTIBLE, TIMING BELT, 4 BATTERIES, AIR BAGS! I COULD CONTINUE WITH A LONGER LIST. I ADDED UP TO $17,000.00 I HAVE IN THIS PIECE OF CRAP THAT CONTINUES TO BREAK MONTHLY . I WOULD BE ECSTATIC TO PROVIDE ALL RECEIPTS. ISN'T PROBLEMS OF THIS GREAT NATURE UNREASONABLE FOR A CAR WITH 70,000 MILES ALSO CONSIDERED A LEMON? ALL INCIDENTS HAVE LEFT MY DAUGHTER STRANDED ON INTERSTATE 85 WHERE SHE HAS FEARED HER LIFE FIGHT OFF THE HOMELESS PSYCHOTIC PEOPLE. IT HAS LEFT ME UNABLE TO BUY HER A NEW CAR WITH NO SAVINGS DUE TO FIXING SOMETHING NEW EACH MONTH. AND 27 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITH NO ABILITY TO START IT. THE SEAT LEVERS BACK AND FORTH HAVE HAD TO BE BOLTED IN ONE POSITION TO PREVENT SEAT BELT ELECTRICAL TOO SHORT ELECTRICAL CORD SO THE FAULTY AIRBAGS MAY BY CHANCE DEPLOY IF SHE EVER GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. LATEST IS. SHE NEEDS ANOTHER WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT FROM JUST BEING DONE 2 YEARS AGO!! SOMETHING MAJOR DEFECTS WITH THIS CAR. I FEAR FOR HER LIFE! LAST TRIP HOME A CAR DID NOT SEE HER PULLED OVER ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE SWIPED HER BUMPER. WATER PUMP AGAIN.SEE PHOTO OF IT LEAKING MORE WHEN WE HAD IT TOWED HOME IN GARAGE. ALSO REAR BUMPER OF INCIDEN

ELECTRICAL MAIN FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD BURNT AND MELTED INTO BATTERY. SEE PICS OF BURNT FUSE BOX, AND INDENTION OF MELTED BATTERY. CAR CUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING MY 19 YEAR OLD COLLEGE DAUGHTER TO ALMOST WRECK IN ROUTE TO SCHOOL LAST WEEK AT 8PM EST. HER MAJOR IS NURSING. I WANT TO MAKE SURE SHE'S ALIVE TO SEE HER GRADUATE. OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WAS 65 DEGREES. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, NOT TO MENTION THE COST THAT WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH PAYING FOR VOLKSWAGONS POOR DESIGN ELECTRICAL MISENGINEERING FLAW, A NEW ALTERNATOR, ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING, A NEW BATTERY, AND POSSIBLY NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP MOTOR. HER VW IS/WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH FEWER THAN 80K MILES. VW ESTIMATES COSTS TO FIX OVER $5K TO 6K. KBB VALUE IS MUCH LESS. MY DAUGHTERS LIFE IS PRICELESS. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE SEATBELTS UNDERNEATH THE SEAT ARE TOO SHORT!! IF YOU SLIDE THE SEATS BACK, IT BREAKS ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WHICH TRIGGERS SEATBELTS LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH DISENGAGES AIRBAGS TO WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE 2 FRONT SEATS ALSO MUST SLIDE FORWARD IN ORDER FOR BACK SEAT PASSENGERS TO ENTER VEHICLE. IS THIS HOW VW SAVES MONEY, BY SHORTENING ELECTRICAL WIRE TO CONNECT SEATBELTS? PERHAPS IT'S ON PURPOSE TO AVOID MILLIONS OF ELECTRICAL LAWSUITS?

THE CAR IS HAVING ISSUES AS EXACTLY THE RECALLS HAS STATED (I HAVEN'T KNOWN BY NOW ABOUT THE RECALLS) 1. SELECTOR SHIFT AND SHIFTER CABLES WERE BROKEN 2. BREAK SWITCH DID NOT FUNCTION, LEADING TO MALFUNCTION OF EPC (ELECTRONIC PROCESSING CONTROL) THAT LATER CAUSED CRUISE CONTROL, TAILLIGHT AND AC COMPRESSOR NOT WORKING 3. WINDSHIELD WIPER PUMP WAS NOT WORKING 4. HEADLIGHT BEAM WAS LOW

OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS MY 2003 VW BEETLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE CHANGING GEARS (IT'S AN AUTOMATIC) AND HAS GOTTEN STUCK IN 3RD GEAR. IT WILL JERK AND LUNGE WHEN SLOWING DOWN. EACH TIME THE MECHANIC HAS "RESET THE CODES" AND THE TEST DRIVE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF ANYMORE TROUBLE. IT HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE AND NOW AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 25 OR 30 MINUTES IT BEGINS THE JERKING AND LUNGING. AFTER RESEARCHING, I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I LOVE MY CAR, BUT NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT AND I CERTAINLY CANNOT RELY ON IT. I NOW FEEL THAT I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT I CANNOT DRIVE NOR CAN I SELL. *TR

This car was extremely modified by a company caledl Hestermann Motorwwerks. The specific problem is the installation of LED Tail/Brake lights. The lights are not compatable with the cars electrical system and as a result they have a problem that is called Hyper Flashing. That means the turn signal, when engaged, flashes erratically and wehn the brake pedal is applied the light flalso ashes erratically causing the following vehicle to be confused and resulting in an unsafe condition. I feel that the installer needs to be notified of the wrong doing as many cars have been modified by this business. HESTERMANN MOTORWERKS Jessie Lee Ct, Green Cove Springs, Fl 32043

THE CAR IS HAVING ISSUES AS EXACTLY THE RECALLS HAS STATED (I HAVEN'T KNOWN BY NOW ABOUT THE RECALLS) 1. SELECTOR SHIFT AND SHIFTER CABLES WERE BROKEN 2. BREAK SWITCH DID NOT FUNCTION, LEADING TO MALFUNCTION OF EPC (ELECTRONIC PROCESSING CONTROL) THAT LATER CAUSED CRUISE CONTROL, TAILLIGHT AND AC COMPRESSOR NOT WORKING 3. WINDSHIELD WIPER PUMP WAS NOT WORKING 4. HEADLIGHT BEAM WAS LOW

I RECEIVED A COUPON IN THE MAIL FROM MIDAS FOR $19.95 OIL CHANGE WITH COUPON.THE COUPON SPECIFIED TO BRING COUPON WITH ME TO A MIDAS MECHANIC SHOP TO GET THE $19.95 OIL CHANGE.I WENT TO MIDAS AT 4480 S BABCOCK STREET, MELBOURNE FLORIDA AND I PRESENTED THE COUPON. THE MANAGER ASKED ME DID YOU BRING YOUR OWN SYNTHETIC OIL LIKE YOU USE TO, I RESPONDED NO I HAVE A COUPON.HE PRINTED THE RECEIPT FOR $19.95, AND I SIGNED. I USE TO BUY MY OWN SYNTHETIC OIL AND MIDAS CHARGED ME $19.95 FOR OIL CHANGE AT SAME RATE THEY CHARGE FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGE.MIDAS ALWAYS ADVERTISED OUTSIDE THEIR SHOP AN OIL CHANGE FOR $19.95. THIS PRICE IS WITHOUT A COUPON. AS THE MECHANIC DROVE MY CAR INTO THE SHOP FOR OIL CHANGE, I REMINDED THE MECHANIC MY CAR TAKES ONLY SYNTHETIC OIL. HE TOLD THE MANAGER/OWNER AND CAME BACK TO TELL ME THEY ARE GOING TO PUT SYNTACTIC OIL. SO HE STARTED CHANGING THE OIL. AFTER HE WAS DONE THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO GO AND PAY FOR THE OIL CHANGE. THE MANGER/OWNER ASKED FOR MY CREDIT CARD AND HE DID ALL THE TRANSACTIONS AND HAND ME THE RECEIPT IN A ENVELOP. AS I AM LEAVING THE SHOP I TOOK THE RECEIPT OUT OF THE ENVELOP AND FOUND OUT THE MANAGER/OWNER CHARGED ME $62.66 FOR OIL CHANGE WITHOUT SAYING A WARD TO ME.HE SHOULD OF TOLD ME TO COME BACK AND SIGN ANTHER AGREEMENT FOR THE $62.66 BUT HE CHOOSE NOT TO BECAUSE HE WANTED TO MAKE MORE MONEY AND IF HE TOLD ME I WOULD OF SAID NO, AND I WOULD OF TOLD HIM I WANT TO COMEBACK WITH MY OWN SYNTHETIC OIL. THE OWNER WANTED ME TO BRING THE CAR BACK SO HE COULD TAKE HIS SYNTACTIC OIL OUT AND PUT REGULAR OIL INSTEAD IN MY CAR EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS MY CAR DOES NOT USE REGULAR OIL. I REPLIED YOU WOULD BREAK MY CAR AND MIGHT DO SOMETHING TO THE ENGINE THAT COULD CAUSE DANGER TO ME AND OTHERS IF BREAKS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I REFUSED TO LET HIM PUT REGULAR OIL IN MY CAR FOR FEAR OF MECHANICAL DAMAGE TO MY CAR. *TR

I JUST BOUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE, 03. THE SMELL MAKES ME PHYSICALLY ILL TO BE IN IT. THE DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT, I HAD THE CABIN FILTER CHANGED AND IT STILL SMELLS. THIS SMELL IS A CHEMICAL SMELL AND MY THROAT STARTED HURTING AND SWELLED UP. I SAW A DOCTOR AND SHE COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM BUT ADDED THAT MY THROAT WAS FILLED WITH PUSS. I STOPPED DRIVING IT AND ASKED MY HUSBAND TO DRIVE IT. HE IS NOW COMPLAINING THAT HE IS HAVING HEADACHES AND HAVING NEW ALLERGIES AFTER JUST ONE WEEK. WE CALLED VW WHO SAID IT WAS A RUST PROOFING MATERIAL THAT THEY USED TO PUT ON THE CAR AND THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. BUT I HAVE BEEN READING MANY WEBSITES THAT SAY IT IS A PARAFIN SOUND PROOFING MAT UNDER THE CARPET. THIS MATERIAL IS BEING REMOVED BY VW FOR SOME PEOPLE AFTER CONTACTING NHTSA. THERE ARE MANY POSTS ONLINE CONCERNING THIS CHEMICAL SMELL (LIKE BURNED CRAYONS). I AM CONCERNED FOR MY FAMILY'S HEALTH. I HAVE 3 KIDS WHO HAVE TO RIDE IN THE CAR AS WELL. I WANT VW TO REMOVE THE PARAFIN SOUND PROOFING MAT AT VW COST. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND ROLLED BACK. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE SAFE MODE ENGAGED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,437.

EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BRAKE LIGHTS INOP. REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED THE SWITCH HAD BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL IN 2007. *TR

2003 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE :DRIVERS SIDE WINDOWS REGULATOR AND MOTOR AND BROKEN HINGE. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SAYS IT NEED COIL PACK AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR. SEAT BELT LIGHT SAYS IT NEED SEAT BELT SENSOR. ALSO DOOR LATCH REPLACED. *TR

WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN MY CAR SEEMED TO HAVE LOST TRACTION ON THE ROAD AND I LOST CONTROL BUT DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE A WITH THE CIRCLE AROUND IT. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND I WAS INFORMED THAT MY ABS CONTROL UNIT WAS COMPLETELY FRIED. SO NOW I HAVE TO PAY ALMOST $2000 TO GET IT FIXED. *TR

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT AREA. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HIT THE CURB. THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID HITTING A LIGHT POLE. THIS DID MINIMIZE THE HITTING OF THE LIGHT POLE. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE ONLY IMPACT ON THE VEHICLE WAS ABOVE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO COOPERATE BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY WILL RESPOND WITHIN 24 HOURS. *AK *NM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE WAX FUMES UNDERNEATH THE CARPET THAT WERE IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS LIQUID WAX THAT HELD THE CARPET IN PLACE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HOT AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON THE WAX FUMES CIRCULATE BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED HE SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE PER THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 10/14/11 *BF VW TOOK REPSONSIBILITY AND FIXED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/21/11