2003 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 2003 Volkswagen New beetle problems
The Volkswagen New Beetle 2003 has received mixed reviews from owners, with some praising its performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, while others have reported several common problems.
- Cooling System Problems: Another common issue reported by owners is problems with the cooling system. One user reported that their 2003 New Beetle 2.0 had a cooling system problem, with the thermostat stuck open. This resulted in the speedometer slowing down at around 45-50 mph, the speed control not working properly, and the car not starting after sitting in the parking lot for 10 hours. The user had checked the fuel pump, which was kicking on, but there was no spark. They had tried using a cleaner, which only made the car backfire.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems have also been reported by some owners. One user reported that their 2003 New Beetle had a transmission that could not be serviced, with all the hoses made of plastic that could become brittle with heat. The user had to replace the entire transmission, which was a significant expense.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems have also been reported by some owners. One user reported that their 2003 New Beetle had electrical issues, including problems with the windows, sunroof, and radio. The user had to replace the window regulator, sunroof motor, and radio, which were all significant expenses.
- Body and Interior Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the body and interior of the 2003 New Beetle. One user reported that their 2003 New Beetle had dashboard tops that were drying out, resulting in cracks that were expensive to repair. Another user reported that their 2003 New Beetle had a roof that was an old-style soft-top that folded down in a somewhat untidy bulky fashion when compared to modern cabriolets. The user also reported that the roof resulted in a huge loss of rear vision during driving, with the windscreen pillars confusing the view.
In summary, the Volkswagen New Beetle 2003 has received mixed reviews from owners, with some praising its performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, while others have reported several common problems, including engine issues, cooling system problems, transmission issues, electrical issues, and body and interior issues. These problems have resulted in significant expenses for some owners, who have had to replace major components or switch cars due to unreliability.
Is a 2003 VW Beetle a good car?
2003 Volkswagen Beetle Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 2.9 out of 5 stars. The 2003 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?
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 is the life expectancy of a 2003 VW Beetle?
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.
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.
Is a 2003 VW Beetle a good car?
2003 Volkswagen Beetle Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 2.9 out of 5 stars. The 2003 Volkswagen Beetle Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 12th out of 32 for all car brands.
What is the life expectancy of a 2003 VW Beetle?
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.
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 year was the best Volkswagen Beetle?
The 1967 Vw Beetle is regarded as the best Vw Beetle ever made by many.
2003 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:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Volkswagen New beetle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Volkswagen New beetle
The NHTSA has received 338 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Volkswagen New beetle. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Volkswagen New beetle vehicles.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-09
- 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-11
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y63M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON..WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY AIRBAG MODULE ...VW DEALER SAYS PART HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED AND I CAN NOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-22
- VIN: 3VWBK21C53M
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE CAR IS HAVING ISSUES AS EXACTLY THE RECALLS HAS STATED (I HAVEN'T KNOWN BY NOW ABOUT THE RECALLS) 1. SELECTOR SHIFT AND SHIFTER CABLES WERE BROKEN 2. BREAK SWITCH DID NOT FUNCTION, LEADING TO MALFUNCTION OF EPC (ELECTRONIC PROCESSING CONTROL) THAT LATER CAUSED CRUISE CONTROL, TAILLIGHT AND AC COMPRESSOR NOT WORKING 3. WINDSHIELD WIPER PUMP WAS NOT WORKING 4. HEADLIGHT BEAM WAS LOW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y33M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLIGHT SHORTING OUT FOR 7TH BULB REPLACEMENT AND NEW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. STRANGE, ALL WITHIN 6 MONTHS. MY 21 YR OLD NURSING STUDENT OF ECU UNIVERSITY HAS HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WHILE ON HER 4 HOUR TRIP HOME 7 TIMES NOW. THE WIRING CONTINUES TO FRY ITSELF IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX , NOW AFFECTING THEABS BRAKING SYSTEM. I PAID $9K IN CASH AND HAVE ELECTRICAL RECEIPTS, SEAT BELT, CONVERTIBLE TOP, BLOWER DOOR, FRONT END REPLACEMENT, RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, TRUNK LATCH, HYDRO LICKS ON CONVERTIBLE, TIMING BELT, 4 BATTERIES, AIR BAGS! I COULD CONTINUE WITH A LONGER LIST. I ADDED UP TO $17,000.00 I HAVE IN THIS PIECE OF CRAP THAT CONTINUES TO BREAK MONTHLY . I WOULD BE ECSTATIC TO PROVIDE ALL RECEIPTS. ISN'T PROBLEMS OF THIS GREAT NATURE UNREASONABLE FOR A CAR WITH 70,000 MILES ALSO CONSIDERED A LEMON? ALL INCIDENTS HAVE LEFT MY DAUGHTER STRANDED ON INTERSTATE 85 WHERE SHE HAS FEARED HER LIFE FIGHT OFF THE HOMELESS PSYCHOTIC PEOPLE. IT HAS LEFT ME UNABLE TO BUY HER A NEW CAR WITH NO SAVINGS DUE TO FIXING SOMETHING NEW EACH MONTH. AND 27 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITH NO ABILITY TO START IT. THE SEAT LEVERS BACK AND FORTH HAVE HAD TO BE BOLTED IN ONE POSITION TO PREVENT SEAT BELT ELECTRICAL TOO SHORT ELECTRICAL CORD SO THE FAULTY AIRBAGS MAY BY CHANCE DEPLOY IF SHE EVER GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. LATEST IS. SHE NEEDS ANOTHER WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT FROM JUST BEING DONE 2 YEARS AGO!! SOMETHING MAJOR DEFECTS WITH THIS CAR. I FEAR FOR HER LIFE! LAST TRIP HOME A CAR DID NOT SEE HER PULLED OVER ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE SWIPED HER BUMPER. WATER PUMP AGAIN.SEE PHOTO OF IT LEAKING MORE WHEN WE HAD IT TOWED HOME IN GARAGE. ALSO REAR BUMPER OF INCIDEN
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-01
- VIN: 3VWCK21YX3M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: . GETS STUCK RANDOMLY IN 1ST GEAR ... SOME OF THE TIME IT SHIFTS BUT IF I LEAVE IT RUNNING IN PARK FOR A FEW MINUTES (ESPECIALLY THEN) OR WHEN IT WARMS UP NICELY AND I THEN HAVE TO SLOW DOWN INTO 1ST LIKE AT A LIGHT AFTER I EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND THEN TRY TO DRIVE AGAIN IT WON'T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST . AND. I KNOW WHEN IT'S ABOUT TO START THIS BECAUSE IT STARTS SHIFTING SO HARD THE CAR LURCHES (SOMETIMES SO ROUGHLY THAT IF I HADN'T MADE SURE TO BE EXTRA FAR AWAY FROM ANY VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME THEN MY CAR WOULD HAVE LEAPED RIGHT INTO THEIRS - EVEN IF I AM BRAKING) VERY SCARY:( AND I FEEL UNSAFE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT LURCHES BADLY AND ALSO WHEN THE CAR STOPS GAINING SPEED BECAUSE IT GOT STUCK IN 1ST AND THE CARS BEHIND ME ALMOST RUN RIGHT OVER ME ) FROM WHAT I'VE READ WHILE RESEARCHING THIS, THIS ISSUE IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT. V W MADE A MINUSCULE EFFORT TO ADDRESS IT ... AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH IS USELESS BECAUSE IT DOESN'T COVER FIXING THE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION THAT THIS DEFECT CAUSES, LEAVING US OWNERS TO HAVE BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION BASICALLY BECAUSE OF THIS KNOWN DEFECT. VW SHOULD FIX IT SINCE THEY CLEARLY KNOW ABOUT THIS AS A DEFECT. IT EFFECTS NEW BEETLES YEARS 2003 TO 2007! AND IN MY RESEARCH IT IS CLEAR THAT MANY MANY '03-'07 NEW BEETLE OWNERS HAVE VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND MOST FEEL LIKE I DO...THAT THESE CARS ARE SCARY AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.VW IS AWARE OF THIS BUT DOESN'T CARE SO I IMPLORE YOU TO PLEASE TAKE A DEEP AND SERIOUS LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND HELP MAKE VW TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX THIS DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE DEFECT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-01
- VIN: 3VWCP21C63M
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND ROLLED BACK. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE SAFE MODE ENGAGED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,437.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HAZARD LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-03
- VIN: 3VWDD21Y03M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON 11/3/2018 AT AROUND 11:00PM, I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE ON THE HIGHWAY (90E TOWARDS CLEVELAND) GOING 65MPH. SUDDENLY, MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND HARD DOWNSHIFTED. THIS CAUSED A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED, AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A SEMI-TRUCK WHICH WAS BEHIND ME . LUCKILY, THE DRIVER OF THE SEMI WAS ALERT AND SWERVED OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME. THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS AUTO TRANS HAS ACTED UP EITHER. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WHERE I REALLY COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF IT. THIS TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY, THE SYMPTOMS POINT TO A MALFUNCTIONING VALVE BODY UNIT, AND THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION OR A RECALL. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN INTO ACCIDENTS,HURT, OR EVEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS BAD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (JERKING/POPPING OUT OF GEAR AT RANDOM) NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY? ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-08
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y43M
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: REAR WINDOWS FALLING. REGULATOR BROKEN WHILE MOVING. CITY.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y33M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: ELECTRICAL MAIN FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD BURNT AND MELTED INTO BATTERY. SEE PICS OF BURNT FUSE BOX, AND INDENTION OF MELTED BATTERY. CAR CUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING MY 19 YEAR OLD COLLEGE DAUGHTER TO ALMOST WRECK IN ROUTE TO SCHOOL LAST WEEK AT 8PM EST. HER MAJOR IS NURSING. I WANT TO MAKE SURE SHE'S ALIVE TO SEE HER GRADUATE. OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WAS 65 DEGREES. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, NOT TO MENTION THE COST THAT WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH PAYING FOR VOLKSWAGONS POOR DESIGN ELECTRICAL MISENGINEERING FLAW, A NEW ALTERNATOR, ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING, A NEW BATTERY, AND POSSIBLY NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP MOTOR. HER VW IS/WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH FEWER THAN 80K MILES. VW ESTIMATES COSTS TO FIX OVER $5K TO 6K. KBB VALUE IS MUCH LESS. MY DAUGHTERS LIFE IS PRICELESS. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE SEATBELTS UNDERNEATH THE SEAT ARE TOO SHORT!! IF YOU SLIDE THE SEATS BACK, IT BREAKS ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WHICH TRIGGERS SEATBELTS LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH DISENGAGES AIRBAGS TO WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE 2 FRONT SEATS ALSO MUST SLIDE FORWARD IN ORDER FOR BACK SEAT PASSENGERS TO ENTER VEHICLE. IS THIS HOW VW SAVES MONEY, BY SHORTENING ELECTRICAL WIRE TO CONNECT SEATBELTS? PERHAPS IT'S ON PURPOSE TO AVOID MILLIONS OF ELECTRICAL LAWSUITS?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-01
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y83M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-26
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y53M
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ONBOARDCOMPUTERSYSTEM READINESS STATUS DURING CAR INSPECTION EMISSION RESULTS READINESS FAIL MONITOR EVAP-NOT READY MONITOR SECONDARY AIR NOT READY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-26
- VIN: 3VWCK21C43M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR GETS EXTREMELY HOT, UNTOUCHABLE. APPEARS TO BE DIRECT SHORT WITH HEAVY LOAD. MELTS FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY. FIRE HAZARD. ONLINE SEARCH FOR OTHER EVENTS REVEAL THAT IS COMMON OCCURRENCE EVEN RESULTING IN CLASS ACTION SUIT BUT STILL VW WILL NOT ADMIT FAULT. ALL VOLKSWAGON BEETLES SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE ROADS, IT IS A TICKING TIME BOMB. I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR IN MY SHOP CHECKING OUT SYSTEMS AND SAW AND SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM FRONT OF ENGINE. VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO BE ON ROAD WITH ENGINE RUNNING. PLEASE REQUIRE GROUNDING ALL THESE VEHICLES UNTIL VW DOES A PERMANENT FIX, EVEN ON THE ONES THAT HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UP UNTIL NOW.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-12
- VIN: 3VWDD21C53M
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: INNER DOOR HANDLES TO CLOSE THE DOORS, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, HAVE BROKEN OFF, SNAPING. AS I DID RESEARCH TO FIND REPLACEMENT; I CONTACTED OVER 20 DIFFERENT JUNK YARDS IN MY AREA AND I AM BEING TOLD THE SAME; "ALL PANELS HAVE THE HANDLE BROKEN". THE ONLY WAY I CAN REPAIR IT IS BY BUYING THE WHOLE PANEL FROM THE DEALER AT AN OUTRAGE PRICE OR BUYING IT FROM A USED SELLER WHICH IS STILL AT LEAST $600.00 FOR THE PAIR PANELS. I NEED THESE HANDLES TO CLOSE THE DOORS SECURELY .
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-02
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y43M
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN RECALLED ON SEVERAL 03 BEETLES BUT NOTHING THAT INCLUDED THE 03 CONVERTABLE VERSION OF THIS LIGHT BEING ACTIVATED THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT THAT I KNOW OF AND IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN WHERE NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IF I EVER GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. GOD FORBID. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED BY THE VIN BUT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THE PART IS NOT DEFECTIVE. ALSO OPPOSITE LIGHTS IN THE REAR SEEM TO HAVE SOME SORT OF ELECTRONIC ISSUE NEW FUSES NEW BULBS AND RELAY SEEMS NOT TO FIX THIS ISSUE. COULD POSSIBLE BE PART OF THE SAME 03 BEETLE BREAK SWITCH RECALL??
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y53M
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HAVING MAJOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES AFTER TRYING TO FIX AND REPLACE EVERYTHING LIKE FLUID AND FILTERS. HAS A HARD TIME CHANGING GEARS. ENGINE WILL REV WHILE CHANGING GEARS SOMETIMES. HICCUPS AND JOLTS A LOT ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING FROM 2ND TO 3 THEN TO 4TH. AND WHEN GOING DOWN IN GEARS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-24
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y13M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR RUNS FINE WHILE IT IS COLD BUT WHEN IT WARMS UP THEN IT BEGINS TO "JERK", SHIFT UP AND DOWN "HARD". WE WERE TOLD IT WAS A TIPTRONIC SWITCH WAS BAD SO WE REPLACED IT AND NOW WE ARE TOLD THAT THE VALVE BODY TRANSMISSION IS BAD. THE CAR HAS LESS THEN 100K MILES ON IT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS WE HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED WHEN THE CAR BEGAN JERKING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWBK21C23M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: REGARDING/RELATED TO CLAIM 0484819107 69 COMPLAINTS: 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SEATS: FRONT ASSEMBLY: SEAT ... I OWN A 2003 VW JETTA 1.8T WITH FRONT HEATED SEATS. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE SEATS HEATER 2 DAYS AGO ON 12/13/2005 AFTER THE HEATER WAS ON FOR LESS THAN 2 MINUTES. BURNING A SMALL HOLE TROUGH THE SEAT TO THE BOTTOM AREA OF MY LEFT SIDE (BUTTOCK) I HAVE COME TO FIND SINCE THIS HAPPENED, MY NHTSA HAS ... HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/.../SEATS-FRONT_ASSEMBLY-SEAT_ HEATER_COOLER.SHTML 29 COMPLAINTS: 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX ASSEMBLY FREQUENTLY MELTS INTO A GLOB OF PLASTIC, AND REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE OWNED TWO NEW BEETLES ( 2003 & 2004), AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM FOUR TIME BETWEEN THE TWO. MY OWN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSE(S) HAS SHOWN ME THAT IF THE VEHICLE BATTERY IS ... HTTPS://WHTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/SEARCH/?CX=PARTNER-PUB-6745124734283845%3A6PV4IH4BRAD&COF=FORID%3A10&IE=ISO-8859-1&Q=VW+FIRE&SA=SEARCH&SITEURL=HTTPS%3A%2F%2FWWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM%2FVOLKSWAGEN%2FBEETLE%2F2002%2FSEAT_BELTS_AIR_BAGS%2FWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/.../ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM.SHTML WASN'T IN THE VEHICLE PERSONAL ASSISTANT/PROJECT CONSULTANT HELPING HARD WORKING PEOPLE LIKE YOU FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).? *PM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-10
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y73M
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE REAR WINDOW OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HAS COME UNGLUED. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE SOURCES, I HAVE FOUND THIS HAS HAPPENED ON OTHER CARS. IT CAN CAUSE THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW BLOW OUT IF ALL OF THE ADHESIVE GIVES WAY.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-24
- VIN: 3VWCK21C93M
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING. THE BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE, AND EPC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND, UPON OPENING THE HOOD, NOTICED THAT PART OF THE ENGINE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE MOTOR MOUNT AS THE BOLTS WERE CRACKED AND STRIPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-08
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA...AIR BAG SYSTEM AIR BAG SENSOR ISSUE...AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPAIRED IN 2008 UNDER RECALL, BUT HAS FAILED AGAIN...
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-01
- VIN: 3VWCD21C13M
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY CAR HAS A VERY,VERY STONG CRAYON-CHEMICAL SMELL..THAT PERMEATES THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. NO ONE, I REPEAT, NO ONE WILL RIDE WITH ME IN MY CAR UNLESS I DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. I COMPLAINED ABOUT TO THE VW DEALERSHIP (LEITH VW/CAPITOL BLVD. RALEIGH,NC)- AND WAS TOLD BY A TECHNICIAN THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE AND THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE THE THE GLUE USED TO HOLD DOWN THE PADDING/CARPET . I HAVE VERY BAD SENSE OF SMELL AND DO NOT NOTICE AS BAD AS EVERYONE ELSE..BUT HAVE LATELY DEVELOPED A CHRONIC HACKING COUGH THAT HAS LINGERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW (W/O PROPER DIAGNOSIS..). I WOULD LOVE TO BE INCLUDED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST VW OF AMERICA TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE OTHER VW OWNERS WHO SHARE THIS VERY,VERY STRONG CRAYON-CHEMICAL SMELL..AND HAVE BEEN GETTING NO HELP FROM THE VW CORPORATION. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR FOR OVER 4 YEARS NOW..PUTTING @ 110,000 MILES ON IT IN THAT TIME PERIOD..AND I ALWAYS DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS UP (EITHER HEAT OR A/C ON).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-17
- VIN: 3VWCK21Y93M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WINDOW NEEDS NEW REGULATOR. IT IS STUCK HALFWAY DOWN. IT IS THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WINDOW.
Negative 2003 Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
Positive 2003 Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
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This is our 2nd VW New Beetle TDI, both 2003's. I have been very happy with both cars overall. Although, the maintenance expenses are higher compared to Toyota's. I have never had any unscheduled maintenance expenses with any Toyota I've owned. However, both Bugs are fun to drive and more comfortable, especially for me as I'm 6'3
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This car is so much fun to drive! The turbo engine really makes a difference compared to the normally aspirated engine, and the 6-speed tiptronic shifts imperceptibly. The body is rigid with no cowl shake or twisting, and the 10-speaker Monsoon powered system is strong. Although the backseats and trunk are narrow, they are still usable. It's such a wonderful car that you almost forget how cute it is!
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Hey there! I just wanted to share that I recently purchased a 2003 New Beetle Turbo S. I used to have a 2.0L, 115 HP, and decided it was time to get a boost. Let me tell you, the Turbo S is worth every penny! The great thing is that no one ever thinks that Beetles go fast, but little do they know. It's neat to think that no one ever suspects the Beetle.
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The big (+) here is the TDI Diesel. I recently took a trip through the NC mountains and was impressed by how well this car handled, almost as good as my A4 Audi Quatro. The torque is amazing, easily pulling four adults up 15% grades in 4th gear at 60 mph. The car is well balanced and the rear wheels stay right behind you where they belong. It's a solid and well-built VW Beetle that should last for years.
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I love this car! It's great to drive and can carry lots with the hatch down. The only drawback I've found is the placement of the cup holders - you can't fit anything bigger than a soda can. Maybe they should consider accommodating those big gulps from 7-11.
Other years of Volkswagen New beetle
Are you having problems with your 2003 Volkswagen New beetle?
Garfield Stracke 2025-01-03
These cars can be quite frustrating. At 140k miles, I've had to replace/repair several components that seem unnecessary. For example, the rear 3rd brake light seal tends to leak, which allows water into the trunk lock and sets off the alarm every time it rains. This can be quite inconvenient and requires replacing the trunk latch. Additionally, the water pump and mini fold are made of glass reinforced plastic that doesn't stand up to prolonged high temperatures, causing both to crack and need replacement at different times. It's important to keep in mind that this car may not be the most reliable option if you plan on keeping it for more than 3 years.
Peter Streich 2024-09-07
The repairs I have had to do on my car have been frustrating. From the door handle to the windows, convertible top, and another window, the list goes on. The interior has also been disappointing, with the plastic coating on the door handles wearing through and the cigarette lighter pop-out not shutting properly. Despite its attractive appearance, the quality of the car is not up to par. Additionally, the cost of repairing all these issues has been significant. Based on my experience, I would not recommend purchasing this car, even if it is fun to drive and looks cute with the top down. It may not be worth the risk of getting a lemon.
Sydney Baumbach 2024-09-02
I will replace the transmission on my Beetle, despite having already spent over $8,000 trying to fix the jerking issue. While the car has its aesthetic appeal, the hassle has not been worth it.
Matteo Schuppe 2024-07-26
This is the only car I have EVER wanted and after having it for a year, I will never own one again. I have had it in for repairs at least 20 times--everything from a basic turn signal not working to the entire electronic system completely going. The driver's side window also malfunctioned---and when it was 30 degrees outside! Can you believe that for a car that's a year old? No thanks. Volkswagen can keep it.
Maximillian Murphy 2024-05-12
This car has some issues with ride and handling, and there is an annoying clicking sound when stopped. Additionally, the pick-up speed is not great and the gas mileage is not ideal. However, it is important to note that there have been some challenges with VW Credit. While I have sent in my payment every month, there have been some instances where they have cashed my check but claimed that I never paid. This has been frustrating and required extra effort to resolve. It is important to consider these factors before making a purchase decision.