2007 Volkswagen Beetle Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1520.5%
- Powertrain (other)1216.4%
- Seat belts912.3%
- Body & structure68.2%
- Electrical68.2%
- Engine56.8%
- Visibility45.5%
- Interior & seats45.5%
- Exterior lighting34.1%
- Driver assistance34.1%
- Fuel system22.7%
- Brakes22.7%
- Steering11.4%
- Tires & wheels11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Cranked the car to move it and the drivers side airbag deployed with a massive amount of force. Did not move the car. As soon as in cranked I heard and felt the explosion of the airbag. Sent pieces of plastic and airbag towards me and shoved me into the door. I have a bruised wrist and my ears are ringing. This a concern from now on. I no longer want to cranked the car as more airbags may be faulty.
ON AIRBAGS DRIVER LIGHT FOR AIRBAG IS ON WON'T GO OFF.ON TRANSMISSION IT JERKS THE WHEN IT'S IN 6 IT RUNS FINE.. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR.THANK YOU
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON AIRBAGS DRIVER LIGHT FOR AIRBAG IS ON WON'T GO OFF.ON TRANSMISSION IT JERKS THE WHEN IT'S IN 6 IT RUNS FINE.. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR.THANK YOU
2ND BEETLE. SAME ISSUE. (FIRST ONE LEAKED FLUID). THIS ONE DOES NOT LEAK BUT HAS THE SAME HORRIBLE SHIFTING ISSUE! I LOVE MY CAR BUT HEAR FROM ALL THE MECHANICS THAT THIS IS THE NORM WITH THESE VEHICLES. SO WHY IS IT NOT RECALLED????? IS IT TRANSMISSION OR SOMETHING ELSE? 2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT HAS 91,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN THE CAR TRANSMISSION IS COLD IT SHIFTS OK MOST OF THE TIME. BUT WHEN THE TRANSMISSION HAS WARMED UP ITS A GIVEN TO JERK AND HESITATE. SPECIALLY WHEN IT SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR I FEEL A HITTING NOISE. ALSO FACING THE SAME PROBLEM WHEN IT DOWN SHIFTS BUT NOT ALWAYS. EMBARRASSING REALLY! SOMETIMES IT SHIFTS HARD IN HIGHER GEAR ON HIGHWAY OR SEEMS TO MISS AND RPM GOES UP AND IT HESITATES TO SHIFT. IT FINALLY DOES WHILE I AM HOLDING MY BREATH AND PRAY IT DOES NOT STALL WHILE I AM TURNING OR IN THE INTERSECTION OR ON THE HIGHWAY. IT REALLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE! I LOVE MY LITTLE CAR THOUGH... GURRRRRRRRR.. SO MAD. WHAT COULD BE THE ISSUE? HOW COULD I FIX THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT HAVING TO PUT ON A LIFT TO ALWAYS CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID. I WANT TO KEEP THE CAR, ITS A SHAME BECAUSE ITS IN GREAT CONDITION. TRIPLE WHITE CONVERTIBLE AND NO WEAR. AM I LOOKING AT 3K FOR A NEW TRANS? SO I AM TO GIVE UP AND SELL IT TO SOME OTHER POOR SOUL (SUCKER). THAT'S AWFUL. THERE IS A GRAVEYARD FULL OF YOUR CARS IN THE JUNK YARDS FOR PARTS.. SICKENING AND SAD!
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER START. CONSTANTLY ON EVEN WHEN DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ARE ENGAGED. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! RECALL NOW. I SEE THE ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER A DECADE!
THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT AIR BAG SENSOR WENT BAD. THE VW DEALERSHIP SAID THE PARTS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD! THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE I HAVE SEEN, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT VW HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS BY NOW! THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THIS COULD LEAD TO DEATH! AGAIN THERE NEEDS TO BE ACTION TAKEN AND A RECALL ISSUED BEFORE ANYONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED! MY SEATBELT AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER THINKING THAT MAYBE THE BELT WASN'T FASTENED ALL THE WAY. THE LIGHT WOULDN'T GO OUT SO I DROVE IT TO A GARAGE WHERE IT SAT UNTIL TODAY STILL NOT FIXED DUE TO PART BEING DISCONTINUED! AGAIN SAFETY HAZARD AS THE AIR BAGS ARE NON FUNCTIONAL!
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BACK GLASS WINDOW ON THE SOFT TOP CONVERTIBLE IS COMING LOOSE. IF I DRIVE THE GLASS WINDOW WILL DROP AND SHATTER. IF PARKED OUTSIDE, AND IT RAINS, THE ENTIRE BACK SEAT AND TRUNK WILL GET WET.
REAR WINDOW ON CONVERTIBLE SEPARATES FROM TOP
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MANY OWNERS OF VWS INCLUDING THE BEETLE AND OTHER MODELS HAVE REPORTED COLD SOLDER JOINT ON THE DOOR LOCK SENSORS. THESE COLD SOLDER JOINTS CAUSE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WHERE THE DOORS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK, AND THE WINDOWS WILL ROLL DOWN AND BACK UP. THE WINDOWS FUNCTION IS RELATED TO THE CONVERTIBLE TOP, SO THAT THE WINDOW WILL ROLL DOWN A BIT WHEN THE DOOR IS UNLOCKED SO THAT IT WILL COME OUT FROM THE LIP OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
ONGOING ISSUE WITH STARTING FOR APPROX LAST YEAR AND A HALF. HAVE HAD IN TO LOCAL DEALER WHERE PURCHASED AND THEY FIND NOTHING OTHER THAN TO TELL ME TO LOCK MY CAR WHEN IN USE BECAUSE THE CAR'S ELECTRONICS ARE BEING CONFUSED. WHILE TRYING TO START THE ICONS WILL FLASH AND THE WINDOWS WILL GO UP AND DOWN. SOMETIMES THE CAR EVENTUALLY STARTS ON A 2ND OR 3RD TRY BUT OTHER TIMES THE CAR GOES DEAD AND A JUMP IS NECESSARY. I HAVE LESS THAN 35,000 MILES ON IT AT THIS POINT IN TIME. ARE OTHERS HAVING ISSUES OR IS THIS DEALERSHIP INEFFECTIVE IN DIAGNOSING PROBLEM? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2ND BEETLE. SAME ISSUE. (FIRST ONE LEAKED FLUID). THIS ONE DOES NOT LEAK BUT HAS THE SAME HORRIBLE SHIFTING ISSUE! I LOVE MY CAR BUT HEAR FROM ALL THE MECHANICS THAT THIS IS THE NORM WITH THESE VEHICLES. SO WHY IS IT NOT RECALLED????? IS IT TRANSMISSION OR SOMETHING ELSE? 2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT HAS 91,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN THE CAR TRANSMISSION IS COLD IT SHIFTS OK MOST OF THE TIME. BUT WHEN THE TRANSMISSION HAS WARMED UP ITS A GIVEN TO JERK AND HESITATE. SPECIALLY WHEN IT SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR I FEEL A HITTING NOISE. ALSO FACING THE SAME PROBLEM WHEN IT DOWN SHIFTS BUT NOT ALWAYS. EMBARRASSING REALLY! SOMETIMES IT SHIFTS HARD IN HIGHER GEAR ON HIGHWAY OR SEEMS TO MISS AND RPM GOES UP AND IT HESITATES TO SHIFT. IT FINALLY DOES WHILE I AM HOLDING MY BREATH AND PRAY IT DOES NOT STALL WHILE I AM TURNING OR IN THE INTERSECTION OR ON THE HIGHWAY. IT REALLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE! I LOVE MY LITTLE CAR THOUGH... GURRRRRRRRR.. SO MAD. WHAT COULD BE THE ISSUE? HOW COULD I FIX THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT HAVING TO PUT ON A LIFT TO ALWAYS CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID. I WANT TO KEEP THE CAR, ITS A SHAME BECAUSE ITS IN GREAT CONDITION. TRIPLE WHITE CONVERTIBLE AND NO WEAR. AM I LOOKING AT 3K FOR A NEW TRANS? SO I AM TO GIVE UP AND SELL IT TO SOME OTHER POOR SOUL (SUCKER). THAT'S AWFUL. THERE IS A GRAVEYARD FULL OF YOUR CARS IN THE JUNK YARDS FOR PARTS.. SICKENING AND SAD!
FOR YEARS, VOLKSWAGEN HAS HAD A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR SEAT BELT WIRING HARNESS. MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AS IS THE "AIR BAG" LIGHT SO I TOOK IT TO A VW MECHANIC. HE SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW AND AUDI. HE CLEARED THE FAULT USING A DIAGNOSTICS TOOL. SOON THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. AND THEY STAY ON...! WILL MY AIR BAG WORK WITH THIS PROBLEM? WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET AN ENGINE PROBLEM SUCH AS OIL PUMP OR TIMING BELT? MY VEHICLE COULD SHUT DOWN WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. AND AGAIN, WILL MY AIR BAG WORK? WE HAVE LOOKED ONLINE...THIS SEAT BELT WIRING DESIGN FLAW HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. YET, VOLKSWAGEN HAS NOT FIXED THIS ISSUE. THE MECHANIC WE USED SAYS THE SEAT BELT WIRING HARNESS IS TOO SHORT...THEREFORE, WHEN THE SEAT IS MOVED FORWARD IT BREAKS WIRING IN THE HARNESS. THE DEALER WANTS $600 TO FIX THIS. I DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY! I AM ON SSDI.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
FIRST THE BUTTON TO ROLL UP THE PASSENGER WINDOW BROKE, THEN THE BUTTON TO LOCK THE PASSENGER DOOR BROKE, THEN THE SEAT FELL APART FOR NOT REASON AND WOULD NOT CLIP DOWN, THEN THE PLASTIC PANELS INSIDE THE DOOR CRACK AND ARE FALLING OFF. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS WOULD INVOLUNTARILY OPEN AND CLOSE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER LOCK HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
FIRST THE BUTTON TO ROLL UP THE PASSENGER WINDOW BROKE, THEN THE BUTTON TO LOCK THE PASSENGER DOOR BROKE, THEN THE SEAT FELL APART FOR NOT REASON AND WOULD NOT CLIP DOWN, THEN THE PLASTIC PANELS INSIDE THE DOOR CRACK AND ARE FALLING OFF. *TR
HARD HEAVY ODOR PERMEATING MY INSIDE OF MY VW CONVERTIBLE 2007 CAR. WENT TO DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND FOR A FEW DAYS THEY PURIFIED IT FOR DAYS. I PICKED IT UP AND IT WAS STILL THERE. BROUGHT IN TO OTHER DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING. IT WAS CLEARLY A STAGED ANSWER. BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT , VW DEALERS TOOK TIME TO SEE WHAT IT COULD BE. STATING THEY SMELL "SOMETHING" NOT SURE WHAT IT IS? IT VERY WELL COULD BE A HEALTH RISK .HOW DO I KNOW I WONT GET CANCER OR POISONING FROM THIS ? I CAN ASSURE YOU NO ONE CARS FROM VW OF AMERICA. BASICALLY I OWN A CAR I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE AND ONLY DRIVE IT WHEN I AM HARD UP TO GET SOMEWHERE. IT SMELLS LIKE CRAYONS AND CHEMICALS. WHEN I DROVE IT, I WOULD GET HEADACHES AND SO WOULD MY DAUGHTER. I WOULD GET TEARS IN MY EYES, AND I QUIT DRIVING IT.IT IS NOW 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 32000 MILES ON IT. FILED 3 CLAIMS WITH VW OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID "THERE IS NO SMELL". I HAVE ALMOST PAID OFF THE CAR , (WHICH I CANNOT DRIVE). I AM SO FRUSTRATED. LEMON LAW DOES NOT COVER ODOR ISSUES AS THE CAR RUNS PERFECTLY. IT IS TOXIC TO ME, AND I WON'T DRIVE MY FAMILY IN IT. BUT ITS A DANGER. I EMAILED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY TOTALLY BLEW ME OFF. I AM A 30 YEAR VW OWNER. I KNOW MY CARS. THERE IS A DEFECT HERE. AND I AM SCREWED OUT OF A NEW CAR. THERE GOES ALL MY MONEY. MANY POSTS POINT TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE LINING , AS THEY WERE MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO. POSSIBLY USED LOW GRADE MATERIAL CAUSING THE SMELL.THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE THIS ,IS WINDOWS DOWN. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG, THAT WITH THE TOP DOWN- THE CAB SMELLS I AM TELLING YOU I HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF.THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT!!!! NO ONE IS HELPING ME WITH A FULL REFUND OR A FINAL REMEDY!--FYI VW OF AMERICA REPS TOLD ME TO CALL THE CEO OF VOLKSWAGEN?????????????????????????(REALLY?) *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WENT AND REPLACED RT HEAD LAMP, STILL WON'T WORK, CAR HAS 26000 MILES ON IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 BEETLE CONVERTIBLE SHIFTS HARD (VIOLENTLY) FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD GEAR IN STANDARD MODE AND SPORT MODE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WHILE THE VEHICLE IS WARM. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD SINCE THERE WEREN'T ANY CODES PRESENT, THAT I DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM. LAST WEEK THE CAR STALLED WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I MANAGED TO STEER OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID A COLLISION. VW OF AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT RESOLVE THEIR MANUFACTURING ISSUES. THIS ISSUE POSES A SERIOUS THREAT TO OCCUPANT SAFETY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A STOP. TWO MONTHS LATER WHILE PARKING IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AND ROLLED OVER A CEMENT CHOCK FOLLOWED BY A STORAGE UNIT THAT FRACTURED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT NO CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,387.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
GAS LEAKAGE FROM UNDER HOOD IDENTICAL TO RECALL #20I4 BUT WAS TOLD BY VW DEALERSHIP CAR WAS CHECKED 3 YEARS EARLIER AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM IN THE LOCATION OF PARTS AND THAT THIS LEAKAGE HAPPENED AT ANOTHER AREA OF THE FUEL LINE AND VW OF AMERICA CONCURRED WITH DEALERSHIP. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO FIRE BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING BAD AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER SMELLING GAS ODOR INSIDE CAR. IT SEEMS VW WON'T OWN UP TO ANYTHING UNLESS THERE IS A CASUALTY. AFTER HAVING BOUGHT THREE BEETLES I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN VW OF AMERICA AND THIS DEALERSHIP ANYMORE. ALSO THE HEADLINER HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY AFTER DEALERSHIP CHECKED IT WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. VERY LOW MILEAGE TO BE INCURRING DESIGN PROBLEMS. *TR
HARD HEAVY ODOR PERMEATING MY INSIDE OF MY VW CONVERTIBLE 2007 CAR. WENT TO DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND FOR A FEW DAYS THEY PURIFIED IT FOR DAYS. I PICKED IT UP AND IT WAS STILL THERE. BROUGHT IN TO OTHER DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING. IT WAS CLEARLY A STAGED ANSWER. BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT , VW DEALERS TOOK TIME TO SEE WHAT IT COULD BE. STATING THEY SMELL "SOMETHING" NOT SURE WHAT IT IS? IT VERY WELL COULD BE A HEALTH RISK .HOW DO I KNOW I WONT GET CANCER OR POISONING FROM THIS ? I CAN ASSURE YOU NO ONE CARS FROM VW OF AMERICA. BASICALLY I OWN A CAR I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE AND ONLY DRIVE IT WHEN I AM HARD UP TO GET SOMEWHERE. IT SMELLS LIKE CRAYONS AND CHEMICALS. WHEN I DROVE IT, I WOULD GET HEADACHES AND SO WOULD MY DAUGHTER. I WOULD GET TEARS IN MY EYES, AND I QUIT DRIVING IT.IT IS NOW 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 32000 MILES ON IT. FILED 3 CLAIMS WITH VW OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID "THERE IS NO SMELL". I HAVE ALMOST PAID OFF THE CAR , (WHICH I CANNOT DRIVE). I AM SO FRUSTRATED. LEMON LAW DOES NOT COVER ODOR ISSUES AS THE CAR RUNS PERFECTLY. IT IS TOXIC TO ME, AND I WON'T DRIVE MY FAMILY IN IT. BUT ITS A DANGER. I EMAILED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY TOTALLY BLEW ME OFF. I AM A 30 YEAR VW OWNER. I KNOW MY CARS. THERE IS A DEFECT HERE. AND I AM SCREWED OUT OF A NEW CAR. THERE GOES ALL MY MONEY. MANY POSTS POINT TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE LINING , AS THEY WERE MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO. POSSIBLY USED LOW GRADE MATERIAL CAUSING THE SMELL.THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE THIS ,IS WINDOWS DOWN. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG, THAT WITH THE TOP DOWN- THE CAB SMELLS I AM TELLING YOU I HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF.THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT!!!! NO ONE IS HELPING ME WITH A FULL REFUND OR A FINAL REMEDY!--FYI VW OF AMERICA REPS TOLD ME TO CALL THE CEO OF VOLKSWAGEN?????????????????????????(REALLY?) *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAVELING ON THE DC CAPITAL BELTWAY, TRAFFIC SLOWED DUE TO A CAR PULLED OVER. I ENGAGED THE BRAKES AND HAD A HARD PEDAL WITH NO BRAKING ACTION AT ALL. I POPPED THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY BRAKING ACTION. I SWERVED TO MISS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND CLIPPED THE REAR OF THE CAR TO MY RIGHT. I FIRMLY HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME AND NEVER FELT ANY SENSATION OF ANY BRAKING FORCE. I WENT ON SOME NEW BEETLE FORUMS AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND WAS ABLE TO FIND SEVERAL STRINGS DESCRIBING EXACTLY WHAT HAPPEN. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN A SPLIT OCCURS IN THE VACUUM HOSE TO THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER, IF THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED IN NORMAL SERVICE, THERE IS NO ISSUE HOWEVER IF YOU JAB THE BRAKES SUCH AS IN A PANIC STOP ONE GETS A HARD PEDAL AND NO STOPPING POWER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION DUE TO THE BRAKES FAILING AT THE MOST EXACT TIME WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED WITH NO PREWARNING. *TR
BRAKES HAVE FAILED THREE SEPARATE TIMES ON MY VW NEW BEETLE. THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE MASTER CYLINDER ONCE! THE CAR IS EXACTLY 23 MONTHS OLD AND HAS A TOTAL OF 8,300 MILES. FIRST FAILURE AT 2201MILES 2ND FAILURE AT 3800MILES AND 3RD FAILURE AT 8,200 MILES. ITS A DEATH MACHINE!! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE IGNITION KEY/TUMBLER AND STEERING COLUMN WILL BECOME LOCKED IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT PERFECTLY STRAIGHT. CAR MUST BE ALIGNED PERFECTLY BEFORE PARKING TO NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED. KEY AND TUMBLER WILL ACTUALLY SPIN IN THE COLUMN WHEN TURNED WHILE COLUMN IS LOCKED UP. DEALER SAID TO PULL ON KEY/TUMBLER WHILE TURNING AND IT WILL "CATCH" ITS POSITION AGAIN. WIFE HAS BEEN TRAPPED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS BECAUSE OF STEERING COLUMN LOCK-UP. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION FOR ANYONE TO BE LEFT STRANDED IN ANY LOCATION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE WITH CONTINENTAL MS RADIAL(NA) TIRES, SIZE P225/45 R17, DOT NUMBER 50751. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE COMPLETELY CAME APART. THE SIDEWALL SPLIT AND THE TREAD FROM THE TIRE CAME OFF OF THE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PUT 20000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .