Owners have filed 109 complaints
about the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA between 2008 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 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 — 32
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Beetle. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 99
19.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2008 compares with every other Volkswagen Beetle
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1213.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1415.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3438.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
89.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1415.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
33.4%
150,000+ miles
33.4%
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.
Jan 2008peak 9Aug 2025
Recalls on the 2008 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
19V679000
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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.
08V036000
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
ON CERTAIN SPECIAL EDITION TRIPLE WHITE SEDAN VEHICLES, AN INCORRECT ADHESIVE MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO ATTACH THE ROOF SPOILER TO THE REAR GLASS OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE INCORRECT ADHESIVE WAS USED, THE SPOILER COULD BECOME LOOSE OR FALL FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Sylvester, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11681034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OHFire
SEATS
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 complaint #11514686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OHFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11514686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11514686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesProvidence, RIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11439315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesProvidence, RIFire
ENGINE
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 complaint #11439315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sylvester, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11681034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,393 milesLas Vegas, NV
STRUCTURE
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 complaint #11677567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OHFire
SEATS
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 complaint #11514686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OHFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11514686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11514686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 complaint #11449567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesProvidence, RIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11439315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesProvidence, RIFire
ENGINE
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 complaint #11439315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212,000 milesChocowinity, NC
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11388479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesNormal, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #11355084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesNormal, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 complaint #11355084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSaratoga, CA
AIR BAGS
HEARD SOUND FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY AT 10 MPH AND NOW THE AIRBAG WARNING SIGN IS ON
NHTSA complaint #11348686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VAFire
SEATS
BOTH FRONT SEATS HAD A FIRE. IT'S JUNE SO HEATED SEATS WERE NOT USED. WHAT IS MY RECOURSE?
NHTSA complaint #11330098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Locust Valley, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS CAR HAS 2000 MILES ON IT AND VW ONLY OFFERED $ 4700.00 TO PURCHASE THE CAR BACK , THEY SAY THEY WANT TO ONLY PAY THE TRADE IN VALUE AND THIS IS NOT FAIR , I DID NOT CAUSE THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11310584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesST. Augustine, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #11267205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesST. Augustine, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11267205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 complaint #11233531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11233531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, KY
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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 complaint #11233531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesColquitt, GACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS THE REAR PIN CONNECTOR TO SLIGHTLY PULL-AWAY AND LOOSEN FROM THE HEADLAMP BUCKET RESULTING IN INTERMITTANT HEADLIGHT FAILURE, ESPECIALLY IN COLDER WEATHER OR GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES DURING THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, EACH TIME THINKING THE BULBS BURNED-OUT BUT IN ACTUALITY, IT IS THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VW DEALER SAYS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED, BUT IT THE TOO-SHORT CHASSIS WIRING HARNESS THAT IS THE ISSUE. THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION PRESENTS A CLEAR & PRESENT DANGER WHEN TRAVELING AT NIGHT AND REASONABLY MUST BE ADDRESSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #11162868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesColquitt, GACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS THE REAR PIN CONNECTOR TO SLIGHTLY PULL-AWAY AND LOOSEN FROM THE HEADLAMP BUCKET RESULTING IN INTERMITTANT HEADLIGHT FAILURE, ESPECIALLY IN COLDER WEATHER OR GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES DURING THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, EACH TIME THINKING THE BULBS BURNED-OUT BUT IN ACTUALITY, IT IS THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VW DEALER SAYS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED, BUT IT THE TOO-SHORT CHASSIS WIRING HARNESS THAT IS THE ISSUE. THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION PRESENTS A CLEAR & PRESENT DANGER WHEN TRAVELING AT NIGHT AND REASONABLY MUST BE ADDRESSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #11162868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesBrooksville, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THIS CAR HAS HAD MANY ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO LIGHTS, TURNING SIGNALS NOT WORKING. THE SECOND TIME ABOUT 2 YEARS LATER I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL CONTROLS. NO LIGHTS, WIPERS, AC FAN, AC ADAPTER, RADIO, TURN SIGNALS. NOW JUST 5 MONTHS LATER I AM NOTICING HEADLIGHT ISSUES. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE VW OF OCALA, THEY CLAIM THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT I JUST NEED BULB REPLACEMENT. AFTER DRIVING OVER AN HOUR TO GET MY CAR, I GET IN TO FIND MY WINDOWS ARE NO LONGER WORKING NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11130009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesBrooksville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS CAR HAS HAD MANY ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO LIGHTS, TURNING SIGNALS NOT WORKING. THE SECOND TIME ABOUT 2 YEARS LATER I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL CONTROLS. NO LIGHTS, WIPERS, AC FAN, AC ADAPTER, RADIO, TURN SIGNALS. NOW JUST 5 MONTHS LATER I AM NOTICING HEADLIGHT ISSUES. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE VW OF OCALA, THEY CLAIM THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT I JUST NEED BULB REPLACEMENT. AFTER DRIVING OVER AN HOUR TO GET MY CAR, I GET IN TO FIND MY WINDOWS ARE NO LONGER WORKING NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11130009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,600 milesThomson, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERALD JONES VOLKSWAGEN (4022 WASHINGTON RD, MARTINEZ, GA 30907, (706) 228-6900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,600. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11101945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,600 milesThomson, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERALD JONES VOLKSWAGEN (4022 WASHINGTON RD, MARTINEZ, GA 30907, (706) 228-6900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,600. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11101945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.