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Hatchbacks Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen New Beetle Body Work Problems
352 messages, Last post on Nov 01, 2009 at 2:23 PM
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My wife really wants a new beetle conv. but after reviewing some of the problems mentioned here, I'm a little cautious. Most of the serious and common problems seem to be with the 2004's. Does anyone know if Volks has corrected any of the consistent engineering/mfg issues like the windows, etc. on the newer models (2007, 2008)??. Is there a blog or website that informs of VW problem addressing?
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Replying to: moto7 (Apr 25, 2008 3:00 pm)
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Replying to: katyhy (May 19, 2008 3:43 pm) The only problems I have had are; 1). The tail lights. The passenger went out first, then four months later the drivers and about 5 months later the passenger again. The problem is the dealership charged $54.00 each time. The service-person told me they charge $109.00 for the headlights. 2). In May 2008, an engine light came on indicating that something was wrong with the emmisions detector. My Beetle was still in warranty and the sensor was replaced w/o charge. I have yet to experience any of the problems mentioned in this forum or any of the others. Apparently some folks have had mucho problemos. I suppose one could say that I have been lucky. I know two other Beetle owners and neither has had the problems mentiond in this forum. If you make the decision to buy a Beetle, before you sign on the dotted line, tell the salesman you want the service manager to show you how to remove the tail and headlight assemblies so you can replace the bulb yourself if needed. I am hoping to give my Beetle to my daughter next year and get the convertible. I am not deterred by the problems expressed here. My concern is the mileage difference. I get up to 45 mpg on the highway and between 38 and 41 in city driving. My highway milage came about by setting the cruise to 65 mph on a 400 mile trip. In the city I drive very conservativly. The 2008 convertible comes with a 5 cylinder gasoline engine which is rated at 20 mpg in the city and some 29 to 30 on the highway, quite a drop for me. I'll have to see what the fuel situation is next year. But I must say, I am in love with the convertible and would not hesitate to buy one were it not for the mileage. |
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Replying to: katyhy (May 19, 2008 3:43 pm) From what I have witnessed, you are really gambling with these vehicles. Don't get me wrong I love the fit and finish, the engineering, the styling, but when things go wrong they go wrong. Unfortunately, it is always expensive and if you are out of warranty you could be in real trouble. My passat has been a great car. No major issues. However, I have several friends and associates that have owned passats. Many have not been so lucky (endless check engine lights and other warnings). I like the passat and since I did work for VW, I was able to get a crazy deal on leasing the Beetle. The Beetle has been good so far... I did take it into the shop for some squeaking coming from the steering column when I turned the steering wheel from side to side. This is all I have experienced so far. As far as I am concerned as long as the car is repaired under warranty (no cost to me) and it doesn't leave me stranded than I am good. |
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| I just purchaed a 2008 Beetle Convertible - SE model. Got it mainly for my teenage daughters, and also wanted a convertible as I haven't had one for years. The car is great....lots of pep, good brakes, comfortable seats and fantastic stereo. I did look at blogs etc. for VW Beetles, and it appears most of the problems were on earlier models. More recent models seem to be pretty trouble free. VW's are also fun to drive, so always take that into consideration when purchasing a vehicle. Look forward to many years of VW fun ---- and the new ones have a 4 year / 50,000 mile warrenty, so should not be a concern for a long time. | |
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This is my third VW Beetle, and only my first Beetle convertible. My first new beetle was a 99, what a horror! Everything you can think of from the first month I bought that car can and went wrong. Three transmissions replaced to defective paint, front wheels locked, smoke pouring out of the dashboard and vents, etc. I was able to finally turn in the car with more than 6 months left on the lease. Only after suing VW Of America and Three County VW in NJ. The dealership sold me a brand new car that was involved in a front end crash. I switched over to Gensinger VW for service. They also helped me with the deposition. In 2006, I had major issues with the power windows. VW people told me it was a change of climate from north to south. The extreme heat temperatures do effect a car more so than cold weather. Well, that me be the case, however the windows were still giving me a hassle when I moved back to the north east. Approximately, one month ago, the alternator went on my beetle. I had to be towed and that was replaced. Friday afternoon, I was driving on 95 South two hours from where I live and the battery light lit up. I naturally was concerned. I turned off the CD player and the air conditioner. I stopped for gasoline and left the engine on, which I never do. I proceeded on with my driving back on the highway. The speedometer was stuck on 15. The battery light was diming and flickering. Then the convertible light was flashing next to the clock. My car seemed as if I had to push it, it had no pep. The rest of the lights on the dashboard lit up. The seatbelt, oil, ABS and brake light all lit up at the same time. As I approached my destination the car speed was slowing down without stepping on the brake. My hazards wouldn't turn off, they were faintly flashing, the windows would just about roll down. The exhaust was making a humming sound and then you can hear it missing (timing was off), the exhaust system underneath the car was rattling, and there was a smell of rubber coming out from the hood of the car. I pulled off the road and into a seafood restaurant. This is where my beetle just stopped all together. However, the hazards were still slightly flashing. VW Roadside Assistance was horrible on Friday. The first time ever, I had a problem with them. I placed my call into them at 3:15 pm (EST), they didn't arrive until 6:30 pm. I was hoping that I could get my car towed to the VW dealership before they close at 6pm. NOT. Finally after my third request, they finally listened to me, because I was upset on the phone and they dispatched a new flat bed. Roadside Assistance gave me an excuse that the tow was called to an accident. I bought my beetle brand new and it only has approximately 33,600 miles. I heard that these cars are famous for electrical problems. I hope whatever is causing these issues, that they find a solution soon. Needless to say, VW people will not be able to look at my car until Monday. I was thinking that it may be the computer on the car or maybe the computer and the battery. Any ideas? |
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Replying to: mgossett (Sep 06, 2007 5:55 am) Anyway...what it the website you have outlined in your message above...the link does not work. I am interested in getting my own class action suit started for this problem. Thanks Mark
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Replying to: marconiusrex24 (Oct 29, 2008 3:33 pm) |
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I, too have a VW Convertible and the top broke as well. It started that it was very difficult to lock the handle--almost impossible. I fotunately had a warrant on my NEWLY purchased 2004 VW Beetle. I have had many problems with this vehicle --the first two weeks--the thermostat failed...the windows wouldn't align..that is when I realized that the top may be out of alignment..they replaced the top--the receipt said 3200.00. Now the little arm that lift the flaps up and down broke...which finally got the flap caught in the way of the top and broke off--ugh. How frustrating--eventhough I have warranty coverage ..it is so inconvenient to find time to take it to the dealership--to get repairs done. Ever since the top was replaced the windows act strange..the guy at VW Serivce said ,"Oh , I jsut have to reset the windows.." He rolled the windows down..held the button down and then rolled them back up. I was waiting for him to say,m "There ya go little lady!" I drove away becasue there was a Category 3 Hurricane coming that day--so I crossed my fingers. That was a month ago and now the windows have a mind of their own---jsut when the driver's side gets up to the top--it rolls back down--argh! I get so angry... This car is cute and I have been wanting one since their release in 1996...but..ummm..my 1987 Honda Accord is more reliable! With it 's 217, 000 mileage. 
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Replying to: winklebug (Nov 16, 2008 5:03 pm) |
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