Volkswagen New beetle 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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Volkswagen New beetle model years
Common Volkswagen New beetle problems
The Volkswagen New Beetle, produced from 1998 to 2010, has been a popular choice for those seeking a compact, reliable car with a unique style. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some issues that owners have reported:
- Engine Rattle: Engine rattle is another common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn engine mounts, loose timing chains, or faulty piston rings.
- Engine Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks are a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. These leaks can be caused by worn gaskets, seals, or oil pans. In some cases, the leaks can be minor and may not require immediate attention. However, if left unattended, they can lead to more severe issues, such as engine damage or failure.
- Window Failure: Window failure is a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle, particularly in the power window system. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn window regulators, faulty window motors, or damaged window tracks.
- Check Engine Light: The check engine light is a common issue in the Volkswagen Beetle. This light can be triggered by various factors, such as faulty oxygen sensors, loose gas caps, or malfunctioning catalytic converters.
- Overheating Engine: Overheating engine is a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as low coolant levels, faulty thermostats, or damaged radiators.
- Faulty Power Locks and Windows: Faulty power locks and windows are common problems in the Volkswagen Beetle. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as worn out motors, faulty switches, or damaged wiring.
- Airbag Light On: The airbag light can be a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as faulty sensors, damaged wiring, or malfunctioning airbag modules.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen New Beetle is a reliable car, it is not without its common problems. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs. Therefore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that the vehicle remains in good condition and to catch any potential issues before they become more severe.
Are the new VW beetles reliable?
Checking with still another popular ratings group, The JD Power reliability scorecard gave the 2019 VW Beetle a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The average annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance on a VW Bug is estimated at $612.
What are the most common problems with the Volkswagen Beetle?
Common VW Beetle Problems
- 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.
How many miles will a VW Beetle last?
between 100,000 and 200,000 miles
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 high maintenance?
The average annual repair cost is $612 which means it has average ownership costs.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen New beetle years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen New beetle cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen New beetle model years:
- Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Volkswagen New beetle 2000
- Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Volkswagen New beetle 2001
- Volkswagen New beetle 1999
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen New beetle model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen New beetle years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen New beetle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen New beetle , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen New beetle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by New beetle model years
A total of 86 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 New beetle model years
There were a total of 82 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 New beetle model years
There were a total of 89 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 New beetle model years
There were a total of 5 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 1887 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen New beetle . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen New beetle vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volkswagen New beetle 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 3VWCD21C32M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown
Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VWFE21C23M
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: This car was extremely modified by a company caledl Hestermann Motorwwerks. The specific problem is the installation of LED Tail/Brake lights. The lights are not compatable with the cars electrical system and as a result they have a problem that is called Hyper Flashing. That means the turn signal, when engaged, flashes erratically and wehn the brake pedal is applied the light flalso ashes erratically causing the following vehicle to be confused and resulting in an unsafe condition. I feel that the installer needs to be notified of the wrong doing as many cars have been modified by this business. HESTERMANN MOTORWERKS Jessie Lee Ct, Green Cove Springs, Fl 32043
Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 3VWCD21Y73M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbag sensors were issued a recall. The dealer confirmed this. The car dealership is refusing to replace the airbag sensors until other issues with the car are fixed. I paid to have them do a diagnostic on the car to address the other problems. They are refusing to give me the codes to check what other problems exists with the car.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-08
- VIN: 3VWRG31C96M
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident due to the seat belt buckle malfunctioning. When he callez Dublin Volkswagen to get the part to fix this issue, they stated that Volkswagen does not make the part anymore. This is a major safety concern because myself and anyone else needs this part to drive safely.
Volkswagen New beetle 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-09
- VIN: 3VWCB21C52M
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving down the road an the car started accelerating all by it's self so I pulled over but every time I let off the break it acted like I had the gas to the floor. The O2 sensor wire's shorted and burnt up the ECM making the CPU light to come on.
Volkswagen New beetle 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-28
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWCT21C01M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car caught on fire 2 times it was electrical and fuel problem the fire department was present. I reported this once already and the company acted like they didnt care
Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-29
- VIN: 3VWCK21C33M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Vehicle does not shift properly, vehicle does not shift to drive correctly and either shifts down or stays in neutral
Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2021-05-04
- VIN: 3VWCD21Y44M
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE IS DANGEROUS. THE TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION IN THE 2004 VW BEETLE IS KNOWN BY VOLKSWAGEN TO BE DEFECTIVE. AT ANY POINT THE VALVE BODY CAN FAIL, WHICH CAUSES DELAYED SHIFTING, AND HARD JERKING BETWEEN GEARS. MY 2004 BEETLE FAILS TO SHIFT WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO COAST FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, SOMETIMES REQUIRING PULLING OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC. WHEN DOWNSHIFTING IT JERKS EXTREMELY HARD. YOU GET IN, START THE ENGINE, AND RECEIVE NO WARNINGS THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. NO CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT PROVIDES ANY INDICATION THAT THE VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS. YOU DRIVE DOWN SOME CITY STREETS AND HOP ONTO THE FREEWAY TO GO TO YOUR FAVORITE GROCERY STORE. AFTER GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY THE CAR IS FULLY WARMED UP, AND AS IT DOWNSHIFTS FROM 4TH TO 3RD GEAR IT LURCHES. IT FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS TRYING TO JUMP OUT OF THE CAR! NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THEN YOU STOP AT THE END OF THE OFF-RAMP, AND WAIT FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN. AFTER TURNING THE CAR SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THEN IT FAILS TO SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. THE GEAR DOESN'T ENGAGE, AND THE CAR COASTS DOWN THE ROAD WITHOUT ANY POWER. DRIVERS PASSING BY ARE STARING. THE SUV BEHIND YOU IS RIGHT ON YOUR BUTT; THEY BEGIN HONKING. THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO. FINALLY, AFTER 20 SECONDS OF COASTING THE CAR ENTERS 3RD GEAR WITH A GIANT LURCH. IT FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO EXPLODE! YOU PULL INTO THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, HEART RACING, KNOWING THAT THE CAR YOU'RE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD KILL A HALF A DOZEN PEOPLE. AND YOU KNOW TO GET HOME IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM IS REPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF OWNERS. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO RECALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AND PAY DAMAGES FOR THOSE WHOSE TRANSMISSIONS WERE DESTROYED BY THIS DEFECTIVE VALVE BODY AND TRANSMISSION.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2021-04-30
- VIN: 3VWRW31C06M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN IN MOTION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE GEARS AT APPROPRIATE ENGINE SPEEDS. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE REVS WAY TOO HIGH AND SLAMS INTO THE NEXT GEAR, PRODUCING DANGEROUS JOLTS. OTHER TIMES THE GEAR FAILS TO ENGAGE AT ALL, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER. MY VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN CITY TRAFFIC DUE TO THIS TEMPORARY FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS AND CERTAIN CONTROL PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY THIS DEFECTIVE BEHAVIOR SEEMINGLY AT RANDOM. I AND OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE'S DRIVETRAIN.
Volkswagen New beetle 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2021-04-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWCK21C92M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY DAUGHTER AND GIRLFRIEND WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR CAUGHT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OUT OF NOWHERE. I PULLED OVER AND CLOUDY SMOKE WAS ARISING LUCKILY THE STATE TROOPER HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT IT OUT BEFORE THE CAR CAUGHT ON HEAVY FLAMES.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-12
- VIN: 3VWPF31YX6M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY MELTDOWN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY
Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-31
- VIN: 3VWGK31C64M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF, STARTED AT 33650 MILES, RIGHT AFTER MY MOM SIGNED OVER THE CAR TO ME.
Volkswagen New beetle 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2020-05-18
- VIN: 3VWCC21C9YM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHT. *TR
Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-08
- Date Complaint: 2020-01-08
- VIN: 3VWCM21Y94M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WHICH WAS A PART OF THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL SEAT BELT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-14
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-15
- VIN: 3VWRF31Y06M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WE TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CAUSE WAS THE WIRING GOING INTO THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE ALTERNATOR HARNESS AND FUSE BOX NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE SO DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE.
Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen New beetle
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen New beetle.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Report Received Date: 2003-12-04
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TIRE INFORMATION LABEL IS INCORRECT IDENTIFYING THE VEHICLE AS A FIVE-PASSENGER VEHICLE, INSTEAD OF A FOUR-PASSENGER VEHICLE.
- Consequence: EXCEEDING THE CORRECT SEATING CAPACITY IN A VEHICLE PUTS OCCUPANTS AT RISK FOR INJURY IN A CRASH, AND CAN RESULT IN VEHICLE OVERLOADING, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND PUT YOU AT RISK FOR A CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A NEW LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Report Received Date: 2003-09-29
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER DETECTION FUNCTION OF THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MAY BECOME DISABLED.
- Consequence: SHOULD THE PODS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT WORK AS DESIGNED AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS. OWNER NOTIFICATION ORIGINALLY BEGAN OCTOBER 3, 2003. VW HAS DETERMINED THAT ADDITIONAL VEHICLES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE RECALL FOR THE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 1998
- Report Received Date: 2003-07-25
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 1999
- Report Received Date: 2003-07-25
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 2000
- Report Received Date: 2003-07-25
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Latest negative Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2002
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my Gecko Green car. I bought it with 92K miles on it, and even though it had some minor exterior damage, I fell in love with it! Currently, I have 180K miles on it, and I've had a few issues along the way, such as the alternator and the serpentim belt pulley, which cost me $900.00 and $500.00 respectively. However, considering the abuse I've put this car through, I think it's held up pretty well. Oh, and the undercarriage protector fell off, but I decided not to replace it. Overall, I'm still really happy with my car! Let me know if you have any questions or if you want to share your own car stories.
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Vehicle year: 2003
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my TDI. I bought it with the intention of using it for commuting and it has been great so far. In the first two years of ownership, it returned an impressive 47 mpg! However, since putting on a new set of tires at 60,000 miles, it has been averaging 43 mpg. Despite this, it still starts up easily in cold weather (even as low as -8 F), handles well, and has more than enough power. The car is also very comfortable and has held up well despite having three kids and lots of miles. I bought it as a leftover for $16,600 and it has proven to be very reliable. In fact, I'm so happy with it that I'm looking to buy a second one for my teenage daughter. By the way, my uncle also owns a 2002 TDI and gets 42 mpg. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2001
This car has been amazing! It's incredibly durable and reliable, and it looks great too. Even though I think my kids might be a bit cramped, they never complain about it. It's cozy and all their friends love it. With the sunroof and windows open, it's like a convertible - so much fun and so loud, it's like a party on wheels! Even though the car is over 6 years old, it still attracts attention - not just from kids, although they really seem to love it. It typically gets 45 mpg in mixed use, and I've never had any problems with it in the cold Detroit weather. The diesel engine is quiet and pleasant sounding in normal use, but it has a higher pitch singing sound when you really put your foot down and kick in the turbo.
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Vehicle year: 2004
What a pleasure to drive! It's so smooth, quiet, and peppy. The gear ratio is great for both traffic and highway driving. While the ride is comfortable, I wouldn't recommend putting anyone in the back seat for long distances. It's a lot of fun to drive and the perfect size for running errands.
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Vehicle year: 1998
I bought this car almost 3 years ago and I still love it every day. It's the TDI GLS version with an automatic transmission. I was pleasantly surprised by its acceleration off the line, even with the automatic. I test drove a 5-speed and, as expected, the performance was more lively than the automatic, but the automatic is still good. I've only needed to do regular oil changes (synthetic only) and replace the front brakes, but other than that, there have been absolutely no mechanical problems. I think the TDI engine is bulletproof. I highly recommend this car. With a heavy foot, I'm still able to get about 530 miles out of a tank of gas.
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen New beetle?
Kaleb Wiegand 2025-11-06
Vehicle year: 2002
Bought this car brand new. Although it was okay at first, it unfortunately started falling apart after a few years. We experienced numerous electrical problems, gauge cluster failure, and constant issues with the rear brakes seizing. Additionally, the paint failed in places and the running boards underneath the doors were easily dented. We found that some parts were poorly designed due to the car's shape, making it very difficult to work on. Due to these issues, we decided to unload it before it hit 50k miles.
Anibal Dare 2025-11-05
Vehicle year: 2002
Although my experience with this car was not great, it is important to note that it had some issues that needed to be addressed. These included a noisy catalytic converter, malfunctioning electronic door locks and trunk opener, and a gas filler door that wouldn't open. Unfortunately, the car even caught fire while I was driving it, which was a major setback. Despite the high cost of repairs, I decided to sell it to a junkyard due to the lack of available repair options. While this was supposed to be an economical car, the repairs ended up costing me a lot of money. However, it is important to note that this was just my personal experience and others may have had better luck with this car.
Eli Borer 2025-11-02
Vehicle year: 2002
For all those who may be skeptical, please take a moment to read this. My TDI Beetle has travelled an impressive 238,000 miles with no major engine issues. I have made sure to service it regularly, with an oil change every 6k, and timing belt replacements at 20k/40k/60k. The tires have been rotated every 5-8k, and I have used the best Michelin Destiny's. While there have been a few minor complaints, such as uncomfortable seats and headlight lenses falling out (which have been replaced 5 times), the rear seat is not ideal for passengers with longer legs. Unfortunately, I had to retire my Beetle this week after a Ford driver with bald tires had a blowout on the mountain and swerved to avoid hitting me, instead hitting a guard rail and totaling my car. While I will miss my Beetle dearly, I am grateful that it was able to save a life. To those who may have in-laws or friends suggesting that you sell your TDI, please don't listen to them. They are simply jealous of your impressive MPG!
Lewis Kutch 2025-10-20
Vehicle year: 2004
This car may be the one for you, but it's worth noting that some interior pieces may come off in your hands. I have personally had to replace the center console three times, and the back seat electrical outlet five times. Additionally, the hood latch has needed replacing four times, and the CD changer twice. It's also worth noting that when the air bag sensor failed, it took four months to get the part from Germany. Despite these issues, I have found the service at my dealership to be excellent, and I would be happy to recommend them to you.
Buddy Bauch 2025-10-18
Vehicle year: 2000
Before falling for the Beetle's charm, it's important to consider some potential maintenance issues. We experienced replacement brakes at 35K, a failed starter motor at 45K, a broken hood release, a failed glove box hinge, a sheared off mirror adjuster, and had to replace 3 O2 sensors and 3 mass airflow sensors. Despite these challenges, we are now ready to say goodbye. It's worth noting that while the customer service department sounded concerned and attentive, we didn't get the impression that they would take action to resolve our issues.