2004 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
2 recalls, 18 complaints - 12 TSBs
03V508000 Dec 4, 2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TIRE INFORMATION LABEL IS INCORRECT IDENTIFYING THE VEHICLE AS A FIVE-PASSENGER VEHICLE, INSTEAD OF A FOUR-PASSENGER VEHICLE.
Consequence
EXCEEDING THE CORRECT SEATING CAPACITY IN A VEHICLE PUTS OCCUPANTS AT RISK FOR INJURY IN A CRASH, AND CAN RESULT IN VEHICLE OVERLOADING, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND PUT YOU AT RISK FOR A CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE SENT A NEW LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
03V356000 Sep 29, 2003
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER DETECTION FUNCTION OF THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MAY BECOME DISABLED.
Consequence
SHOULD THE PODS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT WORK AS DESIGNED AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS. OWNER NOTIFICATION ORIGINALLY BEGAN OCTOBER 3, 2003. VW HAS DETERMINED THAT ADDITIONAL VEHICLES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE RECALL FOR THE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Complaint Statistics
18 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 2 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES | 1 |
| VISIBILITY | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 1 |
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Nov 17, 2004
Incident date: Aug 4, 2004
WHENEVER THE PASSENGER/DRIVER SEATS ARE MOVED WITHIN 10 SECONDS OF STARTING THE CAR AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON IN THE CONSOLE AND DOES NOT TURN OFF UNTIL DONE SO MANUALLY BY A MECHANIC. THE "POD" DEVICE IS THEN DISABLED. IF LIGHT IS ON, THEN AIRBAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT, INJURIES OR DEATH MAY O... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 12, 2004
Incident date: Nov 2, 2004
WHEN CHANGING THE OIL, A FRAME SUPPORT PAN FOUND ONLY ON CONVERTIBLE CATCHES THE MOTOR OIL. THIS SUPPORT PEN IS CONCAVED AND TRAPS A LARGE MOUNT OF OIL. IF NOT WIPED OUT WITH RAGS IT STAYS THERE CAUSING A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD FROM A SPARK. *AK *NM
STRUCTURE
Oct 5, 2004
Incident date: Mar 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND RESET IT SIX TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *... Read more
SEATS
Oct 5, 2004
Incident date: Mar 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND RESET IT SIX TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Oct 5, 2004
Incident date: Mar 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND RESET IT SIX TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *... Read more
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Oct 4, 2004
Incident date: Sep 29, 2004
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HAS BEEN A MAJOR FAILURE POINT. IT HAS BEEN "FIXED" SEVERAL TIMES NOW AND IS STILL FAILING.*AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Sep 29, 2004
Incident date: Sep 8, 2004
2004 VW BEETLE BUY 8-19-04. RANSMISSION FAILURE 4 SINCE 9-8, LETTER 9-18 SENT CERTIFIED *VW TECH HOTLINE GAVE NO CASE # SERVICE MGR GAVE CUSTOMER TWO 800#S & CUSTOMER SPOKE W/3 MEN BUT NO CASE #S & SAID THEY WOULD CALL BACK IN 10-15 DAYS. A/O 9-29, NO RETURN CALL & CAR BACK IN SHOP FOR 4TH TIME... Read more
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Aug 21, 2004
Incident date: Apr 20, 2004
DRIVER DOOR POWER WINDOW:NEW BEETLE CONV. WHEN CLOSING,WILL ROLL BACK DOWN BY ITSELF AND CLUNKS WHEN HITS BOTTOM. HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME WINDOW IS OPENED THEN CLOSED. REPORTED AND TAKEN TO DEALER APRIL 20 2004, THEY FOUND WINDOW GLASS ALMOST FALLING OFF CLIP. REINSTALLED. RELEASED BACK TO ME. BE... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Aug 10, 2004
Incident date: Aug 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO DEALER. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: Feb 1, 2004
WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR WINDOW CATCHES ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. AS A RESULT, DRIVER HAS TO CLOSE THE DOOR THREE TO SIX TIMES BEFORE IT IS COMPLETELY CLOSED. *AK THIS PROBLEM CAUSED WEAR TO THE SOFT TOP. THE ARMREST WOULD NOT SECURE AND THE WINDOW WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ROLL DOWN BY ITSE... Read more
STRUCTURE
Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: Feb 1, 2004
WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR WINDOW CATCHES ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. AS A RESULT, DRIVER HAS TO CLOSE THE DOOR THREE TO SIX TIMES BEFORE IT IS COMPLETELY CLOSED. *AK THIS PROBLEM CAUSED WEAR TO THE SOFT TOP. THE ARMREST WOULD NOT SECURE AND THE WINDOW WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ROLL DOWN BY ITSE... Read more
VISIBILITY
Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: Feb 1, 2004
WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR WINDOW CATCHES ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. AS A RESULT, DRIVER HAS TO CLOSE THE DOOR THREE TO SIX TIMES BEFORE IT IS COMPLETELY CLOSED. *AK THIS PROBLEM CAUSED WEAR TO THE SOFT TOP. THE ARMREST WOULD NOT SECURE AND THE WINDOW WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ROLL DOWN BY ITSE... Read more
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Jul 27, 2004
Incident date: Oct 1, 2003
2004 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE WINDOWS CATCH ON THE TOP WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPEN. THIS ACTION IS WEARING TOP. THE WINDOWS ACTUALLY BEND UNDER STRESS WHEN DOOR IS OPEN. THE AUTO-UP OPTION IS INTERUPTED WITH WHEN THE WINDOW GOES UP, HITS TOP AND COMES BACK DOWN.THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I GO... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
May 31, 2004
Incident date: May 30, 2004
PURCHASED MY THIRD VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE - RECOGNIZE THAT MY SECOND ONE, A 2003 WAS A LEMON 5 RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHTS REPLACED AND 2 HEADLIGHTS. ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE INTERMITTENT WIPER RELAY REPLACED - SEE ODI #10074539.*AK DEALER TRADED ME FOR A 2004, ON 4/6/04 AND NOT EVEN 2 WEEKS INTO MY PURCH... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
May 31, 2004
Incident date: May 30, 2004
PURCHASED MY THIRD VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE - RECOGNIZE THAT MY SECOND ONE, A 2003 WAS A LEMON 5 RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHTS REPLACED AND 2 HEADLIGHTS. ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE INTERMITTENT WIPER RELAY REPLACED - SEE ODI #10074539.*AK DEALER TRADED ME FOR A 2004, ON 4/6/04 AND NOT EVEN 2 WEEKS INTO MY PURCH... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
May 31, 2004
Incident date: May 30, 2004
PURCHASED MY THIRD VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE - RECOGNIZE THAT MY SECOND ONE, A 2003 WAS A LEMON 5 RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHTS REPLACED AND 2 HEADLIGHTS. ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE INTERMITTENT WIPER RELAY REPLACED - SEE ODI #10074539.*AK DEALER TRADED ME FOR A 2004, ON 4/6/04 AND NOT EVEN 2 WEEKS INTO MY PURCH... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Apr 20, 2004
Incident date: Apr 1, 2004
THE 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE HAS A SAFETY BELT WARNING SYSTEM THAT TRIGGERS A SERIES OF WARNING BEEPS EVERY THRITY SECONDS IF THE SAFETY BELT IS NOT FASTENED. THIS PRESENTS A SERIOUS DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND CLEARLY POSES A SAFETY HAZARD. ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS CASE OF SOMEONE CHOOSING TO BRE... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Dec 26, 2003
Incident date: Dec 23, 2003
WINSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN RAIN. BLE TO GET OFF FREEWAY WITHOUT ACCIDENT BY STICKING HEAD OUT DOOR WINDOW.HANGING FUSES DID NOT GET THEM WORKING AGAIN. *AK
EPA Fuel Economy, 2004 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 | 27.0 | 23.0 | Premium | $3,300 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 28.0 | 24.0 | Premium | $3,150 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 28.0 | 23.0 | Premium | $3,300 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 32.0 | 42.0 | 36.0 | Diesel | $2,200 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive) | 30.0 | 38.0 | 33.0 | Diesel | $2,400 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 28.0 | 24.0 | Regular | $2,550 |
| 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, 2004 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
12 manufacturer communications from 10 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 3 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 2 |
| 126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | 1 |
| 125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH | 1 |
| 141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | 1 |
| 102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| 162000 STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
0417
May 23, 2005
140000 AIR BAGS
AIRBAG MONITORING LIGHT ON, PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS), DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 02511 014 STORED. *TT
VK
Aug 1, 2004
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
THE AMPLIFIER MAY NOT COMPLETELY SWITCH OFF WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. SERVICE ACTION CIRCULAR TO CHECK/REPLACE AMPLIFIER ON VEHICLES WITH MONSOON SOUND SYSTEM. *TT
0403
Jul 26, 2004
140000 AIR BAGS
PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) FAULT. *MJ
0404
Jun 25, 2004
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HARD STARTING (EXTENDED CRANKING REQUIRED) OR NO START WHEN WET, RUNS ROUGH ON INITIAL START, MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY LIGHT GRAY SMOKE. *MJ
0412
May 19, 2004
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) STORED IN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) MEMORY. *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
VE
Apr 1, 2004
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
WINDOW CLAMP BOLTS ON CERTAIN CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY BECOME LOOSE. *TT
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
0401
Feb 2, 2004
141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS), THE PASSENGER SEAT BOLSTER OR THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, FAULT CODE 02511 014 - SEAT OCCUPIED RECOGNITION CONTROL MODULE FAULTY - APPEARS. *TT
0401
Jan 23, 2004
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
REVERSE GEAR, DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE. *MR
0305
Dec 4, 2003
126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
FRONT TURN SIGNAL BLINKS TOO FAST. FRONT TURN SIGNAL, REPLACING BULB SOCKET. *TT
0302
Oct 7, 2003
140000 AIR BAGS
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT IN CENTER DASH COVER MAY STAY ON DEPENDING ON PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY AS REGISTERED BY THE WEIGHT SENSING MAT. *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