NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
60 reports25,000 miles · May 9, 2011
Tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR, THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR, THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE TIRE SENSORS FAILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHICH TIRE SENSOR FAILED BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT WOULD NOT OFFER TO REPLACE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN OPERABLE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
NHTSA ODI #10399568
15,000 miles · Feb 14, 2011
Exterior LightingLatches/locks/linkagesStructure
REAR SUSPENSION MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE. TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ON AFTER 2 HOURS OF DRIVING. HEAD LIGHTS TOO WEAK BULB FOR FRONT OR REAR OR REVERSE ALWAYS NEEDS REPLACEMENT INSIDE HAND REST TOO WEAK DESIGN ALWAYS BREAK. VW SERVICE STATION TOO EXPENSIVE AND WANTS MONEY ONLY. 2)FIX IT YOURSELF. KEEP DOING IT TILL I CANNOT SEL…
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REAR SUSPENSION MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE. TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ON AFTER 2 HOURS OF DRIVING. HEAD LIGHTS TOO WEAK BULB FOR FRONT OR REAR OR REVERSE ALWAYS NEEDS REPLACEMENT INSIDE HAND REST TOO WEAK DESIGN ALWAYS BREAK. VW SERVICE STATION TOO EXPENSIVE AND WANTS MONEY ONLY. 2)FIX IT YOURSELF. KEEP DOING IT TILL I CANNOT SELL IT. 3) FIX IT YOUR SELF. YES WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE MANUAL SO I CAN DO IT PROFESSIONAL MYSELF. 4)IN LITTLE ROCK THE NORTH POINT SERVICE STATION IS THE WORST VW STATION.THEY ONLY WANT MONEY EVEN TO FIX OR IN INSPECT OR FIND OUT WHAT IS AT FAULT. BUYING VW MEANS DO THE REPAIRING YOURSELF. PARTS TOO EXPENSIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10382513
47,364 miles · Nov 16, 2010
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
SENSOR LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. NOT CONSISTENT AND GO DAYS BETWEEN REPEAT ISSUE. ABS/BRAKE/ESP: COMES ON AND WHEN CAR IS RESTART WILL NOT DUPLICATE. DEALER REPLACED MODULE AND IT CAME ON AGAIN. SEAT BELT ALARM: WILL ALARM EVEN WHEN SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. AIRBAG SENSOR: CAME ON THEN, WHEN CAR WAS RESTART IT WO…
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SENSOR LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. NOT CONSISTENT AND GO DAYS BETWEEN REPEAT ISSUE. ABS/BRAKE/ESP: COMES ON AND WHEN CAR IS RESTART WILL NOT DUPLICATE. DEALER REPLACED MODULE AND IT CAME ON AGAIN. SEAT BELT ALARM: WILL ALARM EVEN WHEN SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. AIRBAG SENSOR: CAME ON THEN, WHEN CAR WAS RESTART IT WOULD NOT DUPLICATE. HAPPENED 3 TIME IN A WEEK. HEADLIGHTS REPLACED: BOTH REPLACED TWICE IN ONE YEAR. LOCKS: WILL LOCK/UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING WHEN THEY ALREADY HAD BEEN LOCKED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366488
5,000 miles · Sep 16, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipmentExterior Lighting
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2008 VW BEETLE AND IT'S AN AUTOMATIC. WHEN FIRST GETTING THE CAR I COULD TELL THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED NOT SMOOTH AT ALL. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION FROM A RED LIGHT MY CAR HAD TROUBLE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS. IT HAD A PAUSE. THEN WHEN GOING DOWN THE HIGH WAY WHEN I WAS CHANGING LANES TO GO INFRONT OF SO…
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I CURRENTLY OWN A 2008 VW BEETLE AND IT'S AN AUTOMATIC. WHEN FIRST GETTING THE CAR I COULD TELL THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED NOT SMOOTH AT ALL. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION FROM A RED LIGHT MY CAR HAD TROUBLE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS. IT HAD A PAUSE. THEN WHEN GOING DOWN THE HIGH WAY WHEN I WAS CHANGING LANES TO GO INFRONT OF SOMEONE I PRESSED THE GAS AND MY CAR JUMPS. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS ONCE AND A WHILE. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT ON 5,000 BUT THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS! THEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE POURING RAIN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. WHEN I WENT THROUGH A DRIVE THROUGH I ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOW AND IT MADE A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE THAT I THOUGHT THE WINDOW WAS GOING TO SHATTER. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDOW MOTOR. THEN THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND BACK WINDOW. BOTH MY HEAD LIGHTS KEEP GOING THROUGH $20.00 BULBS. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE FUSES. ON MY CONVERTIBLE TOP THE SIDE COVERS STOPPED GOING IN AND OUT. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THOSE. THEN ON MY WAY TO WORK ALL THE LIGHTS FOR THE WHAT GEAR YOU WERE IN BLINKING. WHICH CAUSED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING IN EMERGENCY TRANSMISSION MODE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE SOMETHING WITH THAT. RIGHT AFTER THAT WAS REPLACED GOING DOWN THE ROAD MY CAR MADE A GRINDING NOISE SO I TURNED AROUND TO TAKE IT BACK AND IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE FUEL INTAKE THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE. THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355989
29,900 miles · May 13, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
I WAS DRIVING ON A PAVED ROAD ON MY WAY TO WORK. MY CAR WAS MAKING AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE, SO I WAS TAKING IT EASY AND MADE A NOTE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER VERY SOON. I HEARD A JINGLING NOISE, LIKE SOMETHING METAL FALLING. IT REPEATED A SECOND TIME. 100 YARDS DOWN THE ROAD, MY CAR STARTED MAKING A HARD CLUNKING NOISE. IT FELT L…
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I WAS DRIVING ON A PAVED ROAD ON MY WAY TO WORK. MY CAR WAS MAKING AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE, SO I WAS TAKING IT EASY AND MADE A NOTE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER VERY SOON. I HEARD A JINGLING NOISE, LIKE SOMETHING METAL FALLING. IT REPEATED A SECOND TIME. 100 YARDS DOWN THE ROAD, MY CAR STARTED MAKING A HARD CLUNKING NOISE. IT FELT LIKE A FLAT TIRE. I PULLED OFF AND INSPECTED THE TIRES, WHICH WERE FINE. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS. MY ENGINE LOOKED A LITTLE LOW, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW HOW LOW WAS NORMAL. THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND SAID MY ENGINE FELL OUT. THE BOLTS SUPPORTING THE ENGINE HAD SHEARED OFF. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD WITH UNDER 30K MILES ON IT. I'VE OWNED IT FOR A YEAR. I HAVE NEVER HIT ANYTHING, GONE OFF ROAD, OR BOTTOMED OUT IN THE VEHICLE. NOTHING AT ALL THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. THE DEALERSHIP IS INSISTING THAT I HAD A COLLISION AND REFUSING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330270
2,000 miles · Apr 30, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
VW 2008 BEETLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDAL. IT WILL HAVE A DELAYED AFFECT MUCH THE SAME WAY THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATION. DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE CROSSING A STREET AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328222
23,400 miles · Apr 23, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainStructureCrash
DEAR MADAM / SIR, TWO DAYS AGO I HAD AND ACCIDENT WITH MY "2008 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY CAR". I DROPPED THE CAR AT THE ROCKVILLE, MD OFFICIAL DEALER, THEN I CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND MY INSURANCE AGENT. THE THREE (AGENT, INSURANCE INSPECTOR AND DEALER) INSPECTED THE CAR AND APPROVED A $1,440 SPENDING TO FIX IT. …
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DEAR MADAM / SIR, TWO DAYS AGO I HAD AND ACCIDENT WITH MY "2008 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY CAR". I DROPPED THE CAR AT THE ROCKVILLE, MD OFFICIAL DEALER, THEN I CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND MY INSURANCE AGENT. THE THREE (AGENT, INSURANCE INSPECTOR AND DEALER) INSPECTED THE CAR AND APPROVED A $1,440 SPENDING TO FIX IT. SINCE I GOT SURPRISED; I ASKED THE REASON OF THE VERY LOW REPAIRING LABOR AND PARTS EXCHANGE COSTS OF A SUB-FRAME VW PART # VW1J0-199-313-M (LARGE STEEL PART TO SUPPORTING THE ENGINE, SUSPENSION AND TRANSMISSION), TRANSMISSION OIL PAN PART #VW09G-321-361-A (PLACE WHERE THE OIL TRANSMISSION IS KEEP), AND A CENTER SHIELD ENGINE-TRANSM AXLE A LARGE AND HEAVY UNDERBODY PROTECTING METALLIC PART. THEY SAID THESE DAYS IT IS A COMMON RULE TO RECYCLE USED PARTS FROM SIMILAR VEHICLES, AND LOW COSTS OF THE "USED PARTS" UTILIZED TO FIX MY CAR (NO MATTER THE KEY ROLE OF THE PARTS). AT THIS POINT I AM ASKING MYSELF: WHAT ABOUT SAFETY? IN ANY WAY? NOT ONLY USED PARTS FROM OTHER CARS HAVE NOT QUALITY INSPECTED, EVEN WORSE I GUESS THIS PRACTICE ENCOURAGE THE CARS STILLING. ARE WE ALL (CUSTOMERS) AWARE OF THIS?, IS IT ANY ".ORG" OR ".GOV" ORGANIZATION WHICH REGULATES THESE USED PARTS MARKET? ARE WE PROTECTING OUR SAFETY? CAN WE AS A CUSTOMERS COMPLAINT SOMEWHERE ABOUT THIS? PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR OPINION. THANK YOU SO MUCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10327151
3,986 miles · May 22, 2009
Power TrainCrash
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVVED UP AND STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD, EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS FIRMLY PRESSING DOWN ON BRAKE PEDAL. TURNED WHEEL TO THE RIGHT WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD AND MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM "DRIVE" TO "PARK". LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE MADE CONTACT WITH REAR OF VEHICLE THAT WAS…
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WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVVED UP AND STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD, EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS FIRMLY PRESSING DOWN ON BRAKE PEDAL. TURNED WHEEL TO THE RIGHT WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD AND MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM "DRIVE" TO "PARK". LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE MADE CONTACT WITH REAR OF VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10269750
5,975 miles · Apr 15, 2009
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A 2008 NEW BEETLE IN 2008, TRADING IN A 2005 NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE MODEL. I HAVE ALSO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2000 MODEL. AFTER ABOUT TWO MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP WITH THE 2008 NEW BEETLE, I BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN IN THE STARTER. I FOUND I HAD TO USE A GREAT DEAL OF FORCE AND OVER THE…
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I PURCHASED A 2008 NEW BEETLE IN 2008, TRADING IN A 2005 NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE MODEL. I HAVE ALSO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2000 MODEL. AFTER ABOUT TWO MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP WITH THE 2008 NEW BEETLE, I BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN IN THE STARTER. I FOUND I HAD TO USE A GREAT DEAL OF FORCE AND OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS BROKE TWO KEYS OFF IN THE IGNITION. IN MARCH 2009, I WAS DOWN TO MY LAST KEY WHEN THE STARTER BECAME STRIPPED, WITH THE KEY SPINNING AND NOT TRIGGERING THE STARTER AT ALL. AT THIS POINT, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE VW DEALER, WHICH ORDERED A REPLACEMENT STARTER. I WAITED 17 DAYS FOR THE REPAIR TO BE COMPLETED BECAUSE, I WAS TOLD, THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF BACKORDERS NATIONALLY FOR THIS STARTER PART. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK WITH THE NEW PART, I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO NOTED THE SAME PROBLEM IN TWO LOANER CARS (2009 MODELS OF THE VW NEW BEETLE) PROVIDED BY MY DEALER. I NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM WITH MY 2000 OR 2005 MODELS. I CALLED TO REPORT THIS TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO CALL VW. I JUST CALLED VW AND THEY ADVISED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK FOR POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF THE PART AGAIN. I TOLD VW I WOULD DO SO, BUT THAT I LACK CONFIDENCE THAT YET ANOTHER REPLACEMENT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM AS I SUSPECT THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE OF DESIGN AFFECTING THE PART. I ASKED VW IF THEY HAD KNOWLEDGE OF A PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THEY DON'T TRACK WARRANTY REPAIRS FOR POSSIBLE PART PROBLEMS, SO I DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT HERE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265451
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2008
Electrical SystemVisibility
2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE WITH BROKEN AIR VENTS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE CAME FROM THE MANUFACTURING PLANT WITH A DEFECT. SHE FEELS THAT SHE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE COMING OUT OF ANOTHER VENT WHEN IT WAS CLOSED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED…
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2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE WITH BROKEN AIR VENTS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE CAME FROM THE MANUFACTURING PLANT WITH A DEFECT. SHE FEELS THAT SHE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE COMING OUT OF ANOTHER VENT WHEN IT WAS CLOSED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS SHUT OFF.
NHTSA ODI #10217184
Official recalls
3Sep 25, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Dec 10, 2010
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jan 28, 2008
ON CERTAIN SPECIAL EDITION TRIPLE WHITE SEDAN VEHICLES, AN INCORRECT ADHESIVE MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO ATTACH THE ROOF SPOILER TO THE REAR GLASS OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE INCORRECT ADHESIVE WAS USED, THE SPOILER COULD BECOME LOOSE OR FALL FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROOF SPOILER ON THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 29, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗