2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible problems
The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It was revised in 2005 and was in production until 2011, almost fourteen years since introduction.
In 2011 for the 2012 model year, a new Beetle model, the Beetle (A5), replaced the New Beetle. It is often referred to as the New Beetle as well. Various versions of this model continued to be made in Puebla, Mexico, until the final car left the assembly line on 10 July 2019.
History
At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle. Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio, the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo. A red cabriolet concept was featured at the Geneva Motor Show, also in 1994.
Production design approval was reached in mid-1995, with a design freeze resulting in 22 months of development time for production. In October 1995, the Volkswagen Concept Two was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, essentially an early preview of the production model due in early 1998.
Strong public reaction to the Concept One convinced the company that it should develop a production version which was launched as the New Beetle in 1997 for the 1998 model-year, based on the Golf IV's larger PQ34 platform. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance (including the absence of a car emblem script with the exception of the VW logo). For the 1998 model year, only the TDI compression-ignition engine was turbocharged; the spark-ignition engines were only naturally aspirated. In June 1999, Volkswagen introduced the 1.8T, which was the first turbocharged spark-ignition engine offered for the New Beetle. Volkswagen created a web site dedicated specifically to the 1.8T. A convertible was added for the 2003 model-year to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio. However, the New Beetle Convertible was never offered with a compression-ignition engine in North America. The third-generation Beetle Convertible, the successor to the New Beetle Convertible, was offered with the TDI compression-ignition engine in the USA but not in Canada, though, making it possibly the only diesel convertible car offered in North America.
The New Beetle carries many design similarities with the original VW Beetle: separate fenders, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps, and large round taillights, as well as a high rounded roofline. It was assembled in VW's Puebla factory in Mexico.
In June 2005, Volkswagen announced a facelift of the New Beetle featuring revised bumpers, wheels, lamps, VW emblems, sharper lines and a different interior. In the USA it went on sale for the 2006 model year.
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Common 2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible problems
The Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 2014 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine, windows, and check engine light.
- Engine Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks are another common problem with the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. These leaks can be caused by various factors, including worn gaskets, seals, or oil pan leaks. Oil leaks can result in decreased engine performance, increased oil consumption, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Window Failure: The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has been reported to have issues with the power windows, which can fail to operate correctly or become stuck in one position. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn window regulators, broken window motors, or faulty window switches.
- Check Engine Light: The check engine light is a common issue with the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, which can be caused by various problems, including faulty oxygen sensors, catalytic converter issues, or loose gas caps. These problems can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, decreased engine performance, and even engine failure if not addressed promptly.
- Overheating Engine: Some owners have reported that the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible's engine can overheat, which can be caused by various factors, including low coolant levels, faulty thermostats, or damaged radiators. Overheating can lead to engine damage, decreased performance, and even engine failure if not addressed promptly.
- Convertible Top Problems: The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has been reported to have issues with the convertible top, including problems with the motor, locking mechanism, and display center. These problems can lead to a convertible top that does not close or lock properly, which can be a safety hazard.
In summary, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has several common problems, primarily related to the engine, windows, and check engine light. These problems can lead to decreased performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even engine failure if not addressed promptly. Additionally, the convertible top has been reported to have issues with the motor, locking mechanism, and display center. These problems can lead to a convertible top that does not close or lock properly, which can be a safety hazard.
How reliable are 2014 VW Beetles?
How Reliable Is the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle? The Volkswagen Beetle has average reliability, earning a score of three out of five from J.D. Power.
How reliable is the VW Beetle convertible?
For The Car Owner
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect this model to last 150,000 miles or 10 years, but some owners have shared that their Beetles have lasted even longer. The Volkswagen Beetle is a reliable compact car that's also known for its iconic, signature look.
Do VW Beetles have engine problems?
Common VW Beetle Problems
Here are a few of the prominent troubles with a VW Beetle: Engine failure - The engine may fail without warning, warranting pricey repairs. Faulty power windows - The windows may not roll up and down effectively. Faulty power locks - The locks may not work.
Is a VW Beetle expensive to maintain?
Volkswagen maintenance costs are around $676 per year according to RepairPal, which is just a bit higher than the industry average of $652 per year.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
- Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Negative 2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible car reviews
Positive 2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you found the car to be surprisingly roomy despite its small size! It's also great to hear that you had fun driving it.
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Low mileage, spotless, red with a tan top - this car is a real show stopper!
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Our Beetle has been a huge hit with our 5-year-old twins so far. They love riding with the top down and being able to see out the windows (with the help of a booster seat). The car handles great, rides great and is fun to drive. Although the driver's seat doesn't recline, it's my only minor dissatisfaction. Of course, there's not much backseat legroom, but it's just enough for the young kids. We haven't had it long, but we're already considering buying a newer model with more bells and whistles.
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This car is so much fun! You can keep up with the big dogs and still get an impressive 28 mpg overall. Plus, you can comfortably fit four people in the car with the top up or down.
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I love everything about Beetle convertible! I have now owned it for 18 months and still absolutely love it! I have had no major problems with it now at nearly 42,000. The only disappointment is that I was given a $200 credit card from Edmunds and unfortunately, I lost it :( However, I found it a month later, but they said it was expired and would not honor it any longer. Super sad about that.
Other years of Volkswagen Beetle convertible
Are you having problems with your 2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible?
Easter Klein 2024-08-16
Although I loved my convertible, it became a money pit due to the frequent need to replace the motors in every window. Despite my efforts to maintain it, the interior color would come off with just a simple wipe down. As much as it breaks my heart, it is time to let it go. Unfortunately, I am now without a car.
Adonis Stiedemann 2024-06-09
Although my car has over 79,000 miles on it, I am confident in its reliability. While some minor repairs have been necessary, such as the battery and certain parts, I have always been able to get it fixed quickly and efficiently. In colder weather, the car may require a bit more attention, but overall it still performs well. I did have to replace the rubber rim for the trunk due to a leak, but this was a simple fix. (For the purposes of this review, I selected a 2014 yellow convertible VW Beetle model at random.)
Tate O'Keefe 2024-04-06
The car hesitates significantly when starting from a standstill. According to a service technician, this may be due to the chain-driven transmission. It's not ideal and could potentially be a safety issue if you needed to get out of the way quickly. Additionally, the car has crummy mileage on high test and a very noisy interior. The tires are also very noisy after rotation. Lastly, the rear seat is non-existent. We understand that these issues can be frustrating, but we are here to help you find a solution.