Guest Writer: One Troublesome Beetle!
May 23, 2007 – 8:30 am by Dan Volkens
Filed under Rants, Volkswagen New Beetle
Our first guest article comes by way of one Beetle owner who has pretty much been through hell and back with her ‘lil ride.
The following is a play-by-play account of what our guest writer, Kathryn, has experienced with her 2002 New Beetle. Needless to say, it’s just about added up to an honest-to-goodness lemon. And to top it off, dealerships aren’t treating her very well either. At this point, she just wants to unload the thing. Anyone out there willing to take on a fixer-upper project?
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The history of my 2002 New Beetle purchased January 21 of 2002:
Warranty expired 1/21/05
*May 20, 2002: The MIL came on and though not blinking, stayed on. I called the VW dealership and took the car directly to them, as instructed. This was diagnosed in VW terms as follows:
49 WV 1.00
FC: 0129 CLAIM TYPE: W2
On the same work ticket:
GAS FLAP JUST REPLACED IF (EVAP LEAK CODE COMES UP)
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*December 31, 2002: The headlights were not operating at all.
This cause was diagnosed as follows:
01300001 MECHANICAL, VISUAL AND OTHER NON-VAS
5051 ELECTRICAL
16 WV 0.20
A comment added:
Seats had a Protection Pack added but stained. Stain was removed.
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*August 15, 2003: The car was dead.
This was diagnosed as follows:
27061950 REMOVE AND INSTALL BATTERY
27060040 RESTORING ELECTRICAL POWER PROCEDURE
Left front light was out:
REPLACED
The car was consistently leaking oil:
AN OIL FILTER AND WASHER WERE ADDED
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*January 30, 2004: The MIL was on again and would not go off. The car was taken in immediately and diagnosed as follows:
19781900 REMOVE AND INSTALL TEMPERATURE SENDING UNIT
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*September 3, 2004: The EPC was on; the car would not come out of “park”; the clock stopped; the car was taken directly in and diagnosed as follows:
94361950 REMOVE AND INSTALL BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
REMOVE AND INSTALL SHELF UNDER DASH PANEL
SPARK PLUGS REPLACED
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*December 3, 2004: Because the coolant level was consistently low, I purchased the VW coolant, according to the number written in the owner’s manuel.
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*April 20, 2006: The car was stuck in “park” and towed for service.
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS OPEN CIRCUIT REPLACE SWITCH.
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The only malfunctions between April and October were an air bag light that stayed on; the loss of the A/C; and the click of the blinker which sounded randomly. When I checked, I was told that those situations would not make driving dangerous. I was getting frustrated with the car’s performance but wanted to hang on to the Beetle.
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*October 16: oil was leaking and I took the car in. It was diagnosed as follows:
REPLACE OIL PAN VOP 4 6 CVG 2. 00 $181.99
NA OIL SUMP $213.70
SEALANT $45.24
The air bag light had to be repaired for the car to pass its next inspection:
1Y1-858-471-C-FSN BUCKLE $229.88
REPLACE SEAT BELT LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE $156.33
REPLACE REAR REVERSE BULB $24.99
(this total including every cost listed is $1641.63)- $950. in labor/$657. in parts
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October 18, 2006: The car was leaking coolant. I took it in immediately and the diagnosis was as follows:
REPLACE COOLANT FLANGE $269.99
BRAKE MOC BRAKE CLEARNER
CLIP
HOSE CLAMP
SPRING
FLUSH/REFILLBRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM $76.00
MOC DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID $65.90
COOL. ADDED
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October 26, 2006: The MIL came on for the third or forth time since I bought the car. I took it directly in and it was diagnosed as follows:
77538 FOUND COOLANT LEAKING A LITTLE AT THE PLUG/ SEAL IN THE FLANGE THE MIL LIGHT WAS DUE TO LOW COOLANT THE TEMP SENSOR WAS NOT READING CORRECTLY
THE CLOCK IS INOP
RESET THE CLOCK
C NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FDCI
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*October 26, 2006: According to what was found, I had the following repaired:
REPLACE WATER PUMP $ 1100.00
c/s TRANS SLIPPING $83.00
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FDCI
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*November 3, 2006:
REPLACE WATERPUMP TIMING BELT TENSIONER $745.88
WATER PUMP
TOOTH BELT
ROLLER
THERMOSTAT
WASHER
REMOVE AND REPLACE TRANSMISSION $3373.48
(the total paid is $5604.94) labor-$1696.75/ parts- $3722.09
tax-$186.10/ car rental fee: $300.
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*November 14, 2006: The MIL was on again. I took the car and it was diagnosed as follows:
SECONDARY AIR SYSTEM INCORRECT FLOW DETECTED TUBE HAD COME OFF PUT TUBE BACK AND TUBE LOCK INTO PLACE
(no charge/ rental 1 day cost covered by VW)
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*January 8, 2007: The MIL remained on . I took the car in. They expressed uncertainty as to what the cause is and said that perhaps the catalytic converter needed to be replaced (fee:$1,000.). I declined.
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*May – the car alarm activated itself twice, shocking many people in a parking lot. Next, the blinkers started blinking for no apparent reason; the ignition chime sounded every now and then, and the driver’s side window was functional only half way down. It’s a manual window and could not be rolled down. The air bag light was back on. The MIL was on too. On May 11, while driving, the engine light came on and so did its chime. Within several minutes smoke billowed from under the hood and coolant poured onto the street. I opened the hood in case of a fire and called a towing service. The car was towed to the dealership. The following was found:
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SWITCH NEEDS REPLACING- customer declined
FUSE MELTED INTO FUSE PANEL. MUST REPLACE FUSE PANEL. ONE WIRE MISSING POWER. REPLACE WIRE.
56 CVG 2. 00 $181.99
HOLDER $133.86
FLAT FUSE
COOL. ADD $22.00
(total check written: $430.)
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The MIL still comes on about once a week, stays on for several days and goes off. Other than that, the car is running well!! As an owner, I did not realize how ongoing these problems were until about six months ago- that’s when the “REAL” trouble hit. we have spent in these more recent months, $7,000 on this car. Looking at its history, there appears to be a core problem- something that the repair shop might have seen before we reached this point.
Kathryn
Richmond, VA
Guest Writer: One Troublesome Beetle!
May 23, 2007 – 8:30 am by Dan Volkens
Wow. That’s how you lose a customer for life. Nice one VW.
I think every manufacturer turns out a “Friday car” once in a while, and it seems like you’ve definitely got yourself a lemon. I’d treat it like a hot stock: SELL SELL SELL!
My wives cars is having some of the same issues. We will never buy a VW again.
I’ve had problems but they are nothing compared to this! I signed on tonight because the handle (latch) to my glove box broke off when I tried to open it today. Just snapped right off. Can this be replaced? I hope I don’t have to go to my dreaded dealer!
To make it worse, my husband was in the car and had to say (sarcastically): “So, will you buy another VW??”
Hey Cheryl, you have encountered another relatively common problem on the MkIV generation veedubs. It can be replaced, and I was going to get around to doing a how-to on it. Here is a how-to on VWVortex.com for the latch:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?&id=2219302&postid=23813247
Let me know if that helps you out!
I noticed someone listed the coolant flange replacement cost $269.00. It is a $20 part I did myself in 10 minutes. However I believe I need a water pump ( not gonna do it) Time for a new car, NOT a VW, going with Honda. Not to mention I had the O2 sensor replaced 4 times and the cars computer ( they did not charge me for that) Also lots of littke things, armrest broke, window clips were replaced ( factory recall, no charge) Gas flap sticks when its cold, drinks alot of Oil. Never again.
Nise site!
*heartbreak! Honestly, there has been some stupid little things that have broken on my Nube in just the short period of time that I’ve owned it (certainly nothing to Kathryn’s extent!), including the 12 volt outlet cover in the backseat breaking, the center console lid breaking, the top cap piece falling off my e-brake, the auto windows acting up. Nothing mechanical (yet. knock on wood.) but still some disappointment with seemingly shoddy quality on interior construction. It seems so hit-and-miss with early 2K Dubs. Kathryn, with the pattern of cash money you’re dropping on repairs, I’d concur with Tek – get rid of that bad boy.
Hi to all of you who replied,
I am in the process of unoading my Beetle, but can’t yet because…now the other airbag light is on (I had the driver’s side switch replaced a few months back for over 300.), AND the MIL light comes on at least once a week…who wold buy my car? I am looking at another $1,300. in repairs- and that’s where my last option came in- to ask the VW company to give me a break and help out! Yes, I want to sell the Beetle.
To address interior problems, which I didn’t even consider worth including in my write-up, many pieces have fallen off, including the cup holder linings and the entire frame around one of the seat belt parts. My focus has been on getting the car to run! But I really am trying to fix it up to a point of being able to sell it. Thanks for the feedback- It helps.
Wow, so sorry to hear of Kathryn’s issues, but you are not alone! For my 2001 tdi NB it too has been one thing after the other which i will not bore you with, but my real issue is the lack of care by the dealership to react to the problems. I was having 2 cars serviced at the same name dealership (2 different vehicles) and am amazed at their attitudes! If I treated my customers that way i’d have gone belly-up years ago. Theybshould be trying to fix my cars, make me happy, AND sell me 2 new cars – at least that’s the way business is supposed to work – i thought. I finally gave up on dealerships and found a local guy who can work on the diesel NB and the Volvo (which never breaks)- and fix them right! The diesel NB is a great car for running around town doing errands, making deliveries, etc. I would like to hold out for another diesel car when all the new supposed 2008 various cars with them come out before I ‘retire’ the NB. Reading other VW stuff in other places it seems they have LOTS of problems, and reading between the lines it appears the dealerships don’t help or care to correct the problems or handle the complaints. Too bad – they could own the world like they did 40-50 years ago if they just gave a da–.
SHC in South Carolina
Hi Jim. Photos i received. Thanks
Dax,
I’ve been to the link that you provided. I asked my husband (huge smile of course) to help glue the part together. If that doesn’t work there is a company in Sacramento CA that sells the entire Glove box for $124. And by the way, I’m on my 9th hubcap cover! I called my local dealer to see if any were in stock and he asked for a VIN. When I said I didn’t have it and what did it matter he quipped – it’ll cost $40- 50!! Oh please. Are these dealers for real!!!
I’m afraid I’m out $124 to fix a latch on the glove box!!!!!
Hi Cheryl, I hope that the glue will hold for ya. :] And if any of these dealers give you any problem whatsoever, just move on to the next one until you find a good one (about as rare as ice in you know where lol ). Might even want to let them know you’re taking your business elsewhere because of their customer service, or lack thereof. Who knows, maybe they’ll accommodate you better then.
Thanks Dax! I live on Maui – my nearest dealer is on the island of Oahu! Same chain but they do have better customer service. They shipped me my last hubcap cover because the Maui dealer wouldn’t mail/UPS/DHL/Fed Ex it too me (on the same island)!
Long live Super Glue!
I signed on for one two weeks ago.
I drive past a dealership every day to work, and it worked like a daily subliminal message to buy. I was only 18 when they first became available, so couldn’t afford one, but now being 24 and wanting to drive a vehicle that doesn’t depreciate so fast like what I have now (Holden Barina) I took the plunge. I stepped into the dealer only wanting to have a look – and walked out 45 minutes later with a contract in my hands.
My Salsa Red TDI is due to arrive in Australia in November. Having read A LOT of reviews, comments, thoughts on New Beetles AFTER signing the contract, it’s gotten me scared – especially the statement of events by Kathryn here. I really hope things end well for you!!
I just wonder if these problems appear on the most recent builds (2006-2007), because after all these years I hope that Volkswagen has heard their consumers and has done something about the ‘minor’ problems. Does it have something to do with the assembly line in Mexico? Has there been recent reports of improvements in NBs?
Also read on another site that VW may be shutting down NBs in 2010…
Not sure what my point was with this entry, but I guess just wanted to share my love for this car, even though I didn’t live through the nostalgy of it all, it’s such a cute, appealing car to the next generation!
Great work with Volksbloggin too :)
Thanks for reading, I’ll let you know how I go with my NB :)
PS: Got to think of a name for it before it arrives!
Thanks Australian Gal, and congrats on the new ride. :] The newer model year Beetles should definitely have some of those old bugs worked out.
Hi Dax,
I spent today trying to fix my glove box. PLEASE don’t let the average Beetle owner think they can fix this. I have tried to replace the door and it isn’t as easy as it may seem. There is a spring pin that prevents me from fixing this. So, off to the dealer I go. After three auto parts dealers…they have all said “sorry” you’ve got to go to the dealer. The source who sold me the replacement door had said it was easy to replace. Not So!!!! To make it worse….I got a door but no lock!!!
I grow very tired of VW!!!!!
c.
Any ideas? I have a 2001 new beetle. The car won’t go into reverse
most of the time. Had it in to the dealership. They said it was a bad
valve body. Had them put in a remanufactured valve body for $900.
My bug was also starting to kill when I started it up, and it was doing that more frequently. Dealership said–carbon build-up…so they de-carbonized it. Brought bug home. Went into reverse right away the first (2) times I tried it, after that.. same problem… won’t go into reverse..
Doesn’t matter if the veh is cold or warm… Does anyone have any ideas.
Dealership has had my bug for a week and they tell me it has only not gone into reverse one time and that was when the guy had driven it and wasn’t near the service garage?? I just think that’s impossible. My daughter was in the car several times with me when it wouldn’t go into reverse… Someone please help.
thnx
P.s. My daughter’s bug had the same glove box problem… handle just fell off one day…
Hi Deb,
I don’t know whether you’ve tried this already, but go to a different repair garage. I know that VW insists that their cars be serviced at their place, but once you get into problems the VW mechanics can’t fix, what is there to lose trying elsewhere? If nothing else, you could get a different opinion about why the car won’t go in reverse. Mine did the same thing half a dozen times and had to be towed to VW- it was always “a protecive mechanism” the car had preventing it from switching gears. Whatever it was, it was awful! Get another opinion- don’t stay stuck at the VW place if you aren’t getting answers.
Kathryn
thanks, I will try that… I have it there just one more time as I feel I paid for this and they still haven’t fixed it…very frustrating to say the least
GOOD NEWS!!! Carmax bought my Beetle…it was practically a give away but it is sold!
KN
Congratulations Kathryn, at least it’s the end of a long battle. :]
My 2003 VW just recently had the recall regarding the brake switch. since then my door chime goes off randomly. Coincidence? Somethings for a few seconds while other times it requires the drivers door to be opened and closed. The courtesy lights on the rear mirror go on too when this happens. The sound is different when driving with the headlights on. Obviousily some type of electrical issue but where does one start. I am afraind to give it to VW and pay by the hour to find a probelm. Oh Yeah, my air bag and service engine light are on too. Having the air bag invesitaged this week.
Not more than 30 minutes ago my front passenger window just exploded. This is a 2006 model beetle. I read a lot about earlier model Jetta’s but nothing on the newer models. The temperature at the time was maybe 75 degrees at 7:30 p.m. All windowns had been down at the time and this exploded up. All the glass fell into the door panel with the exception of few pieces. Dated 7/22/2007. Any others out there, please reply.
Hi all, I have a great 2004 NB diesel however my wife drove over something that punctured the oil sump(and Plastic protector). It seems to me an easy job to r&r the sump but I can’t find a repair manual or info on the web. Can anyone here help me locate some repair info on this operation?
Thanks.
DC
Hi Dana, this Bentley service manual at Amazon.com is for the Jetta, Golf and GTI model years ‘99-’05 and covers all engines from those years. I’m not completely sure if it is meant to cover the New Beetle as well, or if there is a separate manual for it. I couldn’t find one either.
Hi all, I have the same problem with the airbag light on my 2002 New Beetle. Spent $93 to have them tell me I need to replace the seat belt buckle? at a cost of $215. Have been told that as this is a safety issue Volkswagen should pay for it. Has anyone ever heard of that?
Update on my 2001 bug… the one that wouldnt go in reverse and would kill when I started it, I now have a new transmission. Also I have a new starter unit… had to be specifically made to my key…. Dealership gave me credit for the valve body and de–carbonization(bunch on bull) and took it off the cost of the transmission…. but did they really??? I don’t trust anyone .. My POOR credit card.
Hi Jane – I’ve read about this window-breaking. Do you happen to have a cabriolet or just a standard new beetle? It is supposedly more prone to cabriolets..
I hear that the latest Beetles have far fewer problems…I hope so for the sake of the buyers.
I just bought a 2000 NB on October 31st. I didn’t buy it from a VW Dealership, which in the future, I might realize was a mistake, but for now, things seem ok(knock on wood). I did get a 2yr/24,000mi powertrain warranty with it. However, about a week after I bought it, one of my mom’s friends noticed there was oil covering the underside of the engine cover. We noticed there was a part missing between where the oil dipstick inserts at the top of the engine, and where it inserts to measure the oil level at the bottom… My diagnosis is an oil dipstick funnel. Cheap part by comparison to most other things, but does anyone have any experience with this? I ordered the part from the closest VW Dealership and it is due to arrive tomorrow(Nov. 26). Planning to have my personal mechanic install it.
I hate going to the dealer. You just get that feeling in your stomach…it’s always something and it’s never cheap. A few weeks ago i spent $734.00 to have the water pump replaced. The next day a came to get the car, and as I was pulling away I realized the temp light was still on. I turned right back around and had someone look at it. I stuck my head in there and realized the coolant thing was bone dry! They were going to send me out of there with no fluid at all…after paying $734! I was so pissed I can’t wait to sell this piece of crap 2001 beetle and get a toyota. everything in the interior breaks, the airbag lights way to expensive to fix so it’s always on, and the engine lights always on. It’s even hard to put a new battery in the car. Don’t get one and don’t deal with the dealer!
Hi Dax,
Well ten months later I am on my fourth glove box!
VW dealer installed the third one and I think it was broken when they got it. It lasted about five months only because I was afraid to use it.
The VW dealership on Maui has closed so now I have to use the new authorized repair shop. Not bad but he has to order through the dealership on Oahu (same company that left Maui). I have a broken glove box now for two months!!
I am afraid that number five might be broken as well.
do you know if there is someone at VW that I can complain to about bogus parts?