1999 Volkswagen Beetle problems

General information about Volkswagen-Beetle
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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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Common 1999 Volkswagen Beetle problems

The Volkswagen Beetle, known for its iconic design, has been a popular choice among car buyers. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle:

Transmission Issues: Some owners of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle have reported transmission problems, including hard shifting, jolting into gear, slipping intermittently, and leaking. These issues can lead to the vehicle going into limp mode, which restricts the car's speed to prevent further damage to the transmission. Transmission repairs can be expensive, with some owners reporting costs of around $4,000.

Air Bag Light On: The 2000 Volkswagen Beetle has been reported to have issues with the air bag light coming on while driving. This problem is caused by faulty sensors that need to be reset or replaced. This issue can be concerning for owners, as a malfunctioning air bag system can compromise the vehicle's safety features.

Rattling Engine Noise: A rattling sound coming from the engine, accompanied by occasional misfires and trouble starting the car, has been reported by some Beetle owners. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out engine components or loose parts.

Interior Quality: The interior of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle has been criticized for being cheap, despite its stylish design. Some owners have reported issues with the front seat passengers having ample room, but rear seat headroom being constrained by the curved roofline. The ride quality has also been described as Germanic firm, which can be uncomfortable for some drivers, especially on longer trips.

Suspension Problems: The 1999 Volkswagen Beetle's suspension has been reported to be on the beat-you-up side, especially when dealing with larger bumps. This can make for a rough ride, which some owners may find uncomfortable.

These are just a few of the common problems reported by owners of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. If you're considering purchasing a used Beetle, it's essential to research the specific model year and any known issues. Additionally, having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchasing can help identify any potential problems and give you a better understanding of the car's overall condition.

What years of VW beetles to avoid?

There are tons of years of the VW Beetle, which provides plenty of opportunities to pick out the worst ones for drivers. Some are more ideal than others. We recommend staying away from the 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2013 models. These require expensive fixes that can cause trouble as you drive.

What was wrong with the Volkswagen Beetle?

The Beetle is praised for its longevity, lasting up to 10 years and possibly even longer with proper maintenance. Despite its reliability, the Beetle's most common problems include engine failure, faulty power locks, and faulty power windows.

Is a 1999 Volkswagen Beetle good on gas?

EPA rating: 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Are VW beetles cheap to fix?

The average annual repair cost is $612 which means it has average ownership costs.

How reliable is the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle?

The average rating is a 3.7 out of 5 stars. The 1999 Volkswagen Beetle Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 12th out of 32 for all car brands.

What years of VW beetles to avoid?

What was wrong with the Volkswagen Beetle?

Is a 1999 Volkswagen Beetle good on gas?

EPA rating: 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

1999 Volkswagen Beetle complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

1999 Volkswagen Beetle recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.

2014-03-07

Manufacturer: The Gates Corporation
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

2009-04-07

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

2008-08-11

Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

2006-06-29

Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

2006-05-24

Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

2006-05-24

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

2006-03-23

Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.