2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
3 recalls, 56 complaints - 19 TSBs
03V265000 Jul 25, 2003
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
Consequence
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
02V244000 Sep 12, 2002
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Defect Description
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUA... Read more
Consequence
THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A ... Read more
02V031000 Jan 31, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Defect Description
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Complaint Statistics
56 total complaints
7 crashes 6 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | 3 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | 2 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
Nov 8, 2004
Incident date: Oct 15, 2004
BOTH REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, NEEDED TO REPLACE CALIPERS, ROTORS, DRUMS, PADS AT 16,455MILES.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Nov 8, 2004
Incident date: Oct 15, 2004
BOTH REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, NEEDED TO REPLACE CALIPERS, ROTORS, DRUMS, PADS AT 16,455MILES.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Nov 8, 2004
Incident date: Oct 15, 2004
BOTH REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, NEEDED TO REPLACE CALIPERS, ROTORS, DRUMS, PADS AT 16,455MILES.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Sep 2, 2004
Incident date: Sep 1, 2004
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGON BEETLE AND WAS VERY FRUSTRATED WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER WHERE I WAS CHARGED $100!!!! AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS! I WAS SO UPSET! THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT CAME ON AGIAN AND I WA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Sep 1, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, NO DRIVABILITY PROBLEMS THOUGH. DEALER SAID NOT UNDER WARRANTY; 2001 VW BEETLE WITH 7,600 MILES. CHECKED AND CHARGED $142.00 TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM, REPLACED CTS, COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. IT APPEARS THAT IT IS HARD TO FIND ANY SHOPS WITH EQUIPMENT TO ACCESS VW'S ENGINE... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Jun 30, 2004
Incident date: Jun 29, 2004
THE REAR DISC BRAKE PADS (BOTH SIDES) COMPLETELY WORN OFF/OUT AT 25,000 MILES ON 2001 VW NEW BEETLE. THE WORN OUT PADS ALSO DAMAGED BOTH REAR HUB/ROTOR ASSEMBLIES, WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED BY THE CONSUMER, AT THE CONSUMERS COST. THIS CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR ITS 20,000 MILE CHECK UP TO THE DEALERSHI... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Jun 30, 2004
Incident date: Jun 29, 2004
THE REAR DISC BRAKE PADS (BOTH SIDES) COMPLETELY WORN OFF/OUT AT 25,000 MILES ON 2001 VW NEW BEETLE. THE WORN OUT PADS ALSO DAMAGED BOTH REAR HUB/ROTOR ASSEMBLIES, WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED BY THE CONSUMER, AT THE CONSUMERS COST. THIS CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR ITS 20,000 MILE CHECK UP TO THE DEALERSHI... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Jun 13, 2004
Incident date: Jun 3, 2004
WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM NUT SECURING THE BRACKET TO THE WIPER MOTOR NUT HAS NO LOCKING MECHANISM TO PREVENT THE NUT FROM LOOSENING DURING WIPER OPERATION. THIS RESULTS IN THE NUT WORKING ITS WAY OFF THE WIPER MOTOR AND THE WIPERS CEASING OPERATION. REATTACHING THE NUT ONLY WORKS BRIEFLY UNTIL... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 2, 2004
Incident date: May 24, 2004
A FAMILY MEMBER OF MINE RECENTLY BOUGHT, I BELIEVE, A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. AFTER WAITING A WHILE FOR HER TAGS SHE AND HER FATHER LOOKED INTO THE DOCUMENTS GIVEN TO HER BY THE DEALERSHIP AND NOTICED A DISCREPANCY IN MILEAGE AFTER THEY DID A FULL CARFAX REPORT ON THE CAR. THE CARFAX REPORTED THAT... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Apr 30, 2004
Incident date: Apr 2, 2004
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILS TO OPERATE OR OPERATES RANDOMLY. THE BLADE WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDOW AND GO NO FURTHER UNLESS I PHYSICALLY PUSH IT DOWN OR TURN THE SWITCH ON THE HIGHEST SPEED AND THEN IT MAY WORK SO I CAN PUT IT IN THE DOWN POSITION SO IT DOESN'T OBSTRUCT MY VIEW. *LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Mar 23, 2004
Incident date: Mar 22, 2004
BRAKE LAMPS ON 2001 NEW BEETLE COME ON AND STAY ON EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND PARKED. THIS IS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 03V265000 (7-25-03). I CHECKED VW AND THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS VIN SPECIFIC AND MY 2001 NEW BEETLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE MORE UNITS AFFECTED ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Mar 4, 2004
Incident date: Dec 7, 2003
I OWN A 2001 NEW BEETLE AND HAVE DILIGENTLY HAD ALL FACTORY SERVICE PERFORMED. AT THE 20,000 MILE SERVICE, WE REPORTED A METALLIC RUBBING SOUND FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE NOISE CONTINUED, AT 9,000 MILES LATER WE TOOK IT BACK FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. AT... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 17, 2004
Incident date: Feb 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 VW NEW BEETLE THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO IDLE VERY ROUGHLY. THE ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I WAS ABLE TO RE-START THE ENGI... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Jan 31, 2004
Incident date: Aug 29, 2002
PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. IT MALFUNCTIONED LEAVING ME STRANDED BY NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. CALLED VOLKSWAGEN ROADSIDE BUT NO HELP DUE TO STINGY WARRANTY PERIOD(2YRS&24K) FOR 2001 AND OLDER VW'S. FINALLY REPAIRED, BUT STILL PROBLEMATIC. THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL NO LONGER RETRA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Jan 28, 2004
Incident date: Jan 23, 2004
2001 NEW BEETLE 1.9 L TDI, 55,000 MI.: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON UNTIL CAR IS TURNED OFF THEN IT COMES ON ONCE GLOW PLUG LIGHT GOES OFF AND CAR HAS STARTED (WITIN 20 SECONDS). THE DEALER FIRST TOLD ME IT WAS THE GLOW PLUG SENSOR. THEN RECANTED AND SAID THE SENSOR WAS FINE AND TOLD M... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Jan 23, 2004
Incident date: Jan 22, 2004
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE WHICH WAS LEASED NEW FROM BILL COOK IN FARMINTON HILLS MICHIGAN. THE COMPLAINT REGARDS THE NEED FOR REPLACEMENT OF REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AT 18,000 MILES WHILE THE FRONTS WERE STILL AT 70%. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED OR ANY EVIDENCE OF ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Jan 23, 2004
Incident date: Jan 22, 2004
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE WHICH WAS LEASED NEW FROM BILL COOK IN FARMINTON HILLS MICHIGAN. THE COMPLAINT REGARDS THE NEED FOR REPLACEMENT OF REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AT 18,000 MILES WHILE THE FRONTS WERE STILL AT 70%. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED OR ANY EVIDENCE OF ... Read more
TIRES
Jan 16, 2004
Incident date: Jan 15, 2004
VIOLENT SHAKING OF 2001 NEW BEETLE GL (HIGHWAY SPEEDS) AFTER SNOW STORM. 1/14/04 SNOW STORM HITS DETROIT METRO AREA. THE NEXT MORNING 1/15/04 WHILE GOING TO WORK MY VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE/VIBRATE, STARTING AT 45 MPH. I DID NOT TAKE THE BUG ABOVE 55 MPH BECAUSE THE SHAKING WAS GETTING WORSE. A... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Dec 5, 2003
Incident date: Nov 11, 2003
DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SAFETY LATCH. *JB
EQUIPMENT
Oct 17, 2003
Incident date: Oct 4, 2003
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR DURRING A PANIC STOP, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE COMPUTER IN CAR DID NOT IDENTIFY A MALFUNCTION. SAID DEALERSHIP DID/HAS NOT DONE ANY MANUAL DIAGNOSTICS. *LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Oct 17, 2003
Incident date: Oct 4, 2003
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR DURRING A PANIC STOP, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE COMPUTER IN CAR DID NOT IDENTIFY A MALFUNCTION. SAID DEALERSHIP DID/HAS NOT DONE ANY MANUAL DIAGNOSTICS. *LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Sep 12, 2003
THE BRAKE BOOSTER SPRING FAILED CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Aug 5, 2003
Incident date: Aug 2, 2003
MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE HAS HAD AT LEAST ONE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH FAILURES IN THE MATERIALS MAKING UP THE ELECTRONIC SWITCHES IN SIDE THE VEHICLE (WINDOW SWITCHES). RECENTLY, THE I BUMPED THE KNOB THAT CONTROLS THE REMOTE CONTROL EXTERIOR MIRROS AND THE KNOB BROKE OFF. UPON INSPECTION, IT ... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Jul 12, 2003
Incident date: Mar 1, 2003
I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHT BULBS (LOW BEAMS) 3 TIMES IN MY NEW BEETLE. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED THAT I NOT RUN THE LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING DURING THE DAY. THEY SAID THAT EXCESSIVE USE OF THE HEADLIGHTS WILL CAUSE THE BULBS TO BURN OUT FASTER. SORRY, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON AUTOMATICALLY WHEN THE C... Read more
TIRES
Jul 3, 2003
Incident date: Jun 24, 2003
I AM WRITING TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN OVER THE SAFETY AND POTENTIAL DEFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH 2001 MODEL VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE TURBO, ALONG WITH ITS MICHELIN TIRES. LAST WEEK, MY OWN LIFE WAS SERIOUSLY ENDANGERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE. TRAVELING IN THE LEFT LANE AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SP... Read more
Crash
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Jun 7, 2003
Incident date: May 15, 2003
WE HAVE A 2001 VW BEETLE AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN MN, THE ENTIRE PLASTIC BOTTOM PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE AUTO. THE PANEL GOT CAUGHT IN A REAR TIRE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL, THEN THIS PIECE OF PANEL THAT IS ABOUT 3' SQUARE BLASTED INTO THE WINDSHIELD OF THE CAR ... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 15, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO THE THROTTLE PEDAL SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. *NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 8, 2003
Incident date: Feb 19, 2002
DRIVING AT 65 MPH, ENGINE SPEED 2200 RPM, VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATES TO ENGINE SPEED 1200 RPM (35 MPH). APPROX 5-10 SECONDS LATER THE MIL ("CHECK ENGINE") LIGHT COMES ON SOLID AND THE GLO-PLUG LAMP BLINKS. OBD-II DIAGNOSTIC CODE "P0226" (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR) CODE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY READ. THR... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 4, 2003
Incident date: May 2, 2003
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION: (PURCHASED THIS USED CAR MARCH 1, 2003. STARTED NOTICING PROBLEMS SHORTLY THEREAFTER, DECIDED TO REPORT IT AFTER THE MOST CURRENT INCIDENT AND UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS AT FIXING). - WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR, IT WILL START THEN DIE IMMEDIATELY, I HAVE ALMOST BEEN STR... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Mar 27, 2003
Incident date: Feb 19, 2003
2001 NEW BEETLE 1.9 L TDI, 55,000 MI.: ENGINE MIL LIGHT COMES ON SOLID AND GLO-PLUG LIGHT BLINKS ON/OFF AT STEADY RATE (NO APPARENT CODE TO BLINK RATE). FOOT THROTTLE CONTROL IS LOST AND ENGINE CHANGES FROM (NORMAL) IDLE (950 RPM) WITH FOOT-THROTTLE ("ACCELERATOR") CONTROL TO COMPLETE LOSS OF FOOT ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Mar 27, 2003
Incident date: Feb 19, 2003
2001 NEW BEETLE 1.9 L TDI, 55,000 MI.: ENGINE MIL LIGHT COMES ON SOLID AND GLO-PLUG LIGHT BLINKS ON/OFF AT STEADY RATE (NO APPARENT CODE TO BLINK RATE). FOOT THROTTLE CONTROL IS LOST AND ENGINE CHANGES FROM (NORMAL) IDLE (950 RPM) WITH FOOT-THROTTLE ("ACCELERATOR") CONTROL TO COMPLETE LOSS OF FOOT ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Feb 4, 2003
Incident date: Jan 3, 2003
COILPACKS ON 2001 NEW BEETLE 1.8 TURBO SPORT GOING OUT. IF I WERE PASSING SOMEONE OR PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WHAT COULD HAVE INEVITABLY HAPPENED?? MYSELF AND/OR OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 3, 2003
Incident date: Jan 31, 2003
I STARTED MY CAR ON 1/31 AND THE EPC, CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR WOULD DRIVE HOWEVER HAD MUCH LESS POWER AND WAS VERY ROUGH. I BORUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON 2/3 AND THEY STATED IT WAS A COIL. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE ALL 4 COILS, ONLY THE FAULTY ONE, AND I WAS TOLD... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 27, 2003
Incident date: Jan 23, 2003
COIL PACK FAILURE IIN VW NEW BEETLE WITH 1.8T ENGINE -- LAST WEEK, I HAD MY 2ND COIL PACK FAILURE (THE FIRST BEING IN NOVEMBER 2002) WHILE COMMUTING TO WORK ON THE GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKWAY AT ABOUT 45 MPH. THE CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AND I NARROWLY AVERTED AN ACCIDENT WHEN I HAD TO ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jan 27, 2003
Incident date: Jan 27, 2003
THE COIL PACK ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE BURNED OUT CAUSING ME TO PRACTICALLY STALL ON A VERY BUSY FREEWAY. SO FAR, VW DOESN'T SEEM TO THINK THIS A SAFTEY ISSUE YET AND WILL NOT REQUIRE A RECALL ON THESE PARTS. THESE COILS WILL BURN OUT. NOT IF, BUT WHEN. I WOULD HATE TO BE GOING UP A HILL... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Jan 27, 2003
Incident date: Jan 27, 2003
THE COIL PACK ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE BURNED OUT CAUSING ME TO PRACTICALLY STALL ON A VERY BUSY FREEWAY. SO FAR, VW DOESN'T SEEM TO THINK THIS A SAFTEY ISSUE YET AND WILL NOT REQUIRE A RECALL ON THESE PARTS. THESE COILS WILL BURN OUT. NOT IF, BUT WHEN. I WOULD HATE TO BE GOING UP A HILL... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 22, 2003
Incident date: Apr 12, 2002
I AM FRUSTRATED AND SCARED BY A PROBLEM VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI ARE HAVING WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM ON THEIR TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER ENGINES. THE SIBLING AUTOMAKERS, PARTS OF VOLKSWAGEN AG OF GERMANY, ADMIT THERE IS A "HIGHER-THAN-NORMAL" FAILURE RATE OF THE FOUR IGNITION COILS ON 2001 AND 2002 T... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Dec 12, 2002
Incident date: Nov 1, 2002
THE 2001.5, 2002, AND CERTAIN 2003 VW/AUDI 1.8T ENGINES HAVE EXPERIENCED A HIGH RATE OF COILPACK FAILURES. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY THE MEDIA (AUTOWEEK MAGAZINE) AND DETAILED ON INTERNET MESSAGE BOARDS AT VWVORTEX.COM, AUDIWORLD.COM, NEWBEETLE.ORG, AND OTHERS, IN GREAT DETAIL. THE CURRENT PARTS SH... Read more
WHEELS
Dec 3, 2002
Incident date: Nov 30, 2002
I'M REPORTING THIS TO NHTSA AS I BELIEVE THIS FAILURE CONSTITUTES A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS THE 4TH, OR 5TH, REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE THAT HAS OCCURRED ON THIS 1 YEAR OLD CAR. THIS TIME THE BEARING FAILED SUDDENLY BECOMING VERY NOISY. I HAD ENOUGH TIME TO DRIVE THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHI... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Mar 13, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS
Feb 20, 2002
Incident date: Feb 4, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Crash
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Feb 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 6, 2000
HEADLIGHTS STARTED BROWNING OUT ON DECELERATION AT 100 MILES. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY. AT 35,000 MILES, HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ALL THE TIME. AT COLD START ENGINE FAN WOULD COME ON, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM AND FAN WOULD RUN, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME BACK NORMAL AND FAN WOULD STOP. THIS HAPPENS AT 3 ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Feb 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 6, 2000
HEADLIGHTS STARTED BROWNING OUT ON DECELERATION AT 100 MILES. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY. AT 35,000 MILES, HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ALL THE TIME. AT COLD START ENGINE FAN WOULD COME ON, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM AND FAN WOULD RUN, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME BACK NORMAL AND FAN WOULD STOP. THIS HAPPENS AT 3 ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 6, 2000
HEADLIGHTS STARTED BROWNING OUT ON DECELERATION AT 100 MILES. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY. AT 35,000 MILES, HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ALL THE TIME. AT COLD START ENGINE FAN WOULD COME ON, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM AND FAN WOULD RUN, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME BACK NORMAL AND FAN WOULD STOP. THIS HAPPENS AT 3 ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Feb 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 6, 2000
HEADLIGHTS STARTED BROWNING OUT ON DECELERATION AT 100 MILES. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY. AT 35,000 MILES, HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ALL THE TIME. AT COLD START ENGINE FAN WOULD COME ON, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM AND FAN WOULD RUN, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME BACK NORMAL AND FAN WOULD STOP. THIS HAPPENS AT 3 ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Feb 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 6, 2000
HEADLIGHTS STARTED BROWNING OUT ON DECELERATION AT 100 MILES. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY. AT 35,000 MILES, HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ALL THE TIME. AT COLD START ENGINE FAN WOULD COME ON, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM AND FAN WOULD RUN, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME BACK NORMAL AND FAN WOULD STOP. THIS HAPPENS AT 3 ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 6, 2000
HEADLIGHTS STARTED BROWNING OUT ON DECELERATION AT 100 MILES. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY. AT 35,000 MILES, HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ALL THE TIME. AT COLD START ENGINE FAN WOULD COME ON, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM AND FAN WOULD RUN, THEN HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME BACK NORMAL AND FAN WOULD STOP. THIS HAPPENS AT 3 ... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Jan 24, 2002
Incident date: Jan 20, 2002
HEADLIGHT IS BURNED OUT. TO REPLACE IT YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE FENDER OFF OF THE VEHICLE. A COWORKER OF MINE ALSO HAS A NEW BEETLE AND HIS HEADLIGHT BURNT OUT WITHIN A YEAR. ALSO DRIVING AROUND YOU CONSTANTLY SEE NEW BEETLES WITH BURNED OUT HEADLIGHTS. I THINK THIS MUST BE A MANUFACTUERER DEFECT TH... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Dec 10, 2001
Incident date: Nov 28, 2001
HIT, WHILE STOPPING FOR STOPPED TRAFFIC ON FREEWAY, IN THE REAR BY A CAR TRAVELING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE ($7800+) DONE TO REAR AND SIDE OF CAR. SIDE AIRBAG CURTAIN DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT INFLATE. FRONT DRIVERS AIRBAG ALSO DID NOT INFLATE. DRIVER SUFFERED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. PHO... Read more
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Dec 10, 2001
Incident date: Nov 28, 2001
HIT, WHILE STOPPING FOR STOPPED TRAFFIC ON FREEWAY, IN THE REAR BY A CAR TRAVELING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE ($7800+) DONE TO REAR AND SIDE OF CAR. SIDE AIRBAG CURTAIN DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT INFLATE. FRONT DRIVERS AIRBAG ALSO DID NOT INFLATE. DRIVER SUFFERED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. PHO... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Showing 50 of 56 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy, 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 26.0 | 22.0 | Premium | $3,450 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 22.0 | 28.0 | 24.0 | Premium | $3,150 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 29.0 | 40.0 | 33.0 | Diesel | $2,400 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 35.0 | 44.0 | 38.0 | Diesel | $2,100 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 26.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $2,800 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 28.0 | 24.0 | Regular | $2,550 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
19 manufacturer communications from 19 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 3 |
| 125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH | 3 |
| 150000 SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 2 |
| 034520 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 1 |
| 220000 SEATS | 1 |
| 138800 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR | 1 |
0402
May 10, 2004
160000 STRUCTURE
DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR REPAIRING. *MJ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING DOOR WINDOW, SEPARATES FROM WINDOW REGULATOR CLAMPS. *TT
0410
May 10, 2004
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
EVALUATING FUEL MIXTURE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) - HOW TO PERFORM EFFECTIVE DIAGNOSTIC RELATED TO FUEL SYSTEM ADAPTATION SYSTEM TOO RICH/ TOO LEAN. VOLKSWAGEN. *MJ
0409
May 10, 2004
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
EVALUATING FUEL MIXTURE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES- HOW TO PERFORM EFFECTIVE DIAGNOSIS RELATED TO FUEL SYSTEM ADAPTATION - SYSTEM TOO RICH/TOO LEAN. VOLKSWAGEN. *MJ
WG
Apr 1, 2004
116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION COILS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IF ONE OF THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION COIL FAILS, ROUGH IDLING OR REDUCED DRIVING POWER COULD OCCUR IN ADDITION TO ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP LIGHT. *TT *MJ
0401
Feb 17, 2004
125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
NEW STYLE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REQUIRES CARE DURING INSTALLATION TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO SWITCH. *TT
102
Oct 22, 2003
125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
SAFETY RECALL - WT - BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TT
31703
Oct 13, 2003
125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
SAFETY RECALL - WT - NEW BEETLE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TT
0307
Apr 4, 2003
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR REPAIRS. *TT
0204
Aug 22, 2002
330000 INTERIOR LIGHTING
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0410, P0411, P1200, OR P1423 STORED. *TT
0201
Mar 4, 2002
138800 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
FRESH AIR BLOWER MOTOR, INOPERATIVE AT AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES NEAR OR BELOW FREEZING. *TT
0103
Aug 15, 2001
114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION. *SLC
010103
Jun 27, 2001
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1297 OR P1557 ARE STORED IN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE MEMORY. MAY BE CAUSED BY INTAKE HOSES LEAKING DUE TO CLAMPS INCORRECTLY TORQUED OR IMPROPERLY PLACED, WORN / TORN INTAKE HOSES ETC.
900101
Jun 27, 2001
114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
SUBJECT REGARDING MALFUNCTIONING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT
VLS0112
Jun 8, 2001
220000 SEATS
SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION USING THE LATCH SYSTEM (LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN). *TT
260101
Jun 6, 2001
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE POWER SURGE ON THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP BLOWS 40 AMP. FUSE. *TT
0102
May 8, 2001
114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
A CONDITION MAY EXIST WITH COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE COOLANT RESERVOIR BOTTLE WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAMINATING THE WIRING HARNESS AND / OR CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN VARIOUS MALFUNCTIONS OF THE INSTRUMENT PLANEL. *TT
0001
Nov 27, 2000
034520 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSPECTING THE REAR BRAKE PADS DUE TO PREMATURE WORN. *TT
0006
Sep 8, 2000
150000 SEAT BELTS
SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD RESTRAINT LATCH GUIDANCE FIXTURES, COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 225. *TT
0007
Sep 8, 2000
150000 SEAT BELTS
SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD RESTRAINT LATCH GUIDANCE FIXTURE, INSTALLING AT PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION (PDI). *TT
VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE across all model years (1998, 2004).
10
Total Recalls
262
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
16
Reported Crashes
6
Reported Fires
3
Reported Deaths