2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was abnormally strong. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear latch for the hatchback was not locking securely and was also allowing exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Emissions Recall Circular Code: WA000 Reprograming of Engine Control Module and Replacement of Oxygen Sensor (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS PROBLEM AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING DOES NOT ADVANCES, THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

THROTTLE BODY GOES OUT (02-03-2009) CV AXEL GOES OUT (03-31-2009 BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT (02-18-2010) CV AXEL GOES OUT AGAIN (4-31-2010) ALTERNATOR GOES OUT (06-21-2010) IGNITION COILS FAIL (09-13-2010) IGNITION COILS FAIL AGAIN(01-21-2011) BRAKE SWITCH REPLACED AGAIN (01-21-2011) AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILS (01-21-2011) AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILS AGAIN (07-26-2011) TIMING BELT REPLACED (06-15-2011) THERMOSTAT REPLACED (06-15-2011) WATER PUMP REPLACED (06-15-2011) NOW HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE BODY/ THROTTLE BODY SENSOR/ ELECTRICAL ISSUE. DEALER IS NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEMS IS AND WANTS TO THROW MONEY AT IT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEMS IS. THIS CAR IS JUST ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER AFTER ANOTHER.

Mileage: 69,890

2001 VW BEETLE. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, FREE OF CHARGE REPAIRS. I HAVE LOW MILEAGE SO I THOUGHT THAT BY THE TIME THESE ITEMS WERE REPAIRED IT WOULD BE FINE WHEN THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND IN PARTICULAR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS GOING OFF. THE SAFETY ISSUE COMES IN WITH ITS CURRENT PROBLEM. I HAD A FUEL INJECTION FLUSH WHICH INCLUDED THE CARBON DEPOSITS REMOVAL KNOWN AS INDUCTION, AIR FILTER REPLACED, ENGINE FUEL FILTER REPLACED, AND A BRAKE FLUID FLUSH PLUS 4 NEW SPARK PLUGS. PRIOR TO THIS SERVICE, MY CAR WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STARTING WITH MAJOR SHAKING. I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TO GET IT GOING WHILE STARTING. NOW AFTER THE SERVICE IT RUNS MUCH BETTER BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT NOW STALLS WHEN I COME TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND STOP FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE OTHER MALFUNCTIONS THAT HAVE HAPPENED OVER THE YEARS ARE AN EXPENSE BUT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I COULD SOMEHOW MANAGE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND THE GENERATOR COMES ON WHEN I STOP, IT IS WORSE WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES FAST AND THEN I HAVE TO STOP EVEN MORE SUDDENLY. IMAGINE IF I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT STOPS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE, A FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO THE CLEANING SERVICE. NOW, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THAT VEHICLE. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AT MESSAGE BOARDS FROM OTHER VW BEETLE OWNERS AND HAD READ SIMILAR STORIES OF SUCH DISSATISFACTION, INCREDIBLE FINANCIAL EXPENSE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF CARS. I HAVE EVEN READ THAT THESE CARS CAN BECOME INFLAMED , NECESSITATING THE FIRE DEPT. TO PUT IT OUT. THIS IS A LEMON AND SO MANY OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE WRITTEN SIMILAR ACCOUNT MESSAGE BOARDS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED IVOQ 07/07/11. *JB *TR

Mileage: 67,860

2001 VW BEETLE. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, FREE OF CHARGE REPAIRS. I HAVE LOW MILEAGE SO I THOUGHT THAT BY THE TIME THESE ITEMS WERE REPAIRED IT WOULD BE FINE WHEN THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND IN PARTICULAR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS GOING OFF. THE SAFETY ISSUE COMES IN WITH ITS CURRENT PROBLEM. I HAD A FUEL INJECTION FLUSH WHICH INCLUDED THE CARBON DEPOSITS REMOVAL KNOWN AS INDUCTION, AIR FILTER REPLACED, ENGINE FUEL FILTER REPLACED, AND A BRAKE FLUID FLUSH PLUS 4 NEW SPARK PLUGS. PRIOR TO THIS SERVICE, MY CAR WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STARTING WITH MAJOR SHAKING. I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TO GET IT GOING WHILE STARTING. NOW AFTER THE SERVICE IT RUNS MUCH BETTER BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT NOW STALLS WHEN I COME TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND STOP FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE OTHER MALFUNCTIONS THAT HAVE HAPPENED OVER THE YEARS ARE AN EXPENSE BUT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I COULD SOMEHOW MANAGE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND THE GENERATOR COMES ON WHEN I STOP, IT IS WORSE WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES FAST AND THEN I HAVE TO STOP EVEN MORE SUDDENLY. IMAGINE IF I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT STOPS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE, A FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO THE CLEANING SERVICE. NOW, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THAT VEHICLE. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AT MESSAGE BOARDS FROM OTHER VW BEETLE OWNERS AND HAD READ SIMILAR STORIES OF SUCH DISSATISFACTION, INCREDIBLE FINANCIAL EXPENSE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF CARS. I HAVE EVEN READ THAT THESE CARS CAN BECOME INFLAMED , NECESSITATING THE FIRE DEPT. TO PUT IT OUT. THIS IS A LEMON AND SO MANY OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE WRITTEN SIMILAR ACCOUNT MESSAGE BOARDS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED IVOQ 07/07/11. *JB *TR

Mileage: 67,860

WHILE BEETLE DRIVEN BY MY WIFE IT WILL JUST SHUT DOWN!!! IT WILL ONLY CRANK BACK ON ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT WILL SHUT DOWN WHEREVER!!! I ALREADY SPEND 1350.00 DOLLARS. AND NOT YET FIXED! THE CAR HAS BEING PARK OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE FOR LAS YEAR! AND STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT!!!! DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING! *TR

WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM FOR THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE COMPANY IS REPLACING THEM. I JUST HAD ONE INSTALLED AFTER HAVING THE ENGINE LIGHT INDICATE I HAD A PROBLEM. *TR

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING JUST A TERRIBLE CAR. WAX MATERIAL INTERIOR REMOVES EASILY WITH NAILS CHILDREN CAN EAT IT HAS CRAYOLA SMELL.SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE OF PLASTIC OR VINYL. THIS WHOLE CAR SHOULD BE RECALL. EPC BRAKE SWITCH ALWAYS ON HAD IT REPAIRED 3 TIMES ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. BAD ELECTRICAL. INTERIOR AC LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF. IN AND OUT OF MECHANIC.

1. NORMAL DRIVING. 2. EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATING (EGR) COOLER CONNECTING PIPE FRACTURES. THIS CAN OCCUR ANYWHERE BETWEEN 30,000 AND 120,000 MILES. THIS FRACTURE ALLOWS EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE PASSENGER CABIN. AS OF NOW THE PART HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED, $178 DEALER ITEM. OLD PART WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAS BEEN REPAIRED 4 TIMES. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED INTO FIRST GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER, STALL, AND THEN FAIL. A LOCAL TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS FAILING AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $350. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,900. UPDATED 02/05/09 *BF UPDATED 02/06/09. *JB

Mileage: 68,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRAIN PLUG IN THE OIL PAN LEAKS OIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE PLUG IS HARD STEEL AND THE PAN THAT HOLDS THE OIL IS ALUMINUM. IF THE TECHNICIAN TIGHTENS THE NUTS TOO TIGHTLY ON THE DRAIN PAN, ALL OF THE OIL WILL LEAK OUT. THE DEALER PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE OIL PAN AND PLUG AT THE COST OF $360.78; THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,049. UPDATED 11-19-08 *BF UPDATED 11/20/08. *JB

Mileage: 76,049

DEFECTIVE PART. CATALYST FAILED ON OUR 2001 NEW BEETLE TURBO. THIS VEHICLE, FOR SOME REASON, WAS NOT OF WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS ISSUE FROM 80,000 TO 120,000. WE DID NOT GET ANY NOTICE, AND, AS A RESULT, VW REFUSES TO REPLACE OUR CATALYST AS WE HAVE 85,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 85,233

I HAVE A 2001 VW NEW BEETLE. I HAVE REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT, WHICH WAS DRAINS THE BATTERY, SERPENTINE BELT, REMOTELESS KEY WHICH IS STILL BROKEN- BASICALLY 6 DAYS AFTER BUYING THIS CAR- I SPENT $1200 ON REPAIRS- NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING FUNNY, AND BASICALLY- MY VW DEALERSHIP HAS A FIELD DAY WITH ME. TO TOP IT OFF- MY BATTERY DIED A MONTH AGO- AND CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I TRIED TO JUMP IT. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS CAR WILL BLOW UP ON ME AT ANY TIME. PLEASE HELP ME! *TR

Mileage: 75,000

I HAVE A 2001 VW NEW BEETLE. I HAVE REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT, WHICH WAS DRAINS THE BATTERY, SERPENTINE BELT, REMOTELESS KEY WHICH IS STILL BROKEN- BASICALLY 6 DAYS AFTER BUYING THIS CAR- I SPENT $1200 ON REPAIRS- NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING FUNNY, AND BASICALLY- MY VW DEALERSHIP HAS A FIELD DAY WITH ME. TO TOP IT OFF- MY BATTERY DIED A MONTH AGO- AND CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I TRIED TO JUMP IT. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS CAR WILL BLOW UP ON ME AT ANY TIME. PLEASE HELP ME! *TR

Mileage: 75,000

THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A ON GOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW, EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE VW DEALER ONLY TO GET SCREWED ,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CAR STARTS MISFIRING HAS NO POWER USES LOTS OF GAS STALLS RUNS RUFF . I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR ON THE FREEWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC FOR FEAR OF IT STALLING AND GETTING RAN INTO BY ANOTHER CAR ITS A PUBLIC ENDANGERMENT THESE CARS ARE. IN APRIL OF 2007 I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER THEY GAVE IT A QUICK FIX COSTING 450.00 THE LAST TIME THEY TOLD ME I HAD A BAD FUEL INJECTOR THEY REPLACE IT . IT RAN FINE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS THEN IN NOV 15 2007 THE CAR STALLED AGAIN DAUGHTER LIMPED IT HOME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON THE CAR WAS MISSING BAD IT WAS NIGHT AND GETTING CLOSE TO ZERO OUTSIDE . WE PARKED IT THIS TIME BECAUSE WE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THE CAR IT HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT. I REFUSE TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER VW DEALER , AND ALL VW OF AMERICA WILL SAY IS WE ARE SORRY FOR YOU TROUBLE BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT THE FIRST BUYER OF THE CAR AND ARE THE SECOND BUYER OF THIS CAR THAT WAS A LEASE RETURN YOU ARE NOT ENTITLE TO THE 10 YEARS 100.000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY THAT COME WITH THE CAR. IF YOU ARE THE FIRST BUYER OF THE CAR. THEN THESE REPAIR WOULD BE COVERED . THE WEEK OF JAN 15 2008 WE TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC SHOP . I TOOK THEM 2 DAYS TO FIND THE PROBLEM THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR WAS BAD AND THE TPS SENSOR IS BAD IN ALL IT WILL TAKE 1,400.00 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS CAR. WE PAID FOR THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR TO BE REPLACED AND THE COST TO FIND THE PROBLEMS. THEN WE TOOK THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT . IT STILL NEEDS THE TPS SENSOR REPLACED THAT WILL COST 1,000.00 AND THE CAR WILL BE DRIVABLE . *TR

Mileage: 53,000

THE CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON VARIABLY, LOCAL MECHANIC CLAIMS AN OXYGEN SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING, AND ABLE TO CLEAR THE COMPUTER WARNING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VW SERVICE STATION CLAIMS CAN'T DIAGNOSE PROBLEM IF LIGHT IS OUT, HAVE TO WAIT TIL LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH IN DRY CONDITIONS, THE TIMING BELT FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE OWNER'S MANUAL ADVISES THAT THE TIMING BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT 105,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIMING BELT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 500 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND IS BELOW THE REPLACEMENT MILEAGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,575.

Mileage: 100,575

2001 BRAND NEW BEETLE STARTED DEVELOPING STAINS ON THE SEAT FROM DAY ONE. BLUE JEANS AND DARK SWEATERS STAIN THE INTERIORS TO THAT COLOR EVERYTIME SOMEONE SITS DOWN IN THE CAR. THE THROTTLE BODY HAS GONE OUT THREE TIMES, COSTING ME OVER COUNTLESS DOLLARS IN REPAIR FEES AND IS NOW OUT FOR THE FOURTH TIME. CROWN VOLKSWAGEN IN TYLER, TX HAS REPAIRED IT EACH TIME, THE LONGEST REPAIR LASTING ABOUT FOUR MONTHS. THEY'VE PAID FOR THE REPAIR ONCE, BUT DO NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT RENTAL VEHICLE, REFUSE TO PICK UP THE PHONE DURING THE DAY OR RETURN PHONE CALLS, AND HAS COST ME TONS OF TIME AND MONEY TRAVELING FROM DALLAS TO TYLER TO CHECK ON THE CAR AND PICK IT UP. ONCE, I DROVE TWO HOURS FROM NACOGDOCHES, TX TO TYLER, TX ON THE SCHEDULED PICK UP DAY, HAVING TRIED TO CALL BEFORE LEAVING TOWN TO MAKE SURE IT WAS READY, ONLY TO FIND THAT THEY HADN'T GOTTEN TO THE CAR WHEN I ARRIVED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE DURING THE SAME REPAIR WHICH LASTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THEY HAVE BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE, AND THE CAR IS HORRIBLE. THE ARM REST BROKE ONE DAY AS I LIFTED IT, IT JUST FELL APART IN MY HANDS, THE INTERIOR COVERING ON THE DOORS AND DASHBOARD FLAKES OFF, THE SUNROOF BROKE NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK TO GET TO WORK EVERYDAY. IT FINALLY JAMMED THE VISOR SO THAT IT NO LONGER WORKS. THE SEAT MOVING MECHANISMS NO LONGER WORK. THE AIRBAG IS IN CONSTANT MALFUNCTION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND EPS LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO PULL MY CAR OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE IT LOSES POWER AND I HAVE TO RESTART IT TO GET IT TO WORK AGAIN, ALTHOUGH IT NEVER HAS A LOT OF POWER. THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE HAS NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL WRECKS. I AM INCREDIBLY LUCKY. THE CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER WORKS, AND IT TAKES ABOUT 200 DOLLARS A MONTH TO FILL IT UP WITH GAS BECAUSE THE ENGINE PROBLEMS EFFECT THE FUEL EFFICIENCY. *TR

Mileage: 25,000

THE TOP OF THE OIL DIPSTICK ON MY 2001 VW BEETLE IS APPARENTLY VERY FRAGILE AND COULD COME OFF BY ITSELF, POSSIBLY LODGING ITSELF INTO ANOTHER PART OF THE MOTOR AND CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT DISAPPEARED DURING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AT DOVER VOLKSWAGEN, INC. IN DOVER, DELAWARE. THEY CLAIMED THEY DID NOT BREAK IT. *TR

Mileage: 119,268

EPC LIGHT CAME ON NUMEROUS TIMES, CAUSING THE ENGINE POWER TO BE REDUCED GREATLY. THE LIGHT WAS NEVER CONSTANT IT WOULD COME ON AT RANDOM TIMES. BROUGHT TO DEALER 6/13-6/15. ENGINE FAILED ON 6/16 DUE TO A COOLANT COMPONENT FAILURE. NEW ENGINE PUT IN, I HAD TO PAY $1,360 EVEN THOUGHT STILL UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP 7/9. EPC LIGHT ON AGAIN THE NEXT WEEK, BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER, WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS BARELY RUNNING, IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WOULD STALL OUT AT ANY MINUTE. CAR WAS PICKED UP A FEW DAYS LATER. EPC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN ON 9/11 BEFORE BRINGING IT TO THE DEALER I HAD MY BROTHER LOOK AT IT, HE STATES ITS A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE, THE SAME PROBLEM AS ALL THE OTHER TIMES. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEALER ON 9/13 AND STILL WAITING FOR REPAIRS. *TR

ON 8/21/07 TOOK MY VW TO DEALER DUE TO A RECOGNIZABLE RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE AND THE MIL LIGHT CAME ON. PAID $126.94 TO "REMOVE AND REPLACE OIL PAN SHIELD". EIGHTEEN DAYS LATTER, 9/8/07, I RECEIVED A "CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY EXTENSION" WARNING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DEGRADED PERFORMANCE. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE OWNER ME HEAR A READILY RECOGNIZABLE RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER YOUR VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF THE CONVERTER AND/OR THE MIL MAY ILLUMINATE DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF SPECIFIC FAULT CODES CAUSED BY FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS I A REAL COINCIDENCE. THE DEALER CLAIMED I HAD A "CRACKED OIL PAN SHIELD" AND 18 DAYS LATER THE FACTORY STATES THE SAME SYMPTOMS ARE CAUSED BY A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER!!! I DON'T BELIEVE THIS. *JB

Mileage: 54,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST OIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,775. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PISTON RINGS WERE INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN WHICH CAUSED THE OIL LEAK. THE CURENT MILEAGE WAS 23,800. *AK

Mileage: 23,775

THIS IS MY SECOND VW BEETLE TURBO THAT HAS AN ENGINE THAT HAS DIED BELOW THE RECOMMENDED MILEAGE FOR MAINTENANCE. BOTH VEHICLES DID THE SAME THING AND DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 75 MILES PER HOUR. I LOST POWER AND WAS NOT ABLE TO USE MY BREAKS TO PULL OVER FOR SAFETY. AFTER CONTACTING VW CUSTOMER SERVICE (800 882 8987 REF# 60353557 9-29-06) I WAS INFORMED, "THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THE DAMAGE OCCURRED BELOW THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE". MY CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73K AND MY CURRENT MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE USUAL MILEAGE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM IS 105K. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS NOT A UNIQUE ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN IS MORE THAN AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THEY THINK THEY SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE. *JB

Mileage: 73,000

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE IN FEB 2003. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE TURNPIKE SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST POWER AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A CERTIFIED VW GARAGE WHERE I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I HAD NO WARNING THAT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING UNTIL IT STOPPED AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 56,000 MILES ON IT. THE MECHANIC IS GOING TO GIVE ME A REBUILT ENGINE BECAUSE HE IS TRYING TO SAVE ME SOME MONEY. SO FAR MY CAR IS IN THE GARAGE FOR OVER A MONTH BECAUSE IT SEEMS IT IS NOT EASY TO GET A REPAIRABLE USED MOTOR. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. ALSO I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR ONE MONTH ALREADY WHICH OF COURSE CAUSES A HARDSHIP AND A LOT OF STRESS. I DON'T FEEL THAT A MOTOR SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED WITH ONLY 56,000 MILES ON IT. I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE CAR. BOY WAS I WRONG!! *JB

Mileage: 56,000

ALMOST TOO MANY TO LIST O2 SENSOR AT 20K MILES - TWICE TEMP SENSOR FOR COOLING FAN ($5 PART - $200 TO INSTALL) AT 30K MILES IGNITION COILS AT 50K MILES. VW HAD INITIATED A "CUSTOMER ACTION" ON ALL 1.8L ENGINES FOR DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS ON VW AND AUDI MODELS. CUSTOMER SERVICE ACTION MEANS NOTHING, COST ME $600 WITHOUT RENTAL CAR ADDED. THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PRESS RELEASE WHEN CONTACTED DIRECTLY. WATER PUMP WENT SOUTH AT 61K MILES ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WENT SOUTH AT 61K MILES ALSO. WARRANTY COVERED STILL COST ME $300 FOR RENTAL CAR FOR 5 DAYS. TIMING BELT DAMAGED WHEN WATER PUMP WENT. VOA WILL TELL YOU TO "CHECK" IT AT 50K BUT IT SHOULD LAST TO 108K. PAID FULL LABOR EVEN THOUGH ENGINE WAS APART FOR PUMP WORK. VW SHOULD BE FORCED TO HONOR THE QUALITY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND FORCE A RECALL ON THE COILS, POTENTIALLY THE O2 SENSOR AND DEFINITELY THE ECM. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE INSANE. ECM ON THIS CAR IS $1300 NO LABOR. CURRENT WARRANTY ON NEW IS 60K. MINE WENT AT 61K. 2001 WARRANTY WAS 10/100 AND 8/80. THEY KNOW THEY HAVE PROBLEMS. CAR IS A LEMON, CONTACT LAWYER TOO MUCH HASSLE - THEY WIN AGAIN. *JB

ALMOST TOO MANY TO LIST O2 SENSOR AT 20K MILES - TWICE TEMP SENSOR FOR COOLING FAN ($5 PART - $200 TO INSTALL) AT 30K MILES IGNITION COILS AT 50K MILES. VW HAD INITIATED A "CUSTOMER ACTION" ON ALL 1.8L ENGINES FOR DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS ON VW AND AUDI MODELS. CUSTOMER SERVICE ACTION MEANS NOTHING, COST ME $600 WITHOUT RENTAL CAR ADDED. THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PRESS RELEASE WHEN CONTACTED DIRECTLY. WATER PUMP WENT SOUTH AT 61K MILES ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WENT SOUTH AT 61K MILES ALSO. WARRANTY COVERED STILL COST ME $300 FOR RENTAL CAR FOR 5 DAYS. TIMING BELT DAMAGED WHEN WATER PUMP WENT. VOA WILL TELL YOU TO "CHECK" IT AT 50K BUT IT SHOULD LAST TO 108K. PAID FULL LABOR EVEN THOUGH ENGINE WAS APART FOR PUMP WORK. VW SHOULD BE FORCED TO HONOR THE QUALITY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND FORCE A RECALL ON THE COILS, POTENTIALLY THE O2 SENSOR AND DEFINITELY THE ECM. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE INSANE. ECM ON THIS CAR IS $1300 NO LABOR. CURRENT WARRANTY ON NEW IS 60K. MINE WENT AT 61K. 2001 WARRANTY WAS 10/100 AND 8/80. THEY KNOW THEY HAVE PROBLEMS. CAR IS A LEMON, CONTACT LAWYER TOO MUCH HASSLE - THEY WIN AGAIN. *JB

I OWN A 2001 BEETLE. IT HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES ON IT. THE OTHER DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I JUST TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE TO REPLACE A COIL AND AN O2 SENSOR. ALL THIS IS GOING TO COST ME CLOSE TO $1000! AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT FOR VW BEETLES. VW NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL SINCE THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR SO MANY PEOPLE. I READ OF PEOPLE HAVING THE CAR STOP RUNNING WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING. THIS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS. *NM

I OWN A NEW VW BEETLE AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS BEEN GIVING DISPLAYS THAT COME ON AND OFF CONCERNING THE ABS SYSTEM, AIR BAG AND ENGINE. I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS CORROSION OF THE TERMINAL STRIP FROM THE COOLANT TANK THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I WAS FURTHER TOLD THAT AND GIVEN A FIELD SERVICE TECHNICAL BULLETIN THAT OUTLINED THE PROBLEM DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THIS CAN BE A PROBLEM AS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS UNRELIABLE AND THE SAFETY SYSTEMS CANNOT BE SURE TO BE WORKING. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN TO NO AVAIL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT RECOURSE I HAVE TO HAVE A DESIGN FLAW CORRECTED? *NM

Mileage: 70,706

LOSS OF POWER ON 2001 VW NEW BEETLE TDI. AIR INTAKE CLOGS UP DUE TO WATER LIKE SUBSTANCE CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL POWER LOSS. *JB

Mileage: 95,900

2001 NEW BETLE. IN SHOP 7 TIMES SINCE PURCAHSE ON MARCH 15, 2005. WAS TOLD IT WAS 02 SENSORS. REPLACED SENSORS, RE WIRED, AND PLACED NEW COMPUTER IN AUTOMOBILE. PROBLEM STILL NOT FIXED. SEVERAL OHTERS HAVE EXPREINCED THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE SEE HTTP://WWW.MYVWLEMON.COM/UBB/FORUM3/HTML/000059.HTML

1. ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE; 2. ENGINE THEN "EXPLODED" RESULTING IN ENGINE FIRE AND DESTRUCTION OF ENGINE AND ALL UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS.

Mileage: 83,500

THE CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, BEARINGS, AXLE, COOLING SYSTEM, SEAT TRACKS AND BOLTS AND WINDOW TRACK IN HER 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. *NM THE CONSUMER ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE FRONT AXLE. *SC

THE CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, BEARINGS, AXLE, COOLING SYSTEM, SEAT TRACKS AND BOLTS AND WINDOW TRACK IN HER 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. *NM THE CONSUMER ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE FRONT AXLE. *SC

2001 VW TURBO BEETLE (22,770 MILEAGE) LOW OIL PRESSURE. SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP. OIL SLUDGE CLEANED FROM PAN AND PICKUP TUBE REPLACE, COST $457.53. SYNTHETIC OIL USE VICE NORMAL OIL TO AVOID SLUDGE BUILDUP. VW MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ENGINE DESIGN PROBLEM THAT CAUSED NORMAL OIL TO BREAK DOWN. OWNER'S MANUAL SHOULD STATE ONLY USE SYNTHETIC OIL. ALL PREVIOUS OIL CHANGES AND SERVICING WERE PERFORMED AT SPECIFIED MILEAGES AT THE VW DEALERSHIP. *AK

Mileage: 22,770

I HAVE 21,500 MILES ON MY 2001 VW BEETLE, HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP APROX 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, CAR HESITATES AND STALLS OUT AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS A CONSTANT ON, DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, MY WIFE AND I WERE ALMOST KILLED IN VEHICLE DUE TO STALLING OUT IN FRONT OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC, I LET THEM KNOW THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS AN ENDANGER TO MY AND MY FAMILIES LIFE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD LIKE THIS VEHICLE TOWED IN, AND SINCE WAS AN ON GOING PROBLEM ALSO NEEDED A RENTAL CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA BOTH REFUSED ON BOTH ACCOUNTS, BECAUSE OF THE BITTER TASTE IN MY MOUTH FOR VW. I NO LONGER WANT THIS CAR.

I HAVE 21,500 MILES ON MY 2001 VW BEETLE, HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP APROX 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, CAR HESITATES AND STALLS OUT AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS A CONSTANT ON, DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, MY WIFE AND I WERE ALMOST KILLED IN VEHICLE DUE TO STALLING OUT IN FRONT OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC, I LET THEM KNOW THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS AN ENDANGER TO MY AND MY FAMILIES LIFE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD LIKE THIS VEHICLE TOWED IN, AND SINCE WAS AN ON GOING PROBLEM ALSO NEEDED A RENTAL CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA BOTH REFUSED ON BOTH ACCOUNTS, BECAUSE OF THE BITTER TASTE IN MY MOUTH FOR VW. I NO LONGER WANT THIS CAR.

I OWN A 2001 VW BEETLE. BOUGHT RIGHT OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR. PAID A PRETTY PRICE FOR IT TOO. MY CAR WAS RUNNING GREAT UNTIL JANUARY OF 2003, LESS THAN TWO YEARS AFTER I BOUGHT IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I NOTICED THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND CUTTING OUT REALLY BAD. I BARELY MADE IT HOME THAT NIGHT. I TOOK IT IN TO BE REPAIRED IN MAY OF 2003, COSTING ME A HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL. IT WASN'T 6 DAYS LATER IT DID IT AGAIN, SAME THING. SO I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS GOING TO COST ANOTHER HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX IT. WASN'T HAPPENING. I GOT A HOLD OF THE MAIN MAN IN CHARGE OF SERVICE, TOLD HIM MY PROBLEM AND HE WAVED THE FEE. WHEN I GOT UP THERE THE NEXT WEEK, THEY TOLD ME IT COULD BE 1-250 DIFFERENT THINGS WRONG WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING. OK, I AM STARTING TO DO SOME MATH HERE. 250 POSSIBLE THINGS WRONG X $100= $25,000!!!!!!! I COULD BUY A HOUSE FOR THAT MUCH MONEY. AND THE CAR ISN'T WORTH ANYWHERE NEAR THAT MUCH NOW. IT'S LIKE I WOULD BE PAYING FOR IT ALL OVER AGAIN AND WHO'S TO SAY THE PROBLEM WOULD EVEN GET FIXED? IT COULD JUST KEEP GOING IN CIRCLES. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT ALL OF YOU, BUT I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY. I AM MAKING CLOSE TO $500 PAYMENTS A MONTH ON THIS CAR WITH THREE YEARS STILL LEFT TO GO ON IT. YOU WOULD THINK A CAR COSTING THAT MUCH AND ALL THE HYPE THEY PUSHED ON IT THAT IT WOULD RUN BETTER THAN WHAT IT DOES AND WOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN IT DID. TO ALL THE PEOPLE OUT THERE THINKING ABOUT BUYING A VW BEETLE, TAKE IT FROM AN OWNER, DON'T!!!!!*JB

Mileage: 32,000

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH THEN IT STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO RIDE VERY ROUGH. TOOK TO DELAER AND DEALER STATED COIL PACKS HAD FAILED. TS

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING ACROSS A BRIDGE, ONE OF HIS ENGINES DIED LEAVING HIM WITH VERY LITTLE POWER. HE STATES THAT THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO HIM. HE HAD IT REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY, BUT IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN, OR WITH OTHER PEOPLE, WHICH IS A HIGH RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT IF THE AUTO STOPS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TS

ENGINE QUIT RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. WAS ABLE TO STOP CAR SAFELY. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER REPORTS THAT ECM IS BEING REPLACED, BUT BLAMES PROBLEM ON AN AFTERMARKET K&N AIR FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED 11 MONTHS AGO. INFORMED DEALER AND VW CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE MAGNUSSEN-MOSS WARRANTY ACT OF 1982 WHICH MAKES IT A FEDERAL OFFENCE TO NOT HONOR A WARRANTY UNLESS THE MANUFACTURER OFFERS FREE FILTERS. VW IS COVERING ECM UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IS INSISTING ON USE OF A VW FILTER AT MY EXPENSE. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT AND A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW. THE VW REFERENCE NUMBER FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS #20268678.

ALSO, THE BELT TENSIONER MALFUNCTIONED. *YH

MOST OF THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED DURING THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY. ON JAN 22ND, TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, ENGINE LOST POWER AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THE POWER CUT FROM 55 TO ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR IN THE MATTER OF SECONDS. OTHER CARS WERE SWERVING AROUND ME AND I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED OUT. ON JAN 30TH THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY BUT A SIDE STREET. CAR WAS TOWED AWAY AGAIN ANDIS IN THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR REPAIRS. DURING THIS MONTH NOT ONLY WAS AN ENGINE REPLACED BUT IT MALFUNCTIONED TWICE. IT IS DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL ON ANY HIGHWAY WITH THIS CAR. THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED TWICE IN ONE WEEK. I CAN NOT SAFELY RETURN TO DRIVING THIS CAR. I WAS ALMOST KILLED ONCE AND WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIUOS ACCIDENT. THE BEETLE HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS AND VERY MAJOR ONES. FOR A CAR THAT IS 8 MONTHS OLD, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.

I RECEIVED THIS 2001 BEETLE AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND A VOLKSWAGEN REPRESENTATIVE, BECAUSE MY 2000 BEETLE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WHICH COULD NOT BE FIXED. AFTER ABOUT 5 MONTHS, THIS 2001 BEETLE HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS AND CONTINUES TO HAVE MANY PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT IN THE FIRST TIME ON JULY 26, 2001 FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I TOOK IT TO FOR SERVICE SAID IT WAS A DEFECT AND THEY ORDERED MEPARTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY DID ALSO FIND FAULTS WITH P1200 AND P0411 TECH BULLETINS. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION PUMP MOTOR WAS INOPERATIUVE. THEY REMOVED AND INSTALLED AN OVVERRUN CUT-OFF VALVE. THAT SAME DAY, THE WINDOW GLASS WAS FOUND OFF TRACK SO THEY REMOVED AND INSTALLED A FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL AND THE WINDOW GLASS. THE CAR WAS BACK IN FOR THE ORDERED PARTS FOR THE ENGINE DEFECT ON A LATER DATE. ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER THOSE REPAIRS, MY AUTOMOBILE WAS IN FOR A FAULTY TRUNK LATCH AND MOTOR AND A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIRBAGS. THEY HAD TO ORDER PARTS FOR THAT AND SO MY CAR WAS IN ON A LATER DATE FOR THAT. THEY REPLACED THE LOWER TRUNK LATCH BINDING AND REMOVED AND INSTALLED LIFTGATE TRIM AND A REAR LOCK. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE AIR BAG MODULE, AS WELL AS REMOVING AND INSSTALLING AN AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT. THE CAR HAS OTHER PROBLEMS AS WELL. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND VIBRATES THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING. IT HAS A HUM SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THE TURBO WING LIGHT COMES ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES. IT'S HAVING THE ALMOST ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MY LAST BEETLE. I'M VERY ANGRY WITH THIS CAR AND I CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANY RELIEF. IT'S A LEASED AUTOMOBILE, THAT'S MY ONLY THING TO LOOK FORWARD TO, IS GETTING RID OF IT.*AK

MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR FAILURE. I HAVE HAD 4 FAIL, AND THE DEALER HAS JUST BEEN REPLACING THESE. I HAVE COME TO THE POINT OF JUST DISABLEING THIS SENSOR AND RUNNING OFF OF THE MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR. SEVERAL CARS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. *AK

VEHICLE WILL START OFF OKAY, BUT THEN IT WOULD DIE/STALL. PROBLEM WAS INTREMITTENT. IT SHUT OFF FOR ABOUT10 SECONDS OR MORE. *AK DEALER REPLACED RELAY, HOWEVER VEHICLE HAS STALLED 4 MORE TIMES, POSSIBLE ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES DELAY IN ACCELERATION ALMOST CAUSING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS A DESIGN USING A STEPPING MOTOR THAT CAN CREATE A LAG TIME DURING ACCELERATION. *SLC