2018 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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Common 2018 Volkswagen Beetle problems
The Volkswagen Beetle, despite its reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, has some common problems that owners have reported. Here are the details of these issues:
- Engine Failure: Some Volkswagen Beetle owners have reported engine failure without warning, which can lead to expensive repairs.
- Faulty Power Windows: The Beetle's power windows have been known to fail more often than manually operated window cranks, causing inconvenience and potential safety issues.
- Premature Head Light Bulb Burnout and Bulb Harness Failure: The Volkswagen Beetle has experienced issues with headlight bulbs burning out prematurely and bulb harness failure, which can result in reduced visibility and potential safety risks.
- Airbag Light On: Airbags are a vital safety feature in vehicles, and problems with this part can be a serious matter. Airbags in the Volkswagen Beetle may have issues, causing the airbag light to come on, which indicates a problem with the airbag system.
- Parking Sensors: Parking sensors were not standard in the Volkswagen Beetle unless you opted for a mid-range model or higher. Therefore, it is essential to check for any dents and scratches in the bodywork, especially if you are considering purchasing a used Beetle.
- Recalls: There have been three recalls for the Volkswagen Beetle, affecting models built between 2011 and 2014. These recalls address issues such as starter motor overheating, potential loss of steering stability, and possible fire risks due to fuel leaks.
- Transmission Issues: The transmission is a significant trouble spot for the Volkswagen Beetle, particularly in the 2003 and 2004 models. This issue can be costly to repair or replace, and it is essential to consider this when purchasing a used Beetle from these model years.
- VW Water Pump Class Action Settlement: A class action settlement has been reached for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles equipped with 2-liter EA888 TSI or TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder multi-valve engines, including the Beetle, due to water pump issues.
- Front Assist Technology: Some Volkswagen Beetle models have been reported to apply the brakes randomly and without warning, causing potential safety risks. This issue is the subject of a Missouri-based class-action lawsuit, which aims to hold Volkswagen accountable for related repairs or costs associated with the system malfunctioning under warranty.
- Brake Pad Wear Indicators: Volkswagen replaced reliable brake pad wear indicators with a software solution for the 2019 Beetle, which may impact the vehicle's safety and maintenance.
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.
How long do VW Beetle engines last?
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 Volkswagen beetles expensive to fix?
The average annual repair cost is $612 which means it has average ownership costs.
Do Volkswagen Beetles have transmission problems?
According to one owner, they knew that transmission issues were a widely reported problem in 2003 Beetles, but their 2004 Beetle had all the same symptoms. The reports were all the same—the transmission was either hard shifting, jolting into gear, or slipping intermittently.
Do VW Beetles have issues?
Beetle owners have made 287 complaints over 23 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 17th in overall reliability out of 25 VW models , with real windows and transmission concerns.
Are Volkswagen beetles high maintenance?
The average annual repair cost is $612 which means it has average ownership costs.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle a reliable car?
The Volkswagen Beetle is a well-received vehicle with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from RepairPal. The Beetle is praised for its longevity, lasting up to 10 years and possibly even longer with proper maintenance.
How long do VW Beetle engines last?
The Volkswagen Beetle is well-known for its durability. According to The Driver Adviser, a well-maintained Beetle can, on average, last between 180,000 to 200,000 miles. Motor Ask asserts that this impressive longevity can extend to at least 10 years, assuming an annual mileage of around 15,000 miles.
2018 Volkswagen Beetle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Beetle problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Volkswagen Beetle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Volkswagen Beetle complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-27
- VIN: 3VW5DAAT1JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Driver and passenger windows go down all by themselves without the key even being in the ignition. Yes it is available to be fixed. My safety could be at risk if the window goes down and i'm not at home and some stranger lets themselves in my car and waits for my return. I've gone to break and i go out to my car and the window is half down. Dealership replaced something related to the windows unknown to exactly what. No bells or whistles its happened at least 6 times now once on the passenger side the rest on the drivers side. Started when it got really really cold out.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-08
- VIN: 3VWJD7AT0JM
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: At normal speeds driving down the road traction control will come on and break the vehicle and jerk the steering Will.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-10
- VIN: 3VW5DAAT5JM
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 2018 Beetle with 2.0 TSI. Vehicle is extremely well maintained and all work has been done by VW dealers. This is not our primary vehicle and, as a result, it only has about 8600 miles. Stopped at a store for a few minutes. Vehicle would not restart. Many fault lights appeared on the dash (e.g., battery, check engine, EPC). Pushed vehicle into another area of the parking lot where there was more room in case it needed to be towed. Waited a few minutes and tried to restart. Vehicle sputtered and seemed to be running on only 1 or 2 cylinders for a few seconds. Gave it a little gas, all lights went off, full engine power resumed. Sat there a few minutes evaluating engine performance, everything seemed fine. Decided to head to the dealership instead of going home. After about 2 miles engine stopped running. Many fault lights appeared including battery, EPC, check engine, and so many others I can’t even recall. Had almost no steering. Struggled to coast vehicle to shoulder. Weather was very hot and traffic was heavy, not a pleasant situation or place to get stranded. Waited a minute or two. Tried to restart. Vehicle coughed, sputtered, and shook like it was only running on 1 cylinder. Shut vehicle off and sat. Tried to restart 2 or 3 more times without success. On next attempt vehicle sputtered to life, lights went off, and full power resumed. Tested engine performance and it seemed fine. EPC light came on. Still heading to the dealership. Got another 1.5 miles or so. EPC and check engine light came on. Another engine failure. Super heavy traffic on a 6-lane highway. Luckily I had enough speed to coast off the road and into a dirt parking lot. Many fault lights on the dash. Waited a few minutes. Tried to restart vehicle, no luck. Vehicle was towed to closest VW dealership. Absolutely terrifying and horrific 3 hours.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-02
- VIN: 3VWSD7AT7JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Center dash screen goes black occasionally which prevents using the backup camera, radio, and phone. Sometimes it will reboot by itself after several minutes, other times I have to shut the car off, wait, and restart the car. It doesn’t always reboot the first time. This has happened at least 6 times.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-02
- VIN: 3VWFD7AT8JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOWS WOULD LOWER AND RAISE INDEPENDENTLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPC WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER WHEN LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: 3VWSD7AT4JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS DEFECTIVE. THE WINDOW SHUTTERS UP & DOWN ALL BY ITSELF, BOTH IN PARK, AND WHILE DRIVING. WHEN IT DOES THIS, I CAN'T SHUT THE WINDOW USING THE WINDOW UP & DOWN BUTTON. THE WINDOW GOES DOWN 1/2 WHILE DRIVING AND THEN LOCKS. I HAD IT TO TYNANS DEALERSHIP IN AURORA CO 3 TIMES NOW. THEY REPLACED THE LOCKING MECHANISM BACK IN OCT. IT HELPED FOR ABOUT A MONTH. NOW IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. THERE ARE TIMES I HAVE GONE INTO THE STORE, CAME BACK OUT, AND MY WINDOW WAS DOWN 1/2 WAY - AND I NEVER ROLLED IT DOWN! I NEVER LEAVE MY WINDOWS DOWN WHILE AWAY FROM THE CAR. I WISH I COULD ATTACH VIDEO - HERE IS THE YOUTUBE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=_Q6OWMB_F5I
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-12
- VIN: 3VWSD7AT4JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE WINDOW KEEPS SHUTTERING UP & DOWN AFTER GETTING IN THE CAR AND SHUTTING THE DOOR WITH IGNITION ON.. THE WINDOW DOESN'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY, AND THE AUTO DOOR LOCK DOESN'T WORK. THE WINDOW SHUTTERS UP & DOWN ALL ON ITS OWN. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK. THIS STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE A VIDEO SHOWING THE ISSUE AFTER THE DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-15
- VIN: 3VW5DAAT5JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: SINCE PURCHASING MORE THAN 7 MONTHS AGO, VEHICLE'S BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM FAILS TO RECOGNIZE APPROACHING VEHICLES AND DOES NOT HAVE AN AUDIBLE ALERT INSIDE THE VEHICLE MAKING IT NEARLY UNUSABLE AND UNSAFE. REAR-CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT SYSTEM GOES CRAZY (INCESSANT BEEPING) AND UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. EVEN IF THERE ARE NO VEHICLES AROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE THE SYSTEM WILL GO OFF AND BEEP FRANTICALLY. REAR-CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT FREQUENTLY WILL NOT IDENTIFY OR WARN OF VEHICLES PASSING BEHIND, SUCH AS WHEN TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. VEHICLE'S IN-DASH DISPLAY WILL PERIODICALLY GO BLACK WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED. VEHICLE'S RADIO SYSTEM WILL DISPLAY RANDOM CHARACTERS FOR THE SONG OR ARTIST, OR DISPLAY THE SAME SONG AND ARTIST FOR 10 MINUTES OR LONGER EVEN THOUGH THE SONG, ARTIST, OR STATIONS HAVE CHANGED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. VW CORPORATE WAS CONTACTED AND RESPONDED QUICKLY AND WITH CONCERN, BUT DEALER WAS STILL UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES.
2018 Volkswagen Beetle recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle.
- Manufacturer: Tenneco Automotive
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- Consequence: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Park It: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
- Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Negative 2018 Volkswagen Beetle car reviews
Positive 2018 Volkswagen Beetle car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you decided to test drive a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle! Even though you're 6ft 7, it's great to hear that you fit perfectly. How did the test drive go?
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I bought my cute and zippy Beetle hatchback in late April 2018 and have driven 3800 miles so far. Unfortunately, the EPC light keeps coming on and my car has been at the dealer service for the third time in a month. Although the service department has been unable to solve the problem, they have been in touch with Volkswagen engineering to find a solution. While I can't help but think about the Honda dealer across the street, where I've had great experiences with my previous cars, I'm still enjoying driving my Beetle. It's a small car, so I can't haul a huge load of kids or packages, but it's still zippy and fun to drive!
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The 'New Beetle' successor is even better than its predecessor in almost every way, although some may miss the iconic flower vase. The car boasts much better acceleration and handling, while also achieving significantly higher gas mileage - over 30 mpg on high-speed highways and averaging over 25 mpg on country roads. Despite its small size, the car offers plenty of shoulder and headroom for larger individuals, which is quite surprising. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of. Firstly, the ride is not as cushy, and you will feel the road, so long trips may not be as comfortable as in a larger car. Secondly, the tires that come with the car wear well but have poor grip in wet and snowy conditions. Lastly, aggressive drivers may experience some difficulty with smooth shifting. Nevertheless, the car is fun to drive, and people still comment on it, even though the model is about to be discontinued. It is a great value for under $20K. The tires were replaced with a different brand in 2021, which has significantly improved the driving experience. After 5 years, the car is still reliable with no issues other than standard maintenance. The windshield and front grill are getting pitted from so many rocks, but this is not a defect.
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I really like my Volkswagen, but I've been having trouble finding some accessories that I want for it. Unfortunately, even VW hasn't been able to help me with this. It would be great if they made more accessories available for their models. I hope they can focus on taking care of their customers and their needs, rather than just worrying about fuel mileage tests.
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Great Mileage! Fits in any parking space. It stands out on the road as everyone knows the Beetle. I love this car! Beetles are wonderful to drive.
Other years of Volkswagen Beetle
Are you having problems with your 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?
Green DuBuque 2024-02-28
The looks of the Beetle are great! However, the driving experience could be improved. There is quite a bit of road noise and the rear view is not the easiest to see out of. While the car handles and accelerates okay, the interior fabric and armrests feel rather cheap. There are much nicer feeling small cars on the market like the Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic, but they just don't have the Beetle look.
Gerhard Treutel 2024-01-02
In my opinion, the VW Beetle engineers should be offered other jobs somewhere else. The car is quite noisy and has a rough ride. The road noise is very loud, and it seems like the car has no insulation to buffer outside sound, especially tire noise. It would have been great if VW had a garage door controller. The Vehicle does not come with license plate holders, but the dealer provided them. Unfortunately, the dealer we went through used very cheap and ugly holders and wanted to drill 1/2 holes in both bumpers to attach them. We declined and had to find our own solution. However, the car looks nice, and the interior is nice too. The electronics seem to be pretty good, and the backup camera and sensors work well. Our 2006 VW Bug was a diesel, and it was twice as quiet and had a garage door opener that worked great. I was disappointed when we traded up to this vehicle, and I think my wife is also, but she won't admit it since she just had to have one.