Volkswagen Beetle problems
The Volkswagen Beetle, officially the Volkswagen Type 1, is a small car produced by the German company Volkswagen from 1938 to 2003. It is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history, recognised for its distinctive shape. Its production period of 65 years is the longest of any single generation of automobile, and its total production of over 21.5 million is the most of any car of a single platform.
The Beetle was conceived in the early 1930s. The leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, decided there was a need for a people's car to serve Germany's new road network, the Reichsautobahn. The German engineer Ferdinand Porsche and his design team began developing and designing the car in the early 1930s. But the fundamental design concept can be attributed to Béla Barényi in 1925, predating Porsche's claims by over five years. The result was the Volkswagen Type 1 and the introduction of the Volkswagen brand. Volkswagen initially slated production for the late 1930s, but the outbreak of war in 1939 meant that production was delayed until the war had ended. The car was originally called the Volkswagen Type 1 and marketed simply as the Volkswagen, but it was not until 1968 that it was officially named the "Beetle".
Volkswagen implemented designations for the Beetle in the 1960s, including 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1302 and 1303. Volkswagen introduced a series of large luxury models throughout the 1960 and 70s—comprising the Type 3, Type 4 and the K70—to supplement the Beetle, but none of these models achieved the level of success that it did. Rapidly changing consumer preferences toward front-wheel drive compact hatchbacks in Europe prompted Volkswagen's gradual shift away from rear-wheel drive, starting with the Golf in 1974. In the late 1970s and 80s, Japanese automakers began to dominate the market, which contributed to the Beetle's declining popularity.
Over its lifespan, the Beetle's design remained consistent, yet Volkswagen implemented over 78,000 incremental updates. These modifications were often subtle, involving minor alterations to its exterior, interior, colours, and lighting. Some more noteworthy changes included the introduction of new engines, models and systems, such as improved technology or comfort.
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Volkswagen Beetle model years
Common Volkswagen Beetle problems
The Volkswagen Beetle is known for its distinctive design and iconic status, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:
- Headlight Bulb Burnout: The headlight bulb burnout issue affects 13 VW Beetle model years between 1998 and 2010. The problem can occur anywhere from 11,650 to 230,000 miles, with the average mileage being 72,000.
- Check Engine Light due to Ignition/Sensor Failure: This issue involves the check engine light coming on due to ignition component and/or engine coolant temperature sensor failure. The problem affects 14 model years between 1998 and 2013, with the average mileage being 94,000.
- Engine Failure: Engine failure is one of the most common problems reported by Volkswagen Beetle owners. This issue can be caused by various factors, including poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear over time. The cost of repairing an engine failure can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem and the specific parts that need to be replaced.
- Faulty Power Locks: Faulty power locks are another common problem reported by Volkswagen Beetle owners. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out components, electrical issues, or manufacturing defects. The cost of repairing faulty power locks can also vary widely depending on the severity of the problem and the specific parts that need to be replaced.
- Transmission Issues: A few owners of 2003 Volkswagen Beetles have reported problems with their transmission, including hard shifting, jolting into gear, and slipping intermittently.
- Engine Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks are a common problem reported by Volkswagen Beetle owners. This issue can be caused by various factors, including worn-out gaskets, damaged seals, or poor maintenance. The cost of repairing engine oil leaks can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem and the specific parts that need to be replaced.
- Window Failure: Window failure is a common problem reported by Volkswagen Beetle owners, particularly in the 2004 model year. The issue can be caused by various factors, including worn-out components, electrical issues, or manufacturing defects. The cost of repairing window failure can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem and the specific parts that need to be replaced.
- Check Engine Light: The check engine light can come on for various reasons, including ignition component and/or engine coolant temperature sensor failure.
- Overheating Engine: Overheating engine is a common problem reported by Volkswagen Beetle owners. This issue can be caused by various factors, including low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged radiator. The cost of repairing an overheating engine can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem and the specific parts that need to be replaced.
What years of VW Beetle to avoid?
A: It's best to avoid the 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2013 model years of the VW Beetle.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle a reliable car?
The Volkswagen Beetle is a reliable compact car. In fact, RepairPal.com gives this model a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Despite this above-average reliability score, the Beetle ranks 24th in RepairPal's lineup of 36 compact cars.
What is the life expectancy of a VW Beetle?
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
Are beetles expensive to fix?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volkswagen Beetle is $612, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Beetle years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Beetle cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen Beetle model years:
- Volkswagen Beetle 1998
- Volkswagen Beetle 2015
- Volkswagen Beetle 2013
- Volkswagen Beetle 2012
- Volkswagen Beetle 2016
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Beetle model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Beetle years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen Beetle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Beetle , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Beetle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Beetle model years
A total of 30 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Beetle model years
There were a total of 18 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Beetle model years
There were a total of 18 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Beetle model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 646 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Beetle . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Beetle vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volkswagen Beetle 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 3VWJ17AT3HM
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hi, one time the car wheel turned extra and the gas went extra fast. I also had several devices on my car through blue tooth that were not mine and mirror link kept checking and AUX. This is conjunction with 3 years of hacking (that I think is technically-assisted abuse) with smart home hub, surveillance, spyware on phone and hacked emails. Tried filling out IC3.gov form to no avail. Took car twice to Volkswagan dealer in Springfield, Pa and paid $100 twice to clear the dashboard but it kept happening with ROAV-FR3 and something FM-FORMAN (cant recall names) and Keyless car detective. Then I paid to remove the car radio. Then I found a Navaro device on passenger side under seat but dealer refused to remove it and when I called Volkswagen from there they said only the dealer knows where the vehicle embedded sim is. They do not know how to check software and say 'it is uncharted territory.' I do not feel safe. There are no laws regarding car hacking and smart home abuse and I am now writing a book for women about it so they are not gas lighted and can get help. This can be a deadly mistake and there needs to be an easy inexpensive place for someone to have their car checked for malware, sim or SD card. Please help. There was a police report but I do not have it. It was on 10/20/24 with colonial Chris McWilliams State police Middletown, PA 19063. He said Navaro device was factory installed but Volkswagan said it was not. Mechanic said it was a satellite radio device
Volkswagen Beetle 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 3VW517AT6HM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I started to hear clanking noise on left front side (drivers side) while driving. I removed the left front tire. Upon looking inside the wheel housing I observed that spring on the suspension strut was broken and lower part of spring the was no longer inside the lower spring seat. The spring is sliding off the strut and a piece of the metal spring fell off. I have many years of experience working on cars and have owned many vehicles and this is the first time one of my vehicles experienced a spring failure which such low mileage. The vehicle only has a little over 13,000 miles so this spring failure is not from wear and tear from driving. The left front the car and wheel housing of the car is now sagging and this make it unsafe to drive. If I was driving and the piece of the metal spring sprung out it could have caused a safety concern to other motorist. I did contact Volkswagen customer support but was told that this spring failure was not part of any recall or warranty extension. Any repairs would have to be done at my own expense.
Volkswagen Beetle 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-22
- VIN: 3VWJ17AT7FM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Volkswagen Beetle 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-26
- VIN: 3VWH17AT9FM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Volkswagen Beetle 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-22
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a stop sign and removing the foot from the brake pedal, the contact became aware that the hill holder hill assist feature, designed to make hill starts easier by preventing the vehicle from rolling backward was taking longer to release the brakes. The contact stated that the time to release the brakes had gradually increased to 10 seconds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brakes were inspected and no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The VIN was not available.
Volkswagen Beetle 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-26
- VIN: 3VW5P7AT6DM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Driving 60miles an hour the entire car shot down. No lights, no control, the car was completely off it was a very scary situation The car still not turning on
Volkswagen Beetle 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-13
- VIN: 3VWJP7AT4DM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: After parking vehicle in a parking lot, manipulated gear shift from drive to park. Left vehicle and continued business. When returning to parking lot, vehicle was no longer in the parking spot but had rolled backwards into the travel lane of the lot. Started vehicle and attempted to move but could not move gear shift lever to drive or reverse. Was then I noticed that while the gear shift lever was in the park position, the instrument cluster display indicated it was in neutral. Could not adjust gear shift at all. Had vehicle towed to shop and was informed the gear shift cable had broken. Vehicle was repaired however cable alone could not be replaced. Had to purchase complete gear shift lever assembly due to VW replacement parts policy.
Volkswagen Beetle 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-12
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. The VIN was not provided.
Volkswagen Beetle 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-29
- VIN: 3VW517AT2GM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
Volkswagen Beetle 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-18
- VIN: 3VWF17AT5FM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Unknown. I bought this vehicle used but I am concerned for my safety and that of any passengers I may ever have in the vehicle.
Volkswagen Beetle 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-19
- VIN: 3VWRG31C19M
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: Heated seat is so hot it burned holes in the seat and my pants.
Volkswagen Beetle 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-11
- VIN: 3VW517AT2FM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Dealer unable to perform recall 22V945. Unable to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner. Lack of parts. On a waiting list with no ETA for repair.
Volkswagen Beetle 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-02
- VIN: 3VWJD7AT8KM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: A message is continually (every few seconds) displayed on the dashboard stating that the "coolant temperature is 195 degrees" as if it is a warning. It does not seem plausible that the coolant would have reached 195 degrees when the vehicle was just started.
Volkswagen Beetle 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-17
- VIN: 3VWF17AT9FM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the contact had to pay for an additional repair that was preventing the dealer from completing the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and determined that the contact had to pay out of pocket for the original recall repair to be performed. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Volkswagen Beetle 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-03
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-14
- VIN: 3VW5X7AT3DM
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Had the Takata Air Bag Recall completed at VW dealership in CC, Tx. Shortly after the Air Bag kept giving Errors and then it would include Low Air Pressure, ABS and Anti Skid Warnings.. Contacted the dealership, had the system check with no issues.. Had the system checked locally at repair shop with no issues.. went to leave and Air Bag Warning stated Error,, they rechecked and found no Issues.. Computer showed no Errors.. I was informed that apparently the only issue is "Possibly" the Air Bag needs to be replaced again but the dealership refuses to without a Recall Requests.
Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen Beetle
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 111 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Beetle.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen Beetle 2015
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-21
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available; anticipated September 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
- Model: Volkswagen Beetle 2016
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-21
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available; anticipated September 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
- Model: Volkswagen Beetle 2012
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-16
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
- Model: Volkswagen Beetle 2014
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-16
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
- Model: Volkswagen Beetle 2013
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-16
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
Latest negative Volkswagen Beetle car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen Beetle car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2015
I've always loved Beetles since the second generation came out in 1998 when I was just 8 years old! This 2014 Beetle is my third since getting my license at 17 in 2007. I'm obsessed with this car! The color is great and the acceleration is so much better than my 2005 Beetle with only 115HP. I've driven it so much in the last 2.5 years, racking up 70,000 miles! That's a lot, but I haven't had any major repairs yet. I'm a bit nervous about the water pump/timing belt replacement that comes between 80-100k miles, though. The dealerships charge about $1k for that. Besides that, I only take my car to my local VW dealerships for oil changes. The only issue I've had with my car is the brakes. Even when I had my car for a few months, they started to squeak when I would slow down, especially during cold temperatures! Sometimes it gets very loud and my passengers are like, 'Wow, you need new brakes already?' I did take it into the dealership, and they said they would have to send a request for them to replace it for free since it was still under warranty. Weeks went by, and I never received a phone call. Summer rolled around, so it made less noise, and it didn't bother me. Before I knew it, I was over the mileage for the warranty. Hopefully, when I replace my brakes sometime this year, the noise will stop. Another issue is my passenger seat. I'm assuming it broke somehow. When someone wants to get in the back seat, I pull the seat forward, but when I push it back, it goes ALL the way back, and the upper part of the seat does not come forward like it should. I have to aggressively pull the seat back with all my force, and my passengers are again shocked! Another interesting tidbit is that I'm a 215 lb male, and I noticed that either of the front seats, if you're heavy and tend to move or when you make a turn, the seats will squeak! It's kind of embarrassing if my friends are in the car. Also, I think my speakers really suck!I don't expect the base speakers to sound like Fender, but I was surprised when I heard my friend's 2011 Jetta speakers, which sounded way better than mine. It's interesting to note that my Beetle happens to be one of the last 2.5L 5-cyl engines made, and a few months later they rolled out with the 1.8L's. Despite being close to 100k miles, I haven't had any major repairs or been stranded. However, as a student working part-time in California, money plays a factor, and I get nervous thinking about what I may need to replace. The seats are also uncomfortable, especially on road trips, and as a 6'2
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Vehicle year: 2015
I can tell that you really enjoy this car! You seem to appreciate everything from its looks to its handling, speed, and comfort. The sunroof is also a great feature that you love. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I really love this car! I previously owned a 2006 2.5l Beetle and drove it until it died. When I was searching for a new car, I couldn't help but notice how cool the interior of the classic coupe is! It really stood out to me. I've already modified it with lowering springs and spacers, and I'm planning to add an exhaust and new wheels soon. Even before the modifications, this car was a comfortable drive, and it still is. The speakers are clear and loud, and the funky light setup with three colors (red, white, and blue) in the interior is a nice touch. The combination of leather and white plaid cloth is really eye-catching, and I've received many compliments on the car. The trunk is super spacious, and I've even moved my entire dorm room with it. I can't wait to put more miles on this car. Going from an older car with limited information to one that tells me everything is awesome. I highly recommend this car to new drivers or anyone looking for a fun car to zip around in. It's more than just the Beetle name that people love and know so well. I could go on for hours about all the positives!
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Vehicle year: 2016
This car is really enjoyable to drive and has fantastic mileage! It may look small, but the interior is surprisingly roomy, and thanks to the turbo, it's much faster than I expected!
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Vehicle year: 2017
This was a fantastic purchase considering the price and condition. My first car forty-six years ago was a Beetle Bug, and although the air-cooled engine is no longer, the reliability and technology are still very much present in the product. My wife and I have no regrets about our purchase. We also had a wonderful experience during the purchase as we were already qualified for credit and had done extensive online research. One year later, in March 2017, we are still very satisfied with the Beetle and could not be happier. It is our second vehicle that we garage for about six months of the year as we go north to Maine with our SUV. That being said, we put 3,000+ miles on it and are more than pleased. It is a very good product that has maintained its reliability. Although my first Beetle was German-made and this one was manufactured in Mexico, VW has certainly maintained the integrity of the Bug! We traded our former Beetle for another one a year older with lower mileage, and it has been another year, and our new 'Bug' is just as loved and appreciated. It's a 2013 convertible with about 26,500 miles at present that we affectionately refer to as our 'Platinum Grey Ghost.' We try to keep it well-maintained and have no plans to either sell or trade it. It's another wonderful car, and if I can exaggerate, an integral family member! My wife always had her heart set on a convertible, and it was in mint condition, so we traded our other. Another year has come and gone, and we hear from you folks at Edmunds. The 2013 convertible Beetle has been garaged for almost five months, which is kosher. We return to Florida on October 23, and that is the due date to place the 'Bug' back on the road. In turn, our Santa Fe Sport will go into the garage only to be used for a periodic long drive with the pooches.Our grey ghost is due for a fresh oil change and will probably do another three thousand miles or so before being stored for another five months. It's unlikely to reach the 30,000 mile mark between November and April. Even at seventy-one, I still find the Beetle a fun car to drive. It's easy to enter and exit and provides a zippy go with its 2.5 five cylinder engine. While I loved the Tornado Red 2014, my wife always wanted a convertible and central Florida is the perfect place to have one. The only drawback is that it doesn't have anywhere near the cargo space of the former red devil. Nevertheless, it has everything my wife and I need and she is extremely happy with it. That's what counts after all. I'm looking forward to washing and waxing it. It's impeccable to us and paid for... what more can I ask? As for our Hyundai SUV, it's going to turn about 50k miles by the time we drive from Maine back to our primary dogs and I'm extremely happy with it, having purchased it new. I just purchased a new set of tires for it so we're good to go. I always enjoy your auto reviews at Edmunds.
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Beetle?
Clifford Sporer 2025-03-26
Vehicle year: 2014
VW was aware of the window issues, as they had persisted throughout the entire production of the Convertible Bug. I upgraded to the new model in hopes of finally resolving the problem. However, on the first day of ownership, the car had to be returned to the dealership for repairs. Fortunately, the dealership staff were very helpful in resolving the issue. It is unfortunate that the manufacturer has caused such inconvenience. I would advise caution when considering purchasing a VW. If asked about my experience with the car, I cannot give a positive review of the company.
Wyman Torphy 2025-03-25
Vehicle year: 2015
This car has had many problems. The windows seem to have a mind of their own - they want to go down when you want them up, and vice versa. Unfortunately, I've had to go back to the dealer many times to get it fixed. The A/C doesn't blow cool air, just cool, and despite contacting VW for help, they were unable to assist. It's a shame that VW can't seem to build a car with good A/C. Additionally, the speakers and tray in the hatch had to be replaced after they fell apart. The foam in the seats has also been falling out since the car was new, and although we reported it under warranty, it was never replaced. Unfortunately, we didn't receive any help from the manufacturer either. If you take the back seat out, you can see where the floor of the car has burned the foam in the back seat. Currently, the car needs a fuel pump at 800. I hope this information helps.
Stan Little 2025-03-21
Vehicle year: 2013
We've had the car for three weeks now. Unfortunately, we experienced some issues with the windows shortly after purchasing it. The dealership is currently quoting over $400 for an armrest, which seems quite steep. Additionally, the car only comes with the Moon-roof/
Steve Yost 2025-03-17
Vehicle year: 2013
My Red VW Turbo Beetle has had numerous issues, ranging from the windows malfunctioning to injection fuel pump problems and loose screws under the hood. These issues are unacceptable for a supposedly brand new car. Despite leaving my car at the dealership for a month, the problems persisted. As a result, I have decided to switch to another brand. The only positive aspect of the car was the Fender sound system.
Jaylin Mann 2025-03-17
Vehicle year: 2013
VW was aware of the window issues, as they had persisted throughout the entire production of the Convertible Bug. I upgraded to the new model in hopes of finally resolving the problem. However, on the first day, my car had to be returned to the dealership for repairs. Fortunately, the staff at my dealership are exceptional at resolving issues. Nevertheless, it is disappointing when the manufacturer is the source of the problem. I would advise caution when considering purchasing a VW. If anyone inquires about my experience with the car, I cannot guarantee a positive review for the company.