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: 2017
The VW Beetle R-Line Coupe is an amazing car that I absolutely love! It's so much fun to drive and has great handling, a powerful turbo motor, and gets better gas mileage than advertised. Plus, it looks like the old bugs again, which is a great nod to the classic design. The new Beetle also has a great heater and is really safe, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish car. I highly recommend taking one for a test drive, as the R-Line Beetle sells itself. With the new Civic having engine troubles in 2016, it's definitely worth considering a Beetle instead. My R-Line has even inspired me to start building a 1965 VW Beetle as a hobby! Overall, I think the VW Beetle R-Line Coupe is the best Beetle ever made and I'm not alone in thinking that - my sister and parents now own modern Beetles and a New Beetle convertible. The car is smooth and even the 1.8T is quick compared to other cars in the range. The VW Beetle is the best car in ARX Rallycross and will be the 2018 champs. I am a fact guy and the car continues to be my favorite by far. The VW dealer has supported me on any need and it's been a great experience owning my Beetle. Although there are a few minor issues, such as the lack of a TCD button and rear headrests affecting rear visibility, the rear seats are comfortable and the car is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish ride. #savethevwbeetleThat's a shame. It would be a mistake for VW management to kill the Beetle. Instead, they should consider building an Electric Bug. If you can find a used R Line in good condition, I highly recommend buying it! The R Line is its own beast and the best Bug ever. I drove mine from Elizabeth, Colorado to Roswell, New Mexico and loved every minute of it. With my APR stage one, I have all the power I could want. My added traction control delete button makes the car launch like a beast. Killing the Beetle this year would be the biggest mistake in the history of the company. The current 2019 model is less car than my R Line, which is a huge mistake. It's a retro car that deserves to be saved. I even bought another Bug to protect my R Line from weather and idiots. It's too special to be a daily driver, but it's the best car I have ever owned. It has been extremely reliable! If you can find a nice R Line Beetle, it will make you happy! The car is worth as much as I paid for it, which speaks for itself. #savethevwbeetle #foreverbeetle #ARX #Rallycross
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Vehicle year: 2015
My 2012 Beetle is a fantastic car to drive. It handles curves with ease and accelerates with impressive force. The interior is comfortable and well-organized, with everything easily accessible. However, there is a persistent issue with the automatic window on the driver's side. Despite taking it to the dealer, they claim there is no problem, even though it has been an issue since day one. It has even caused water damage to the interior on two occasions. Despite numerous complaints online about the same issue, the dealer insists it is due to the window tint. I remain confident that there is a problem with the window and will continue to seek a resolution.
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Vehicle year: 2016
This car is perfect for a single person. I'm not saying this as my own opinion either. My 7 friends and I have had older beetles, and now we all have 2015 or 2016 beetles, all in different colors (one has a Dune, a few have the basic, and the rest have the R lines). From my experience, the beetle is and always has been the best car. Don't get me wrong, I disliked my first beetle in 2001, thought it was very ugly, but my friend gave it to me for free. And that was the most reliable and the fastest car I've had. That car lasted me until I decided to get a brand new 2016 beetle. The beetle is great in winter and has all the features needed: heated seats/mirrors, navigation, backup camera, ESP/ABS, sunroof....and there's a lot more. It is quick and small, and most people underestimate this car; they think it's a girly car. But me and my friends have always had beetles, along with second cars for fun, and the beetle is always the best everyday car. Also, with a brighter beetle, you're less likely to get pulled over! I've gotten away with so much in this car that I didn't get away with in my mustang. So right now, I own a Dune Beetle, a GSR, and an RLine (after selling my mustang for the GSR). I also always get compliments on my car, and everyone wants to ride in it. All the 2016 and 2015 beetles ride nice, smooth, and stable; you can't hear anything outside really, and the car doesn't jiggle like the older models. I have had no problems with my beetles and don't even need winter tires in winter! You should definitely consider getting this car!
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Vehicle year: 2014
My 2012 Beetle is a fantastic car to drive. It handles curves with ease and accelerates with impressive force. The interior is comfortable and well-organized, with everything easily accessible. However, there is a persistent issue with the automatic window on the driver's side. Despite taking it to the dealer, they claim there is no problem, even though it has been an issue since day one. It has even caused water damage to the interior on two occasions. Despite numerous complaints online about the same issue, the dealer insists it is due to the window tint. I remain confident that there is a problem with the window and will continue to seek a resolution.
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Vehicle year: 2018
This car is not your typical economy car. It is a mid-level performance car that can be compared to a poor man's Porsche, especially if you opt for the R-Line. However, this is not a criticism. If this car fits your needs, it is awesome! It is important to note that the R-Line requires premium gas, so if fuel costs are a concern or you need a daily driver, you may want to consider other options. This car is mainly designed for people who truly enjoy driving and don't necessarily need it for daily tasks like commuting to work. Personally, I purchased this car because I am an amateur hockey player and need it to get to rinks 2-3 days a week. The rest of the time, it sits in front of my house looking very cool. I figured, why not get something I really want instead of something I need for work? Since I take the train to work in Chicago, this car is perfect for me. If you're considering purchasing this car, do it because you want it, not because you need it, and you'll be very happy. Update: It's been a year since I bought it and I still love this car!
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Beetle?
Cordelia Stehr 2025-04-21
Vehicle year: 2015
This car is certainly eye-catching, with its zippy and cute design, and the sound system is great too! However, it's important to note that the cost of keeping the car running can be quite high. While I purchased this vehicle 3 years ago with 50,000 miles on it, I have experienced some small problems along the way. Unfortunately, with about 80,000 miles on the car, I have been faced with some more expensive issues every 4 months or so. In total, I have spent over $5,000 in the past three years to keep the car running, from issues with a malfunctioning throttle body to a broken AC fan and even an engine leak. During my last visit to the dealership, I was informed that I have a bad axle boot, which will cost me another $350.00-$450.00 to fix, just after I had repaired the broken AC fans about a month ago. While I would recommend looking for a different car to avoid any uncomfortable situations, I hope this information helps you make an informed decision.
Stephon Ernser 2025-04-06
Vehicle year: 2013
This car is certainly eye-catching, with its zippy and cute design, and the sound system is great too! However, it's important to note that the cost of keeping the car running can be quite high. While I purchased this vehicle 3 years ago with 50,000 miles on it, I have experienced some small problems along the way. Unfortunately, with about 80,000 miles on the car, I have been faced with some more expensive issues every 4 months or so. In total, I have spent over $5,000 in the past three years to keep the car running, from issues with a malfunctioning throttle body to a broken AC fan and even an engine leak. During my last visit to the dealership, I was informed that I have a bad axle boot, which will cost me another $350.00-$450.00 to fix, just after I had repaired the broken AC fans about a month ago. While I would recommend looking for a different car to avoid any uncomfortable situations, I hope this information helps you make an informed decision.
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/