Owners have filed 161 complaints
about the 2006 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA between 2006 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 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 — 47
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Beetle. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 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
1241.4%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
413.8%
Engine
310.3%
Manual Transmission
310.3%
Seat Heater/Cooler
26.9%
Cooling System
26.9%
Frame AND Members
26.9%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
13.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
53.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
96.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
117.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3122.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3726.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3021.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1611.4%
150,000+ miles
10.7%
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.
Apr 2006peak 6May 2024
Recalls on the 2006 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
10V621000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
Risk: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
07E023000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, 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.
06V043000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17-INCH WHEELS AND A 2.5L ENGINE FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A TIRE INFORMATION LABEL THAT LISTS AN INCORRECT FRONT TIRE SIZE. THE CORRECT FRONT TIRE SIZE SHOULD BE LISTED AS 225/45 R17. THE INFLATION PRESSURE IS CORRECT.
Risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO FITMENT OF IMPROPERLY SIZED REPLACEMENT TIRES.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20104455,928 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain New Beetle and New Beetle convertible equipped with a 2.5L Engine, a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system may be located in an improper position, which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line. If chafing occurs fuel leakage could develop which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. In addition, as a preventive measure, the clamp will be adjusted accordingly.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 260,000 milesSale Creek, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO A YARD. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A WATER METER AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE COVERT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THIRD DEGREE BURNS FROM THE VOLKSWAGEN EMBLEM ON THE AIR BAG, AND CUTS AND BRUISES TO THE FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190802695. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 260,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED FOUND CAR WAS SOLD TO TENNESSEE AUTO SALVAGE (KNOXVILLE,TN) SOLD 9/14/19. PHONE NUMBER 865-281-5420.*JB *LN PICTURES THAT VW (LARRY WEST) RECEIVED FROM COPART KNOXVILLE, TN. *JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11271002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesBuford, GACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE FAILURE RESULTED IN CRASH AND TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. TRAVELING ON FLAT STRAIGHT FOUR LANE ROAD WITH RAISED MEDIAN APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. VEHICLES TO THE RIGHT AND MEDIAN TO THE LEFT. BRAKES DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER STOPPED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10874618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesElizabethtown, KY1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY BEETLE SMELLS LIKE MELTED CRAYONS SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. IT GIVES ME A MAJOR HEADACHE ON LONG TRIPS AND EVERYTHING THAT GOES INTO THE CAR FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR GETS CONTAMINATED WITH THE CRAYON SMELL, HOPE ITS NOT TOXIC. GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM IN MOST 2006 BEETLES MADE IN MEXICO. I'M NOT SURE WHAT CAN BE DONE, BUT I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR IF I HAD KNOWN. ITS THE FIRST THING I NOTICED WHEN I TEST DROVE THE CAR BUT THOUGHT MAYBE A CRAYON WAS STUCK IN THE DEFROSTER - NOT THE CASE. LET ONE OF THE VW EXECUTIVES TAKE A LONG ROAD TRIP AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES. ALSO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY POORLY DESIGNED. BULBS BLOW REGULARLY AND ARE HARD TO CHANGE AND I EVEN HAD THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY POP OUT OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COULD HAVE KILLED THE PEOPLE BEHIND ME, EASILY. APPARENTLY THE WIND/AIR RUSHING THRU THE GRILL FORCED THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TO POP OUT AND GO BOUNCING DOWN THE HIGHWAY LIKE A BOWLING BALL. IM SURE IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE DIFFICULTY OF INSTALLING THE ASSEMBLY AND IT NOT BEING SECURED CORRECTLY BY THE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES. YOU SHOULDN'T NEED A PHD TO CHANGE A BULB. CUTE WILL ONLY GET YOU SO FAR VW!
NHTSA complaint #10605083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesElizabethtown, KY1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY BEETLE SMELLS LIKE MELTED CRAYONS SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. IT GIVES ME A MAJOR HEADACHE ON LONG TRIPS AND EVERYTHING THAT GOES INTO THE CAR FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR GETS CONTAMINATED WITH THE CRAYON SMELL, HOPE ITS NOT TOXIC. GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM IN MOST 2006 BEETLES MADE IN MEXICO. I'M NOT SURE WHAT CAN BE DONE, BUT I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR IF I HAD KNOWN. ITS THE FIRST THING I NOTICED WHEN I TEST DROVE THE CAR BUT THOUGHT MAYBE A CRAYON WAS STUCK IN THE DEFROSTER - NOT THE CASE. LET ONE OF THE VW EXECUTIVES TAKE A LONG ROAD TRIP AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES. ALSO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY POORLY DESIGNED. BULBS BLOW REGULARLY AND ARE HARD TO CHANGE AND I EVEN HAD THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY POP OUT OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COULD HAVE KILLED THE PEOPLE BEHIND ME, EASILY. APPARENTLY THE WIND/AIR RUSHING THRU THE GRILL FORCED THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TO POP OUT AND GO BOUNCING DOWN THE HIGHWAY LIKE A BOWLING BALL. IM SURE IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE DIFFICULTY OF INSTALLING THE ASSEMBLY AND IT NOT BEING SECURED CORRECTLY BY THE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES. YOU SHOULDN'T NEED A PHD TO CHANGE A BULB. CUTE WILL ONLY GET YOU SO FAR VW!
NHTSA complaint #10605083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffton, SC1 injured
STRUCTURE
WE PURCHASED A USED, ONE OWNER, 2006 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE (45,000 MILES) FOR OUR DAUGHTER IN COLLEGE, FOUR MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN SHE HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS CONSTANTLY. SHE DROVE IT HOME OVER EASTER BREAK AND I HAD MY HUSBAND DETAIL THE CAR TO SEE IF HE COULD FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE ODOR. WHEN WE TOOK THE FLOOR MATS OUT THEY WREAKED OF TOXIC NOSE BURNING CRAYONS. I THREW THE OLD MATS OUT, SPRAYED THE CARPETS WITH A NONTOXIC CLEANER AND LEFT THE HOOD DOWN IN THE GARAGE FOR 3 DAYS. THE SMELL DIDN'T GO AWAY. THIS WEEK-END SHE DROVE HOME AND BY THE TIME SHE CAME IN THE DOOR SHE WREAKED OF CRAYONS, HAD A STOMACH AND HEAD ACHE SO BAD SHE HAD TO GO TO BED. THIS IS VERY UNUSUAL FOR HER. I BROUGHT IN ALL OF HER LUGGAGE AND IT SMELLED JUST AS BAD. WE REMOVED THE NEW MATS BECAUSE THE SMELLED AS BAD AS THE OLD ONES. I PHONED THE DEALERSHIP IN SAVANNAH AND THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE SMELL. I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT, YET WHEN I CALLED VW THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. WE WERE TOLD TO CONTACT THE HILTON HEAD DEALERSHIP AND PAY A $115.00 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WHEN I PHONE THEM THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE COULD LOOK AT IT BUT HE'D NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE AND THE BEST THING WOULD BE TO BUY HER A NEW CAR. I'M SORRY, THIS IS A COLLEGE KID AND $10,000 IS PLENTY TO PAY FOR A CAR. I'M NOT LOOKING TO CAUSE PROBLEM OR GET ANY HANDOUTS BUT THIS IS OUR ONLY CHILD AND HER HEALTH IS IMPORTANT TO ME. SHE LOVES THE CAR AND DOESN'T WANT TO GET RID OF IT SO WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF WE CAN REMEDY THE PROBLEM WITHOUT PAYING AN ARM AND A LEG. HAVE YOU HAD ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS.? THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10509120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesJohns Creek, GACrash
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE ROLLS FREELY WHEN PUT IN PARK. VEHICLE NOT STATIONARY WHEN GEAR SHIFTER PUT IN PARK. VW SAY IT IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR BUT A FAULTY MECHANISM. CRTICAL SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10476632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Dublin, CA
SEAT BELTS
I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident due to the seat belt buckle malfunctioning. When he callez Dublin Volkswagen to get the part to fix this issue, they stated that Volkswagen does not make the part anymore. This is a major safety concern because myself and anyone else needs this part to drive safely.
NHTSA complaint #11587748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dublin, CA
AIR BAGS
I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident due to the seat belt buckle malfunctioning. When he callez Dublin Volkswagen to get the part to fix this issue, they stated that Volkswagen does not make the part anymore. This is a major safety concern because myself and anyone else needs this part to drive safely.
NHTSA complaint #11587748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesPullman, WA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN IN MOTION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE GEARS AT APPROPRIATE ENGINE SPEEDS. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE REVS WAY TOO HIGH AND SLAMS INTO THE NEXT GEAR, PRODUCING DANGEROUS JOLTS. OTHER TIMES THE GEAR FAILS TO ENGAGE AT ALL, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER. MY VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN CITY TRAFFIC DUE TO THIS TEMPORARY FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS AND CERTAIN CONTROL PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY THIS DEFECTIVE BEHAVIOR SEEMINGLY AT RANDOM. I AND OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE'S DRIVETRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11414664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesRoxie, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY MELTDOWN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11363945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesParker, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WE TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CAUSE WAS THE WIRING GOING INTO THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE ALTERNATOR HARNESS AND FUSE BOX NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE SO DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE.
NHTSA complaint #11289197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesHastings, NE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE JUST DISAPPEARED AND BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN IT BROKE BUT IT HAD TO HAVE JUST HAPPENED AS I NOTICED IT NOW MAKES AN AWFUL CRACKING NOISE WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED OR CLOSED. AFTER INSPECTING IT THE HINGE IS GONE OR BROKE OFF INSIDE THE DOOR THAT YOU CANNOT SEE; THEREFORE, IF THERE IS A WIND, IT COULD SWING CLEAR BACK AND BREAK THE DOOR OFF AS THERE IS NOTHING TO LET IT SWING ONLY A CERTAIN AMOUNT BACK. WE'VE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE 1.5 YEARS. WE'VE CHECKED AND ALOT OF BODY SHOPS DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT. IT WILL TAKE SOME BODY WORK WITH WELDING AND TAKING THE DOOR OFF.....AND NO DOUBT PAINT REPLACEMENT . I CAN SEND A PHOTO IF NEED BE.
NHTSA complaint #11278700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesPalm Harbor, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FUSE BOX MELTED TWICE. THE LAST TIME TOTALLY SHUT THE CAR DOWN. VW DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. WILL SELL YOU NEW BOX BUT WILL NOT WARENTEE THE NEW BOX WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN AS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHY IT HAPPENS. AS I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE AC STOPPED WORKING AND THE CAR SLOWED AND LOST SOME POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND PULL INTO A REPAIR SHOP THAT JUST HAPPENED TO BE RIGHT THERE. THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX HAD MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #11277671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesPalm Harbor, FL
ENGINE
FUSE BOX MELTED TWICE. THE LAST TIME TOTALLY SHUT THE CAR DOWN. VW DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. WILL SELL YOU NEW BOX BUT WILL NOT WARENTEE THE NEW BOX WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN AS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHY IT HAPPENS. AS I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE AC STOPPED WORKING AND THE CAR SLOWED AND LOST SOME POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND PULL INTO A REPAIR SHOP THAT JUST HAPPENED TO BE RIGHT THERE. THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX HAD MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #11277671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesPalm Harbor, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
FUSE BOX MELTED TWICE. THE LAST TIME TOTALLY SHUT THE CAR DOWN. VW DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. WILL SELL YOU NEW BOX BUT WILL NOT WARENTEE THE NEW BOX WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN AS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHY IT HAPPENS. AS I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE AC STOPPED WORKING AND THE CAR SLOWED AND LOST SOME POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND PULL INTO A REPAIR SHOP THAT JUST HAPPENED TO BE RIGHT THERE. THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX HAD MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #11277671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesSale Creek, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO A YARD. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A WATER METER AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE COVERT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THIRD DEGREE BURNS FROM THE VOLKSWAGEN EMBLEM ON THE AIR BAG, AND CUTS AND BRUISES TO THE FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190802695. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 260,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED FOUND CAR WAS SOLD TO TENNESSEE AUTO SALVAGE (KNOXVILLE,TN) SOLD 9/14/19. PHONE NUMBER 865-281-5420.*JB *LN PICTURES THAT VW (LARRY WEST) RECEIVED FROM COPART KNOXVILLE, TN. *JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11271002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesNorth BAY Village, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IMMOBILIZER. THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WICH SHOULD BE RESPONSABILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER. AT WARM DAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM, BUT IN COLD DAYS THE IMMOBILIZER ACTIVATES AND THERE IS IMPOSSIBLE START THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11172018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Statesville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE THAT I BOUGHT ABOUT A YEAR AGO.THE BEETLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND HAS EXTREMELY LOW MILES. IT HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF TO SAY THE LEAST. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOTICED A VERY STRONG ODOR THAT SMELLS LIKE CRAYONS. THE ODOR IS SO STRONG THAT MY HAIR, CLOTHES AND SKIN SMELLS LIKE THIS SCENT. I HAVE A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD AND HE COUGHS AND SNEEZES THE WHOLE TIME WHILE RIDING. NOT TO MENTION BOTH OF US GET HORRIFIC HEADACHES AND OUR EYES WATER FROM THE ODOR. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS CRAYON SMELL IS TOXIC OR WHAT FUMES WE ARE BREATHING IN BUT IT CANNOT BE GOOD FROM THE SIDE EFFECTS WE ARE HAVING FROM IT. I HAVE TRIED TO SELL IT BUT NO ONE WILL BUY IT BECAUSE OF THE STRONG ODOR IT HAS. I HAVE HAD IT PROFESSIONAL CLEANED, CHANGED THE CABIN AIR FILTER ETC AND THE SMELL IS STILL THERE.
NHTSA complaint #11102318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesSedro Woolley, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CAR SHIFTS HARD BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11092740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHenrico, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EVERY YEAR WHEN IT GETS COLD THE WINDOW REGULATORS BREAK. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH SIDES TWICE NOW!
NHTSA complaint #11031691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesTiffin, IA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT MONTHS EVERY DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY FAILURE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 12/13/2017 *LN
NHTSA complaint #11018840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunset, LA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
EPC WARNING LIGHT WANT TURN OFF. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AS WELL AS IN MOTION. SPEED DECREASES WHEN TRAVELING ON ROADWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11012242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,854 milesTruchas, NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE GOING 60MPH, THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. I HAD TO STOP AND HIT THE HEADLIGHTS TO GET THE LIGHTS TO COME ON. THEN THEY WOULD SHUT OFF AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND BROKE. IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY BREAKS AGAIN CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #11011528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesWest Babylon, NY
POWER TRAIN
HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND, AND SECOND TO THIRD AND WHEN CAR DOWNSHIFTS THRU 1-2 2-3 JUST HAD TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACED BY DEALER. JUST FOUND OUT ON LINE THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SINCE 2003 TILL 2016 IN BEETLES
NHTSA complaint #11005377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesAtwater, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE ISSUE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V621000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11003388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesPeoria, AZ
POWER TRAIN
MY 2006 VW BEETLE ONLY HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT, HAS RECEIVED REGULAR MAINTENANCE, AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THIS MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN IS PREMATURE FOR THE MILES AND CARE THIS CAR HAS.
NHTSA complaint #11002911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesWest Babylon, NY
POWER TRAIN
AUTO TRANS SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1-2 AND 2-3 AND IT ALSO MAKES CAR JUMP FORWARD WHEN IT SHIFTS INTO GEAR MOVING FWD. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM VW HAS HAD SINCE 2003BUT DOES NOT ACCEPT BLAME FOR PROBLEM AT 87,000 HAD FLUID CHANGED AND PROBLEM STARTED IT SEEMS VW DOESN'T CARE JUST LIKE AIRBAG AND DIESEL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10992238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesJacksonville, FL
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS RELATED TO THIS MODEL. CAR HESITATES WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING GEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10936409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesBristol, RI
POWER TRAIN
A WELL DOCUMENTED TRANSMISSION PROBLEM UNDER 100,000 MILES THERE WAS A LAWSUIT THAT I WAS UNAWARE OF MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW HAVING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10917467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesBuford, GACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE FAILURE RESULTED IN CRASH AND TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. TRAVELING ON FLAT STRAIGHT FOUR LANE ROAD WITH RAISED MEDIAN APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. VEHICLES TO THE RIGHT AND MEDIAN TO THE LEFT. BRAKES DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER STOPPED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10874618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,633 milesTucson, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM USED CAR DEALER 5/2014. WITHIN 6 WEEKS A NOTICEABLE ODOR OF GAS BOTH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND OUTSIDE THE CAR.WHEN STANDING WITHIN 5 FEET OF IT. REGULAR MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED BUT LICENSED REPAIR SHOPS WERE UNABLE/UNWILLING TO FIND A CAUSE. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES WITHIN THE CITY OF TUCSON, AZ ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS TODAVIS-MONTHAN AFB FOR SERVICE AGAIN. THE TECHNICIAN IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED MY CAR'S DRIVER AWAY FROM IT AS HE SAW FUEL HAD SPILLED INTO THE TRUNK SPACE, TRAVELED THROUGH THE ACCESS PANEL, SPILLED INTO THE BACKSEAT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE BACK SEAT, SATURATED THE CARPET AND FLOOR MATS, AND HAD BEGUN REACHING BENEATH THE FRONT SEATS. THE FUEL WAS HOSED UNTIL IT COULD SAFELY BE DRIVEN OFF THE MILITARY BASE THEN TOWED TO A VW DEALERSHIP. PER THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER, THE FUEL PUMP HAD CRACKED AND CAUSED SEVERAL GALLONS OF GAS INTO THE CAR. NEITHER VW OF AMERICA OR IT'S AUTHORIZED DEALER ARE ABLE TO GIVE ME A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAD BEEN ADDRESSED IN 2011, PRIOR TO MY OWNERSHIP, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL REFERENCE NHTSA #10V621000, AND VW WILL NOT FUND THE REPAIR OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. VW OF AMERICA REPORTS TO NHTSA THAT NO RECALL REPAIRS REMAIN TO BE DONE. ALL REPAIRS TO THE FUEL SYSTEM; GASOLINE DELIVERY HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ON 2006-2010 CERTAIN MODELS JETTA, NEW. BEETLE, BEETLE CONVERTIBLES, JETTA SPORTWAGON, AND RABBIT VEHICLES. WITHOUT VW PROVIDING ME A RECALL REPAIR RECORD AND ACCEPTING NO RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE ME SUCH, I AM SCREWED!! AS A SINGLE, HARD WORKING MOTHER, I CAN NEITHER AFFORD 1K TO FIX IT OR A MONTHLY PAYMENT ON A CAR THAT CAN'T BE DRIVEN. VW ONCE AGAIN REVEALS IT'S REPREHENSIBLE PRACTICE OF DECEIVING AMERICAN CONSUMERS.
NHTSA complaint #10861278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.