1998 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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Common 1998 Volkswagen New beetle problems
The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues that have been reported:
- Suspension and Steering Issues: The New Beetle's low ride height can cause problems with the suspension and steering system. For instance, the car's low clearance can lead to damage to the catalytic converters, grill, and fog lights due to frost heave and driving in snow. Additionally, the car's design makes it difficult for mechanics to work on the engine, which can increase repair costs.
- Interior Quality Issues: The interior of the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has been criticized for its low-quality plastic materials, which can feel cheap and shoddy. The dash is particularly problematic, with clips breaking during repairs and fabric on the ceiling falling off. The engine compartment also has unnecessary plastic molding and covers that can add to the cost of repair.
- Power Window Problems: The power windows in the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle have been reported to have issues, with the most common problem being the window regulators not working. This issue has been reported in various model years, including 2004, 2005, and 2009.
- Transmission Failure: Transmission failure has been reported in the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle, with some owners experiencing transmission slips and the car going into "limp mode." This issue has been reported in various model years, including 2003 and 2004.
- Timing Chain Tensioner Problems: The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has been reported to have issues with the timing chain tensioner, which can lead to a loose timing chain and catastrophic engine failure. Volkswagen eventually settled a series of lawsuits related to this issue, offering an extended warranty and potential reimbursement to affected owners.
- Rubber Rot: The rubber hoses and vacuum lines in the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle can rot away with age, requiring frequent replacement. This issue is common in many cars but can be particularly problematic in the New Beetle due to its design.
In summary, the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including electrical system issues, suspension and steering problems, interior quality issues, power window problems, transmission failure, timing chain tensioner problems, and rubber rot. These issues can be costly to repair and may require frequent visits to the mechanic.
Is 1998 Volkswagen Beetle a good car?
1998 Volkswagen Beetle Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 2.6 out of 5 stars. The 1998 Volkswagen Beetle Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 12th out of 32 for all car brands.
What is the most common problems with the Volkswagen Beetle?
Volkswagen Beetle Common Problems and Solutions
- Excessive tyre wear - New Beetle. ...
- Problem with the mass airflow sensor. ...
- Window problem on New Beetle. ...
- Convertible roof problems on New Beetle. ...
- Window and Windscreen Damage. ...
- Window and Windscreen Damage. ...
- Overheating Starter Motor. Problem: ...
- Overheating Starter Motor. Problem:
What years are the bad VW Beetle?
For a quick look, here are VW Beetle years that you should avoid. 1962, 1972, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2013 are the VW Beetle models you may want to avoid buying. For instance, one common problem that we tend to witness is transmission and engine issues.
Is the new VW Beetle a good car?
Based on the now obsolete Golf VI platform, the modern Beetle is enjoyable to drive and rides with poise, but it doesn't blow you away in any criteria – solid and predictable best describes the experience. There is a jacked-up version called the Dune, but it's not in any way better off-road than the regular Beetle.
1998 Volkswagen New beetle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen New beetle problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seats problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Volkswagen New beetle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Volkswagen New beetle
The NHTSA has received 32 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Volkswagen New beetle. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Volkswagen New beetle vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWBB61CXWM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE SEVERELY OVERHEATED, CHECKING OUT CAUSE FOUND THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY HOUSING HAD MELTED. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT! VWOA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM ALTHOUGHT INTERNET SURVEYS SHOW 26% FAILURE IN NEW BEETLES. PLACEMENT OF THE FUSE BOX ON THE BATTERY HOUSING DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A VERY SAFE IDEA!*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-28
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SOME TYPE OF 'CONTROL MODULE' NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, WITHOUT IT THE AIR-BAG SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE WHICH HELPED IN THE DECISION TO BUY THE CAR, AND AFTER 5 YEARS IT FAILS RENDERING THE SYSTEM USELESS AND REQUIRING OVER $700 TO REPLACE. THIS IS WRONG!
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-27
- VIN: 3VWBB61CXWM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TODAY, JULY 27,2004, THE OUTPUT CONNECTION ON MY FUEL PUMP CAME APART (DISCONNECTED) AND WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR DUMPED ABOUT A QUART OF GASOLINE ON THE GROUND UNDER THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. I WAS IN A CROWDED POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AND IT WAS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE FIRE DEPT CAME AND RECONNECTED THE LINE AND I WAS ABLE TO PROCEED TO THE VW DEALORSHIP AND HAVE IT CHECKED AND CERTIFIED SAFE TO CONTINUE OPERATING. THE CAR IS VW NEW BEETLE, 1998 YEAR OF MANUFACTURING. THE DEALORSHIP VW MECHANIC SAID HE HAD HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING SPONTANEOUSLY ON ONE OTHER OCASSION.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-10
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW AND DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED AND DRIVER SIDE PLASTIC SWITCH BROKE OFF.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING, HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE MANY TIMES DUE TO NO LIGHTS OR HAVING TO DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS ON. THIS PAST TIME HAD TO PARK THE CAR AND HAVE SOMEONE TAKE US HOME, COULD NOT DRIVE CAR UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. REPAIR BILLS ARE BECOMING REDICULOUS.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-30
- VIN: 3VWBB61C1WM
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TRUNK LATCH DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY WHEN TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW 31 DEGREES.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-06
- VIN: 3VWBB61C1WM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BOTH PASSANGER AND DRIVE WINDOW MECHINISMS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO UP.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VWBF61CXWM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER-SIDE SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON MY 1998 VW BEETLE FOR NO APPARENT REASON CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ACCIDENT. *LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-03
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTIONS, BURNS OUT. UPON REPLACEMENT, WIRING HARNESS MELTED. CAR NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-08
- VIN: 3VWBF61C9WM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE WINDOW "FELL OUT". I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, TRYING TO PUT THE WINDOW UP WHEN IT BECAME STUCK. ONCE STOPPED, I AGAIN TRIED TO PUT THE WINDOW UP WHEN THERE WAS A CRACKING SOUND AND THE WHOLE WINDOW JUST FELL INTO THE DOOR. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER THE SECRETARY WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND WAS EVEN ABLE TO TELL ME THAT THE ORIGINAL CLIPS TO HOLD THE WINDOW WERE PLASTIC AND THEY REPLACE THEM WITH METAL ONES. IF THIS PROBLEM IS THAT COMMON THAT THE SECRETARY KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND WHAT THE REMEDY IS, VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-25
- VIN: 3VWBB61C6WM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAVE A 1998 VW BEETLE. I BOUGHT THE BEETLE NEW. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR HAD 15,000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT GET THE LIGHT TO REMAIN OUT, HOWEVER SINCE I HAD REPORTED IT THEY WOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY ON IT IF IT WENT OUT AGAIN. IT DID THE MONTH THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH VW AND THEY SAID SETTLED IT WITH THE DEALER. AFTER GOING BACK AND FORTH I FINALLY PAID 80.00 TO GET IT REPAIRED. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST HEADLIGHT WENT OUT THE OTHER HEADLIGHT QUIT COMPLETELY. I TOOK IT BACK WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THEY TOLD ME THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND VW WOULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEM LATER. BEING STUBBORN, I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE HEADLIGHT. THE CAR NOW HAS 52000 MILES ON IT. I THINK THEY SHOULD PAY ME FOR THE FIRST REPAIR AND ALSO REPAIR THE SECOND HEADLIGHT. VW IS VERY AWARE OF THE ISSUE AS I HAVE SPOKEN WITH NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHO OWN 98'S AND 99'S. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-01
- VIN: 3VWBB61CXWM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: LEFT HEADLAMP BULB BURNED-OUT. I HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLAMP AT LEAST 5 TIMES OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP BULB HAS ONLY NEEDED REPLACEMENT ONCE OVER THE SAME TIME PERIOD. *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- VIN: 3VWBB61C8WM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE IN MOTION, THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED WHEN CONSUMER WAS OPERATING IT AND IT JUST STOPPED MOVING AND THEN FELL DOWN INTO THE CAR DOOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FAILED IN AUGUST 2002. CONSUMER POWERED THE WINDOW DOWN AND THEN IT WOULD NOT GO BACK UP, LEAVING IT OPEN. THE DRIVER WINDOW WAS FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN VERMONT AND THE PASSENGER WINDOW WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN WASHINGTON, DC. A VOLKSWAGEN REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE POWER WINDOWS WERE A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, BUT THAT NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR MONIES PAID FOR REPAIRS. *JG *SCC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- VIN: 3VWBB61C8WM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENSER SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE LATCH COULD BE PULLED BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. *JG
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-27
- VIN: 3VWBB61C3WM
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE EXECUTING A RIGHT TURN AT LOW SPEED, THE DRIVERS'S SEAT BROKE LOOSE FROM THE TRACK AT THE FRONT OF THE SEAT. THE SEAT REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE TRACK AT THE REAR OF THE SEAT. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT AND ME (THE DRIVER) TO SUDDENLY ROLL TOWARD THE BACK OF THE CAR, ALMOST LOSING CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. ONLY BY GRASPING THE STEERING WHEEL AND PULLING MYSELF FORWARD WAS I ABLE TO REACH THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS. I THEN GUIDED THE CAR TO A SAFE STOP. THIS DEFECT COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN MY DEATH AND THE DEATH OF OTHER DRIVERS. I HAVE NEVER ATTEMPTED TO PERFORM ANY WORK ON THIS SEAT. REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF MILES DRIVEN, AND REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY STATUS, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SHOULD NEVER BREAK LOOSE LIKE THAT. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL DEFECT.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: 3VWBB61C0WM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HAD INADEQUATE GROUND CLEARANCE. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT PORTION OF THE ENGINE SPLASH SHIELD SCRAPES ON THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE CONCRETE STOP. *YH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- VIN: 3VWBF61C9WM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS TURN ON, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE BULBS ABOUT 5 TIMES EACH, CONSUMER CAN LIGHTLY TAP THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON UNTIL THE NEXT START UP, CONSUMER HAS CHECKED THE CONNECTION AND CLEANED THEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, HE THINKS IT MAY HAVE TO DO WITH THE CURRENT FLOW TO THE BULBS OR BE A GROUNDING PROBLEM, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THE LIGHTS HAVE NEVER GONE OUT OR FLICKERED WHILE DRIVING. *SLC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- VIN: 3VWBF61C9WM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS TURN ON, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE BULBS ABOUT 5 TIMES EACH, CONSUMER CAN LIGHTLY TAP THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON UNTIL THE NEXT START UP, CONSUMER HAS CHECKED THE CONNECTION AND CLEANED THEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, HE THINKS IT MAY HAVE TO DO WITH THE CURRENT FLOW TO THE BULBS OR BE A GROUNDING PROBLEM, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THE LIGHTS HAVE NEVER GONE OUT OR FLICKERED WHILE DRIVING. *SLC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-25
- VIN: 3VWBB61C1WM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WE NOTICED THE HEADLIGHT WAS OUT. THE RIGHT SIDE HAD ALREADY GONE OUT AND WE WERE ABLE TO REPLACE THE BULB WITH NO PROBLEMS. WHEN WE TRIED TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE BULB, THE BULB HAD EXPLODED INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND WE NOTICED THAT THE METAL END OF THE HALOGEN BULB WAS MELTED TO THE CONNECTOR. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER SHOWED US THE WIRING HARNESS WHICH WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. ADDITIONALLY THEY SAID THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY CONNECTION WAS ALSO MELTED. THE DEALER COMMENTED THAT THEY WERE SURPRISED THERE WAS NOT A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-08
- VIN: 3VWBB61C5WM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: LOW BEAMS FAIL MUST TAKE APART AND RESET BULB TO CORRECT 3 TIMES IN ONE YEAR OWNING IT. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWBB61C3WM
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE BOLTS AT THE BOTTOM FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAME LOOSE, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO "WIGGLE" IN ITS TRACKS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE BOLTS WORKED THEMSELVES FREE AND ALLOWED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH IN ITS TRACKS, THUS PREVENTING THE SETTING OF A SAFE, STATIONARY POSITION. ALSO, BECAUSE THE FRONT BOLTS THAT HOLD THE SEAT TO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS HAVE FAILED, VEHICLE MOVEMENTS ALLOW THE FRONT EDGE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO TIP UP AND DOWN IN AN ARCHING DIRECTION. THIS MEANS THAT UNLESS THE DRIVER IS HOLDING ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY, THE SEAT TENDS TO TIP BACK WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES FROM A STOP OR A STEADY SPEED. THE SEAT ALSO TENDS TO TIP UP AND DOWN WHEN THE VEHICLE REBOUNDS AS IT COMPLETES A STOP. ON THE FIRST OCCASION THAT THE SEAT ANCHORING SYSTEM FAILED (JANUARY 2000), THE SEAT MOVED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF ITS TRACK, BREAKING THROUGH THE BACK END OF THE LEFT PLASTIC RAIL COVER AND ALLOWING THE THE LEFT SIDE SEAT ROLLER TO JUT OUT IN THE OPEN. THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WAS ALSO REPORTED TWICE TO NHTSA IN 1999 ACCORDING TO PHIL EDMONSTON AUTHOR OF LEMON-AID CAR GUIDE 2001. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTUER DEFECT, AS IT OCCURS UNDER NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-29
- VIN: 3VWBB61C8WM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FIRST BULB OUT ON 10/2000 ON DRIVER'S SIDE, ON 1/17/01 REPLACED WIRE HARNESSES AS RECOMMENDED BY VOLKSWAGON DEALER ON BOTH HEAD LIGHTS. ALSO REPLACED BOTH BULBS AT THIS TIME. ON 6/29/01 BOTH BULBS BURNT OUT AGAIN AND BOTH REPLACED. VOLKSWAGON REFUSES TO REFUND, BECAUSE WORK NOT DONE AT CERTIFIED VW DEALER. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM... ONE WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN FOG AND VISIBILITY WAS BAD. I WANTED TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM, TO INFORM OTHERS THAT THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED AND MAY NOT BE DESIGNED PROPERLY. I FEEL I SHOULD ALSO BE REFUNDED THE MONEY SPENT ON REPLACING THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE! SINCERELY, [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-05
- VIN: 3VWBF61C3WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWBB61C2WM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE LEFT SIDE, OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IN COMBINATION WITH THE LEFT, LOWER A PILLAR CREATE A SEVERE BLIND SPOT. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN WITH A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU, THE VIEW OF THAT VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY BLOCKED BY THE MIRRO/PILLAR. IF THE VEHICLE IN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-10
- VIN: 3VWBF61C4WM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEP COMING ON. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON NINE OCCASIONS, AND VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH OR MORE ON TWO OCCASIONS. DEALER UNABLE TO LOCATE CAUSE. *AK CONSUMER STATES OTHER BEETLE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED, HOWEVER SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTIFICATION. *SLC
1998 Volkswagen New beetle recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Volkswagen New beetle.
- 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.
Negative 1998 Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
Positive 1998 Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
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You have around 80,000 miles on your Bug. You bought it approximately 5 years ago from your elderly Mom when it had 50,000 miles. Both of you have taken great care of it and kept it well-maintained. You have had very few problems, just regular normal problems. You have just now had to replace the AC compressor due to a small leak, which only cost $400! It's great to hear that you still love, love, love your Bug!
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Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I bought it when it first came out and it's been amazing! Even after 105,000 miles, it still runs great. Sure, I've had to make a few repairs here and there, but overall the quality and driving experience have been fantastic. The mileage has remained consistent and the classic look still turns heads. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one!
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If you're in the market for a car, I highly recommend considering a used Volkswagen Beetle. I was lucky enough to find one for under 3k with 180k miles on it, and it's been a great purchase. Despite being 6'2
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I've been driving this car since it first came out in 1998. It's been a lot of fun to drive, with great handling and plenty of power. The only issues I've had have been with the electrical system. Unfortunately, the front headlights have been defective and the power window regulators were poorly designed. If I were to buy this car again, I would opt for manual windows and a model from 1999-2001, as they seem to have fewer electrical problems.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I bought my car used with 64,000 miles and it's still going strong with over 88,000 miles on it! I've only had to deal with everyday wear and tear issues, but nothing major. Take care!
Other years of Volkswagen New beetle
Are you having problems with your 1998 Volkswagen New beetle?
Declan Russel 2025-02-16
This car has presented numerous challenges during my ownership. Despite repeated visits to the dealer to address recurring electrical faults, the issues persist. Additionally, routine maintenance costs have been unexpectedly high, with expenses such as a new timing belt at 40,000 miles costing close to $900, brakes costing $700, and a headlight bulb costing close to $100. However, I am confident in my assessment of the car's issues and the associated costs.
Sanford Herman 2025-01-15
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my frustration with my car. Unfortunately, I have had to spend over 3000 on repairs and now require a new transmission. It seems that many others have experienced similar issues with this make and model. Despite the car only having 70 K's and me purchasing it with only 39,000, it has been nothing but a money pit of problems. I have noticed that more and more people are experiencing the exact same issues as me. It is disappointing that a car can be so unsafe and unreliable. Even newer models of this car seem to have similar problems. In my opinion, this is not a car that I would recommend to anyone. Thank you for your time.
Percival Kessler 2024-11-23
This car is definitely a lot of fun, but unfortunately it has been towed several times. It requires several headlights (5-8) and many window regulators (5) as well as electronic key entry which costs about $350. Additionally, this car has had 3 batteries, which can only be installed by the dealer who has to reset the computer. This costs about $135. We have heard from several other people who have had the same problem. We understand that the quality is not up to our expectations, and we are disappointed.
Dayne Prosacco 2024-11-03
Hi there! I noticed that you have a 1998 bug with 72,000 miles on it. It's great that you've taken care of it so well! I understand that you've had to replace some parts like the timing belt, spark plugs/wires, window regulators, alternator, wheel ball bearings, and taillight. It sounds like you've had quite the adventure with your car! Some of these parts are normal wear items, but it's surprising that you've had to replace them with only 75,000 miles. I've heard that the interior trim pieces can be a bit finicky too. If you do decide to buy one, just be prepared to take the three-layer door apart often to fix the window problems. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!
Triston Hansen 2024-10-05
I can't believe it's already 12 years old! It has held up great over the years, but unfortunately, there have been many costly repairs ranging from $400 to $800. While it was a fun car to drive, there were too many simple flaws that were too expensive to fix, such as the gas cap not closing properly and the breaking of certain parts. Although many parts are still original and the car is reliable, the cost of maintenance after a few years was just too high. In the end, the benefits of the car did not outweigh the costs.