Owners have filed 291 complaints
about the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA between 2000 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 21 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 85
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Beetle. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 73
14.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Volkswagen Beetle
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
1523.1%
Switch
1218.5%
Engine
710.8%
Frontal
710.8%
Side/Window
69.2%
Gasoline
69.2%
Emission Control
69.2%
Exhaust System
69.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
179.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3519.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6033.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2815.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2513.7%
150,000+ miles
137.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2000peak 8Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ06004Opened 28 Feb 2006Closed 7 Aug 2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AN...
EA03002Opened 8 Apr 2003Closed 20 Aug 2003EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED MY 1998-1999 AND ALL MY 2000 AND LATER MODELS HAS UNDERGONE MULTIPLE REVISIONS.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES HIGH REPLACEMENT RATES OCCURRED IN VEHICLES BUILT WITH BRAKE SWITCH PART NUMBERS 1J0 945 511A AND 1J0 945 511B, THE ORIGINAL AND FIRST REVISION LEVELS, RESPECTIVELY.THE FAILURE OF THE SWITCH COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, OR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATED.EITHER CONDITION RESULTS IN THE INABILITY OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOTIFY OTH...
Recalls on the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14E007000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07V063000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Risk: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06V183000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Risk: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2006122244,526 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Recall 200318425,931 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicle, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switch.
Recall 200202818,615 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain passenger vehicles short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). This can result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Langley, SCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car caught on fire 2 times it was electrical and fuel problem the fire department was present. I reported this once already and the company acted like they didnt care
NHTSA complaint #11499979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Langley, SCFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car caught on fire 2 times it was electrical and fuel problem the fire department was present. I reported this once already and the company acted like they didnt care
NHTSA complaint #11499979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesHawthorne, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD, THE WINDSHIELD, AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED BY FLAMES. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR WHO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10726975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesMontgomery, ALFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10680555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,220 milesDyer, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS IN SHOP 2 TIMES FOR COILS GOING BAD DROVE CAR TO HAMMOND INDIANA FROM CROWN POINT CAME BACK TO CROWN POINT PARKED CAR WENT IN TO GO TO BED WAS ASLEEP FOR AN HOUR NEXT THING WE HEAR KNOCKING ON DOOR GO OUT SIDE AND CAR IS ON FIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS OUT SIDE PUTTING CAR OUT FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID SOMETHING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE RIGHT WHERE THE COILS ARE.
NHTSA complaint #10680413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesFayetteville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN WHICH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #10335615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,854, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 74,036.
NHTSA complaint #11671792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCentralia, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was abnormally strong. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear latch for the hatchback was not locking securely and was also allowing exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Emissions Recall Circular Code: WA000 Reprograming of Engine Control Module and Replacement of Oxygen Sensor (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCentralia, WA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was abnormally strong. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear latch for the hatchback was not locking securely and was also allowing exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Emissions Recall Circular Code: WA000 Reprograming of Engine Control Module and Replacement of Oxygen Sensor (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Langley, SCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car caught on fire 2 times it was electrical and fuel problem the fire department was present. I reported this once already and the company acted like they didnt care
NHTSA complaint #11499979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Langley, SCFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car caught on fire 2 times it was electrical and fuel problem the fire department was present. I reported this once already and the company acted like they didnt care
NHTSA complaint #11499979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesMoore, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A HUGE AMOUNT OF 2.0L ENGINES (1998-2006) SEEM TO STALL WHEN DRIVING OR STATIONARY AFTER 20 MIN FROM COLD START IN HIGH TEMPS (+75F) . LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER ASSIST BRAKES. IT HAPPENED TO ME 2X WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. SCARY. DEALERS AND MECHANICS CAN'T LOCATE ISSUES BECAUSE ITS INTERMITTENT. CARS OPERATE NORMAL AGAIN AFTER 10-20 MINS. SEE HTTP://NEWBEETLE.ORG/FORUMS/2-0-LITER-GAS/139065-HOT-WEATHER-STOP-GO-CAR-STALLS-DANGEROUS-2.HTML#POST1508562 FOR A LIST OF DIFFERENT SITES ALL LISTING SIMILAR ISSUES. APPARENTLY, AND ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH, THE ISSUE STOPPED ON MODEL YR 2007 AND HIGHER.
NHTSA complaint #11091934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesMoore, SC
ENGINE
A HUGE AMOUNT OF 2.0L ENGINES (1998-2006) SEEM TO STALL WHEN DRIVING OR STATIONARY AFTER 20 MIN FROM COLD START IN HIGH TEMPS (+75F) . LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER ASSIST BRAKES. IT HAPPENED TO ME 2X WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. SCARY. DEALERS AND MECHANICS CAN'T LOCATE ISSUES BECAUSE ITS INTERMITTENT. CARS OPERATE NORMAL AGAIN AFTER 10-20 MINS. SEE HTTP://NEWBEETLE.ORG/FORUMS/2-0-LITER-GAS/139065-HOT-WEATHER-STOP-GO-CAR-STALLS-DANGEROUS-2.HTML#POST1508562 FOR A LIST OF DIFFERENT SITES ALL LISTING SIMILAR ISSUES. APPARENTLY, AND ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH, THE ISSUE STOPPED ON MODEL YR 2007 AND HIGHER.
NHTSA complaint #11091934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesMoore, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A HUGE AMOUNT OF 2.0L ENGINES (1998-2006) SEEM TO STALL WHEN DRIVING OR STATIONARY AFTER 20 MIN FROM COLD START IN HIGH TEMPS (+75F) . LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER ASSIST BRAKES. IT HAPPENED TO ME 2X WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. SCARY. DEALERS AND MECHANICS CAN'T LOCATE ISSUES BECAUSE ITS INTERMITTENT. CARS OPERATE NORMAL AGAIN AFTER 10-20 MINS. SEE HTTP://NEWBEETLE.ORG/FORUMS/2-0-LITER-GAS/139065-HOT-WEATHER-STOP-GO-CAR-STALLS-DANGEROUS-2.HTML#POST1508562 FOR A LIST OF DIFFERENT SITES ALL LISTING SIMILAR ISSUES. APPARENTLY, AND ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH, THE ISSUE STOPPED ON MODEL YR 2007 AND HIGHER.
NHTSA complaint #11091934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LEFT TURN INDICATOR RAPID BLINKS EVEN WITH ALL NEW BULBS
NHTSA complaint #11083099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesIrvine, CA
ENGINE
I READ THE RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PAPER (NHTSA 17V-509, VW 20AE) REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP CUT OUT. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO VW A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS THAT MY VW ENGINE STOPS WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 55 AND 65 MPH. THE SERVICE WRITERS RESPONSE WAS THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED - A $1000 ITEM. OTHER MECHANICS THAT I'VE ASKED HAVE SAID THAT IF THAT WAS THE CASE THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GET FUEL AND NOT WORK AND THAT IT WAS PROBABLY SOMETHING ELSE. WHEN I READ THE SYMPTOMS REPORTED IN 20AE, THEY WERE EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY TIMES, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY. AT 65 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE CUTS OUT, THE DECELERATION IS ALMOST IMMEDIATE TO 50 MPH. THE SYMPTOMS STARTED ABOUT 8-10 YEARS AGO. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY SINCE BECAUSE I WAS NEARLY RUN OVER BY A CEMENT TRUCK. THE ARTICLE I READ SAID THAT NO KNOWN CRASHES OR INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE CONSIDER EXPANDING THE INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE THE 2001 NEW BEETLE TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE MY ISSUE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE ISSUE REPORTED IN THE PRESS.
NHTSA complaint #11022212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesIrvine, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I READ THE RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PAPER (NHTSA 17V-509, VW 20AE) REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP CUT OUT. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO VW A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS THAT MY VW ENGINE STOPS WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 55 AND 65 MPH. THE SERVICE WRITERS RESPONSE WAS THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED - A $1000 ITEM. OTHER MECHANICS THAT I'VE ASKED HAVE SAID THAT IF THAT WAS THE CASE THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GET FUEL AND NOT WORK AND THAT IT WAS PROBABLY SOMETHING ELSE. WHEN I READ THE SYMPTOMS REPORTED IN 20AE, THEY WERE EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY TIMES, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY. AT 65 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE CUTS OUT, THE DECELERATION IS ALMOST IMMEDIATE TO 50 MPH. THE SYMPTOMS STARTED ABOUT 8-10 YEARS AGO. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY SINCE BECAUSE I WAS NEARLY RUN OVER BY A CEMENT TRUCK. THE ARTICLE I READ SAID THAT NO KNOWN CRASHES OR INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE CONSIDER EXPANDING THE INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE THE 2001 NEW BEETLE TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE MY ISSUE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE ISSUE REPORTED IN THE PRESS.
NHTSA complaint #11022212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Albans, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON 3 DIFFERENT MY OCCASIONS CAR OVERHEATED NOW IT WON'T START.
NHTSA complaint #11000801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Albans, WV
ENGINE
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON 3 DIFFERENT MY OCCASIONS CAR OVERHEATED NOW IT WON'T START.
NHTSA complaint #11000801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Albans, WV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON 3 DIFFERENT MY OCCASIONS CAR OVERHEATED NOW IT WON'T START.
NHTSA complaint #11000801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR WAS ILLEGALLY REPOSSESSED (I OWN THE VEHICLE BUT USED IT AS COLLATERAL IN A SMALL LOAN) NOVEMBER 29, 2016 WHILE I WAS IN ANOTHER STATE. I THEN RECEIVED A EMAIL FROM CARFAX THAT THE ODOMETER WAS CHANGED AND GAVE ME THE NEW MILEAGE. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MARCH OF 2015 AND THE MILEAGE WAS OVER 155,000 MILES BUT NOW IT REPORTS 124, 685 MILES WHICH IS NOT AN ERROR BUT INTENTIONAL AND OBVIOUS ODOMETER FRAUD! I HAVE ATTACHED SEVERAL PHOTOS SHOWING THE DEALERSHIP WEBSITE'S LOG OF MILEAGE WHEN I BOUGHT IT, THE PICTURE OF MY ODOMETER AS OF OCTOBER 2015 (WHEN IT WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO DRIVE DUE TO OIL LEAK FROM VALVE COVER), AND THE EMAIL SCREENSHOT FROM CARFAX SHOWING THE ODOMETER FRAUD. THE NEW OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE ARE PETER LANDRY OF FOR FINANCIAL IN DONALDSONVILLE, LOUISIANA 225 473 7652
NHTSA complaint #10940189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
CAR WAS ILLEGALLY REPOSSESSED (I OWN THE VEHICLE BUT USED IT AS COLLATERAL IN A SMALL LOAN) NOVEMBER 29, 2016 WHILE I WAS IN ANOTHER STATE. I THEN RECEIVED A EMAIL FROM CARFAX THAT THE ODOMETER WAS CHANGED AND GAVE ME THE NEW MILEAGE. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MARCH OF 2015 AND THE MILEAGE WAS OVER 155,000 MILES BUT NOW IT REPORTS 124, 685 MILES WHICH IS NOT AN ERROR BUT INTENTIONAL AND OBVIOUS ODOMETER FRAUD! I HAVE ATTACHED SEVERAL PHOTOS SHOWING THE DEALERSHIP WEBSITE'S LOG OF MILEAGE WHEN I BOUGHT IT, THE PICTURE OF MY ODOMETER AS OF OCTOBER 2015 (WHEN IT WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO DRIVE DUE TO OIL LEAK FROM VALVE COVER), AND THE EMAIL SCREENSHOT FROM CARFAX SHOWING THE ODOMETER FRAUD. THE NEW OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE ARE PETER LANDRY OF FOR FINANCIAL IN DONALDSONVILLE, LOUISIANA 225 473 7652
NHTSA complaint #10940189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesHomer Glen, IL
SEAT BELTS
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. CAR SHOP SAID THE SEAT BELT SWITCH ASSEMBLY FAILED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IF THERE WAS A CRASH, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LOCK AND THE DRIVER WOULD BE THROWN INTO THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10910238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesHomer Glen, IL
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. CAR SHOP SAID THE SEAT BELT SWITCH ASSEMBLY FAILED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IF THERE WAS A CRASH, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LOCK AND THE DRIVER WOULD BE THROWN INTO THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10910238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesBoise, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
COOLANT SYSTEM CAN NOT BE FIXED. WHEN DRIVING, SOMETIMES THE COOLANT WILL BE BOILING. SOMETIMES THE COOLANT LEVEL IS LOW LEAD THE COOLANT SYSTEM LIGHT ON. WHEN ADD MORE COOLANT TO THE WATER TANK, AFTER SEVERAL MILES DRIVING, THE COOLANT LEVEL WILL BE HIGHER THAN NORMAL. IT RUNS WELL THEN THE COOLANT SYSTEM/OVERHEATING LIGHT WILL BE ON. KEEP DRIVING THEN THE LIGHT WILL BE OFF. THEN IT WILL BE OFF. MECHANICS TRIED TO CLEAN AND REPLACE THE WHOLE COOLANT SYSTEM. BUT THE OVERHEATING ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN. THEN AFTER THEY TRIED FOUR TIMES, I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO GET RID OF THE CAR CAUSE THEY CANNOT FIX IT. AND THEY KNEW OTHER PEOPLE'S VW NEW BEETLE(2000) HAS THE SAME ISSUE. SEEMS LIKE NOT ONLY MY BEETLE BUG'S PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10897304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesST. Peters, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I THINK THERE ARE AIR BUBBLES IN THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP. I HAVE NO MONEY TO REPAIR IT. I NEED IT TO GO BACK AND FORTH TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10873257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesWest Jefferson, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ALL THE GAUGES DROPPED TO ZERO AND FAILED TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE TEMPERATURE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED, BUT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #10764279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesWest Jefferson, NC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ALL THE GAUGES DROPPED TO ZERO AND FAILED TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE TEMPERATURE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED, BUT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #10764279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesSeattle, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FORUMS CONCERNING THIS VW MODEL, AND OTHER MODELS BOTH OLDER AND NEWER, ARE REPLETE WITH REPORTS OF THE CARS STALLING WITH SYMPTOMS OF STARVED FUEL, USUALLY ARISING WHEN THE TANK IS LESS THAN HALF FULL. SEE, E.G., HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4971876-CAR-STALLING-WHILE-AT-SPEED-IS-LOW-FUEL-THE-PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE SUFFERS FROM IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS. OTHER OWNERS ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM BY (1) CLEANING THE FUEL TANK; (2) REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP; (3) REPLACING THE SPEED SENSOR; (4) REPLACING THE CRANK SENSOR; (5) REPLACING THE FUEL FILTER; (6) REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP RELAY; AND (7) CLEANING THE FUEL TANK. IN MOST CASES, BASED ON REVIEW FROM THESE FORUMS, THE PROBLEM IS NOT PERMANENTLY SOLVED AND RECURS WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL AND CREATING A THREAT TO LIFE SAFETY. I CANNOT BELIEVE VW IS UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BASED ON THE MULTITUDE OF REPORTS. YET, I HAVE SEEN NOTHING FROM VW THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. IF NO INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN LAUNCHED ON THIS ISSUE, NHTSA SHOULD LAUNCH ONE.
NHTSA complaint #10746792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesBAY City, MI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPROCKET FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE TIMING BELT TO FRACTURE. IN ADDITION, THE WATER PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #10735160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesHawthorne, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD, THE WINDSHIELD, AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED BY FLAMES. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR WHO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10726975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.