RoadVitals

2008 Volkswagen Beetle Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
60
Latest Aug 16, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 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

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My entire dashboard caught fire due to my a/c controls going out. My a/c dial started smoking before it finally caught fire. My dashboard is now melted where the a/c controls belong.

NHTSA ID 11681034 · filed Aug 16, 2025

I was driving with my child sitting in the passenger seat and we had the heated seats turned on the setting of 2. After a few minutes she yelled out “My butt is on fire!” She sat up off the seat to reveal a large black charred burnt hole in the leather seat!

NHTSA ID 11514686 · filed Mar 30, 2023
All 20 reports naming electrical

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT VERY FREQUENTLY ISN'T WORKING DUE TO THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE CAR'S WIRING. WE'VE TRIED MANY DIFFERENT TIMES TO IMPROVE THIS CONNECTION WITHOUT MUCH SUCCESS. ANECDOTALLY I HAD ANOTHER BEETLE WITH THIS ISSUE, AND SEE OTHERS ON THE ROAD WITH IT. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS VISIBILITY IS AFFECTED AS WELL AS MY ABILITY TO SEE AT NIGHT.

NHTSA ID 11355084 · filed Sep 15, 2020

WHEN DRIVING HER 2008 VW BEETLE AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH DURING A LIGHT RAINFALL, MY DAUGHTER HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD (NOT A HUGE SIGNIFICANT BUMP, JUST A BUMP) THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HEADLAMP/BUCKET AND ALL CAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THEY ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY BECAME UNPLUGGED AND THE ENTIRE UNIT CAME OUT OF THE CYLINDRICAL COMPARTMENT THAT HOUSES THE HEADLIGHT. THE ENTIRE HOUSING UNIT, INCLUDING THE BULB AND ALL RELATED PARTS CAME OUT AND WENT CRASHING ONTO THE PAVEMENT WHERE IT WAS STRUCK BY A CAR BEHIND ME AND SMASHED INTO PIECES ALL DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IT WAS A DANGER TO BOTH MY CHILD AND THE VEHICLE BEHIND HER AND ANY PEDESTRIANS NEARBY. IN FL THE LAW REQUIRES YOU DRIVE WITH HEADLIGHTS ON IN THE RAIN, SO ALTHOUGH IT WAS DAYTIME, SHE WAS FORCED TO DRIVE ILLEGALLY WITHOUT HER HEADLIGHT CAUSING HER TO BE LESS VISIBLE TO OTHER DRIVERS. THE CAR IS UNUSABLE IN THE EVENING OR EARLY MORNING NOW UNTIL WE GET IT FIXED. CLEARLY, AFTER READING THE MANY COMPLAINTS, YOU TUBE VIDEOS ON HOW TO "FIX" THE LOOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND MANY VW BUG DRIVERS' HORROR STORIES OF LOSING SOMETIMES JUST THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION (BAD ENOUGH ON ITS OWN), BUT ALSO IN SOME CASES, LIKE MY DAUGHTER'S, THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT AND IT'S HOUSING UNIT CAME BROKE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE JUST FROM HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. UNACCEPTABLE.

NHTSA ID 11267205 · filed Oct 9, 2019
All 14 reports naming exterior lighting

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH at night, there was an abnormal loud tapping and vibrating sound coming from the rear window glass. The contact was able to pull over safely and inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that while washing and drying the vehicle, the contact and her husband noticed that the passenger's side of the spoiler had detached and could be lifted halfway across the trunk. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V036000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,393.

NHTSA ID 11677567 · filed Jul 31, 2025

THE HOOD DOESN'T FIT. ENGINE PUT TOGETHER TAPE. AIR CONDITION SYSTEM TAPED TOGETHER. AND AND CONSOLE LIGHTS ON. WON'T HOLD CHARGE. TOP MADE OF PLASTER BOARD. MINIATURE BATTERY WAS INSTALLED. NEEDED JUMP IF STOPPED REAR BREAKS NEEDED WHOLE REPLACED. NEEDS RADIATOR. INTERIOR HANDLES FELL OFF. KEY IS NOT MADE FOR THIS CAR. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO JUNK IT

NHTSA ID 11233531 · filed Jul 20, 2019
All 10 reports naming body & structure

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving with my child sitting in the passenger seat and we had the heated seats turned on the setting of 2. After a few minutes she yelled out “My butt is on fire!” She sat up off the seat to reveal a large black charred burnt hole in the leather seat!

NHTSA ID 11514686 · filed Mar 30, 2023

BOTH FRONT SEATS HAD A FIRE. IT'S JUNE SO HEATED SEATS WERE NOT USED. WHAT IS MY RECOURSE? *TR

NHTSA ID 11330098 · filed Jun 22, 2020
All 8 reports naming interior & seats

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY TO A CLIENT'S HOUSE ONLY DIFFERENT STRUCTURE ON THE HIGHWAY IS A TRAIN TRACK, DROVE TO THE CLIENT'S HOUSE ABOUT 22 MILES, ON THE WAY BACK HOME ABOUT 3-5 MILES CROSS THE SAME TRAIN TRACK FROM HOME NO LIGHT ON AT THIS TIME AND ABOUT 3-5 MILES DRIVING TO HOME THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME, I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR... WHEN I LOOK UP THE SYMBOL WHEN I GOT HOME ON THE DASH IT SAID THE AIRBAG WARNING AND A RECALL..

NHTSA ID 11388479 · filed Jan 16, 2021

HEARD SOUND FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY AT 10 MPH AND NOW THE AIRBAG WARNING SIGN IS ON

NHTSA ID 11348686 · filed Aug 11, 2020

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STUCK ON CONVERTIBLE BEETLE, WOULD NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. HAD WINDOW REGULATOR REPLACED--$400 TWO MONTHS LATER, REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AGAIN STUCK. MADE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. DAY BEFORE APPOINTMENT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STUCK IN OPEN POSITION. WOULD NOT ROLL UP. INFORMED THAT I NEED NEW REGULATOR FOR THAT WINDOW TOO, ANOTHER $400. BACK WINDOW JUST NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A FLAW IN DESIGN. WHEN WILL IT BE RECALLED AND FLAW FIXED? I LIVE UP NORTH. SO GLAD THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN IN SUBZERO WEATHER! *TR

NHTSA ID 10645083 · filed Oct 16, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED AND THE GEAR SELECTOR DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT GEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ID 10598524 · filed Jun 16, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, LOST ACCELERATION, AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ETC LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THREE BURNED "ETC WIRES FROM THE TRANSMISSION" WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ID 10860487 · filed Apr 20, 2016

THE VW NEW BEETLE WAS RECALLED FROM YEARS 2003 TO 2008 FOR TRANSMISSION HARD SHIFTING FROM 1 TO 2 AND 2 TO 3 GEARS. VW RECALLED VEHICLES BECAUSE OF A BAD TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. MY CAR WAS SOLD NEW IN AUGUST OF 2007 TO ITS FIRST OWNER AND HAS THE KNOWN TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AS RECALLED BY VW. THE TRANSMISSION IN QUESTION IS AN O9G TRANSMISSION ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY SAW NO CODES AND THIS WERE SEALED TRANSMISSIONS, MEANING NO SERVICING NEEDED. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY LETTER FROM VW AND WHEN I CALLED TO REPORT THE PROBLEM THEY TELL ME MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT RECALLED. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE SAME PROBLEM EXIST ON THIS VEHICLES AND I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO REOPEN THIS CASE WITH VW AND EXTEND THE WARRANTIES FOR OWNER STILL EXPERIENCING THE A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM. MY CAR PRODUCTION DATE IS 6/7/2007 AND SOLD NEW ON 8/12/2008. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10671317 · filed Jan 9, 2015

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while at a red light, sparks began to emit from the passenger side glove box without warning. The contact immediately shut off the engine and all the occupants evacuated the vehicle. The motorist behind her witnessed what had happened and assisted with unhooking the battery cable as a small fire began to erupt on the passenger side floor mats. The motorist's wife was able to retrieve a fire extinguisher from a person's home and extinguish the fire. The authorities were not called to the scene. No injuries were reported and a police report was not filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic who could not repair the vehicle and recommended the vehicle be towed to a dealer; the vehicle was then towed to her home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID 11439315 · filed Nov 4, 2021

2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIR FILTER LEAKAGE AND ENGINE HYDRAULIC HOSE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND IT GOT TO THE POINT, WHERE IT STARTED FLASHING. AN ASSOCIATE AT AN AUTO PARTS STORE, INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IF THE AIR FILTER DID NOT WORK, THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THE HYDRAULIC HOSE TO THE LINE OF THE ENGINE COULD BREAK AND CAUSE OIL TO CLOG THE ENGINE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10838217 · filed Jan 12, 2016

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HOOD DOESN'T FIT. ENGINE PUT TOGETHER TAPE. AIR CONDITION SYSTEM TAPED TOGETHER. AND AND CONSOLE LIGHTS ON. WON'T HOLD CHARGE. TOP MADE OF PLASTER BOARD. MINIATURE BATTERY WAS INSTALLED. NEEDED JUMP IF STOPPED REAR BREAKS NEEDED WHOLE REPLACED. NEEDS RADIATOR. INTERIOR HANDLES FELL OFF. KEY IS NOT MADE FOR THIS CAR. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO JUNK IT

NHTSA ID 11233531 · filed Jul 20, 2019

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ID 11045512 · filed Nov 12, 2017

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car seems to loose power after its at less than 1/4 of a tank. I cleaned out tank and changed fuel pump but it's still happening and its highly dangerous

NHTSA ID 11449567 · filed Jan 31, 2022

THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT VERY FREQUENTLY ISN'T WORKING DUE TO THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE CAR'S WIRING. WE'VE TRIED MANY DIFFERENT TIMES TO IMPROVE THIS CONNECTION WITHOUT MUCH SUCCESS. ANECDOTALLY I HAD ANOTHER BEETLE WITH THIS ISSUE, AND SEE OTHERS ON THE ROAD WITH IT. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS VISIBILITY IS AFFECTED AS WELL AS MY ABILITY TO SEE AT NIGHT.

NHTSA ID 11355084 · filed Sep 15, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH. I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED AND THEY SENT THE CAR OVER TO THE VW DEALERSHIP. VW DEALERSHIP CONTACTED ME AND SAID THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT, AIRBAG IGNITER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED A DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG UNIT TO THE TUNE OF 881.79. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY HOWEVER NOTHING RELATED TO THE AIRBAG OR SAFETY IS COVERED. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN I WONDER WHY VW DOESN'T STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS AND WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10606996 · filed Jun 30, 2014

AIR BAG SYSTEM DASH WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TRACED TO AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH RECEIVER MECHANISM (AIR BAG FAULT CODE 0591) WHICH HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED IN-ORDER FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM TO RESUME FUNCTION. THIS IS A KNOWN VW ISSUE YET THE $490.00 DEALER-EXCLUSIVE REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN, DEALER SERVICE BULLETIN, OR MANUFACTURER'S GOODWILL PLAN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10562345 · filed Jan 31, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNBEARABLE ODOR EMITTING INSIDE THE VEHICLE, MAKING IT VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE FILTERS FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ID 10422377 · filed Aug 29, 2011

SENSOR LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. NOT CONSISTENT AND GO DAYS BETWEEN REPEAT ISSUE. ABS/BRAKE/ESP: COMES ON AND WHEN CAR IS RESTART WILL NOT DUPLICATE. DEALER REPLACED MODULE AND IT CAME ON AGAIN. SEAT BELT ALARM: WILL ALARM EVEN WHEN SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. AIRBAG SENSOR: CAME ON THEN, WHEN CAR WAS RESTART IT WOULD NOT DUPLICATE. HAPPENED 3 TIME IN A WEEK. HEADLIGHTS REPLACED: BOTH REPLACED TWICE IN ONE YEAR. LOCKS: WILL LOCK/UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING WHEN THEY ALREADY HAD BEEN LOCKED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10366488 · filed Nov 16, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR SUSPENSION MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE. TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ON AFTER 2 HOURS OF DRIVING. HEAD LIGHTS TOO WEAK BULB FOR FRONT OR REAR OR REVERSE ALWAYS NEEDS REPLACEMENT INSIDE HAND REST TOO WEAK DESIGN ALWAYS BREAK. VW SERVICE STATION TOO EXPENSIVE AND WANTS MONEY ONLY. 2)FIX IT YOURSELF. KEEP DOING IT TILL I CANNOT SELL IT. 3) FIX IT YOUR SELF. YES WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE MANUAL SO I CAN DO IT PROFESSIONAL MYSELF. 4)IN LITTLE ROCK THE NORTH POINT SERVICE STATION IS THE WORST VW STATION.THEY ONLY WANT MONEY EVEN TO FIX OR IN INSPECT OR FIND OUT WHAT IS AT FAULT. BUYING VW MEANS DO THE REPAIRING YOURSELF. PARTS TOO EXPENSIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10382513 · filed Feb 14, 2011

DEAR MADAM / SIR, TWO DAYS AGO I HAD AND ACCIDENT WITH MY "2008 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY CAR". I DROPPED THE CAR AT THE ROCKVILLE, MD OFFICIAL DEALER, THEN I CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND MY INSURANCE AGENT. THE THREE (AGENT, INSURANCE INSPECTOR AND DEALER) INSPECTED THE CAR AND APPROVED A $1,440 SPENDING TO FIX IT. SINCE I GOT SURPRISED; I ASKED THE REASON OF THE VERY LOW REPAIRING LABOR AND PARTS EXCHANGE COSTS OF A SUB-FRAME VW PART # VW1J0-199-313-M (LARGE STEEL PART TO SUPPORTING THE ENGINE, SUSPENSION AND TRANSMISSION), TRANSMISSION OIL PAN PART #VW09G-321-361-A (PLACE WHERE THE OIL TRANSMISSION IS KEEP), AND A CENTER SHIELD ENGINE-TRANSM AXLE A LARGE AND HEAVY UNDERBODY PROTECTING METALLIC PART. THEY SAID THESE DAYS IT IS A COMMON RULE TO RECYCLE USED PARTS FROM SIMILAR VEHICLES, AND LOW COSTS OF THE "USED PARTS" UTILIZED TO FIX MY CAR (NO MATTER THE KEY ROLE OF THE PARTS). AT THIS POINT I AM ASKING MYSELF: WHAT ABOUT SAFETY? IN ANY WAY? NOT ONLY USED PARTS FROM OTHER CARS HAVE NOT QUALITY INSPECTED, EVEN WORSE I GUESS THIS PRACTICE ENCOURAGE THE CARS STILLING. ARE WE ALL (CUSTOMERS) AWARE OF THIS?, IS IT ANY ".ORG" OR ".GOV" ORGANIZATION WHICH REGULATES THESE USED PARTS MARKET? ARE WE PROTECTING OUR SAFETY? CAN WE AS A CUSTOMERS COMPLAINT SOMEWHERE ABOUT THIS? PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR OPINION. THANK YOU SO MUCH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10327151 · filed Apr 23, 2010

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR, THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE TIRE SENSORS FAILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHICH TIRE SENSOR FAILED BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT WOULD NOT OFFER TO REPLACE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN OPERABLE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ID 10399568 · filed May 9, 2011

REAR SUSPENSION MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE. TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ON AFTER 2 HOURS OF DRIVING. HEAD LIGHTS TOO WEAK BULB FOR FRONT OR REAR OR REVERSE ALWAYS NEEDS REPLACEMENT INSIDE HAND REST TOO WEAK DESIGN ALWAYS BREAK. VW SERVICE STATION TOO EXPENSIVE AND WANTS MONEY ONLY. 2)FIX IT YOURSELF. KEEP DOING IT TILL I CANNOT SELL IT. 3) FIX IT YOUR SELF. YES WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE MANUAL SO I CAN DO IT PROFESSIONAL MYSELF. 4)IN LITTLE ROCK THE NORTH POINT SERVICE STATION IS THE WORST VW STATION.THEY ONLY WANT MONEY EVEN TO FIX OR IN INSPECT OR FIND OUT WHAT IS AT FAULT. BUYING VW MEANS DO THE REPAIRING YOURSELF. PARTS TOO EXPENSIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10382513 · filed Feb 14, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2008 VW BEETLE AND IT'S AN AUTOMATIC. WHEN FIRST GETTING THE CAR I COULD TELL THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED NOT SMOOTH AT ALL. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION FROM A RED LIGHT MY CAR HAD TROUBLE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS. IT HAD A PAUSE. THEN WHEN GOING DOWN THE HIGH WAY WHEN I WAS CHANGING LANES TO GO INFRONT OF SOMEONE I PRESSED THE GAS AND MY CAR JUMPS. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS ONCE AND A WHILE. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT ON 5,000 BUT THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS! THEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE POURING RAIN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. WHEN I WENT THROUGH A DRIVE THROUGH I ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOW AND IT MADE A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE THAT I THOUGHT THE WINDOW WAS GOING TO SHATTER. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDOW MOTOR. THEN THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND BACK WINDOW. BOTH MY HEAD LIGHTS KEEP GOING THROUGH $20.00 BULBS. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE FUSES. ON MY CONVERTIBLE TOP THE SIDE COVERS STOPPED GOING IN AND OUT. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THOSE. THEN ON MY WAY TO WORK ALL THE LIGHTS FOR THE WHAT GEAR YOU WERE IN BLINKING. WHICH CAUSED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING IN EMERGENCY TRANSMISSION MODE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE SOMETHING WITH THAT. RIGHT AFTER THAT WAS REPLACED GOING DOWN THE ROAD MY CAR MADE A GRINDING NOISE SO I TURNED AROUND TO TAKE IT BACK AND IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE FUEL INTAKE THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE. THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10355989 · filed Sep 16, 2010

WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVVED UP AND STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD, EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS FIRMLY PRESSING DOWN ON BRAKE PEDAL. TURNED WHEEL TO THE RIGHT WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD AND MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM "DRIVE" TO "PARK". LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE MADE CONTACT WITH REAR OF VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10269750 · filed May 22, 2009

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SENSOR LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. NOT CONSISTENT AND GO DAYS BETWEEN REPEAT ISSUE. ABS/BRAKE/ESP: COMES ON AND WHEN CAR IS RESTART WILL NOT DUPLICATE. DEALER REPLACED MODULE AND IT CAME ON AGAIN. SEAT BELT ALARM: WILL ALARM EVEN WHEN SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. AIRBAG SENSOR: CAME ON THEN, WHEN CAR WAS RESTART IT WOULD NOT DUPLICATE. HAPPENED 3 TIME IN A WEEK. HEADLIGHTS REPLACED: BOTH REPLACED TWICE IN ONE YEAR. LOCKS: WILL LOCK/UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING WHEN THEY ALREADY HAD BEEN LOCKED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10366488 · filed Nov 16, 2010

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

Data on this page last refreshed .