1999 Volkswagen New Beetle: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 34 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Drivers seat adjuster bolts fell out, resulting in drivers seat silding fully to rear and seat coming off tracks. The drivers seat slid all the way to the back seat and I was looking at the roof with no ability to reach the brake, clutch, or accelerator pedals. My ability to steer the vehicle was severly impaired. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2004
“My 1999 volkwagen beetle has a melted fuse block on top of the battery. I believe this was caused by the fuses being faulty as one leg of the fuse was completely burned off and the fuse was still not blown. I believe this is a fire hazard that should be looked into. On the website newbeetle.org, there are several more instances of this occurring including photos. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2003
“Low beam headlight on drivers side no longer functions. Dealer states cracked housing allowed water in which in turn burned out bulb. Judging by the number of new beetles I see with one head light out this appears to be a common problem. *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“The roof cover is falling down. The glue that is use to keep the cloth attached to the roof is very poor and after 3 years it will start to fall down. I have 2 identical vw beetle's and they both suffer from this problem. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2003
“At less than 27k miles, I had to replace the brake pads and rotors. The dealer said the rotors for the new beetle are notoriously thin, and have to be replaced almost as often as the brake pads. This repair cost me $950. My roommate, another vw new beetle owner had the same problem at 31k, many other complaints were registered on beetlebuzz.com, when it was in operation. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2003
“Nar 02/28/2003 mr the consumer has had ongoing problem with the catalytic converter, and the emissions control system. *cb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2003
“The hood latch has failed twice, including the original and a replacement. The hood pops open while driving, once at 55 mph and another time at 65 mph. After this occurs, the latch will no longer work, and it is impossible to close the hood fully. The safety hook on the latch is the only thing that will engage. The vehicle is scheduled to be taken in for a third latch replacement on oct. 30, 2002, which is the earliest date that the dealer can schedule the repair. Mr”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2002
“Remote fuel door release failure- 2nd occurrence. First occurrence about a year previous and was dealer repaired. Unable to fuel vehicle.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2002
“Consumer statedthe design of the battery cable assembly could possibly start a fire under the vehicle's hood. The battery cable was situated on top of the battery along with the fuse box. This resulted in the cable being "eaten" through and drained the battery. Consumer had to replace battery, cable twice and fuse box once. Ts *tt”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2002
“Iam reporting this beacuse the engine stopped without warning at 55 mph while passing on an express way. The car would not restart. The car restsrted after ten minutes. This has occurred again but at lower speeds. I have not been to a dealer with the problem as yet. For my oen convience the car will be taken to newton morotsprots route 206 newton, nj tel 973-383-2626 this am. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
How other years compare
Check your exact New Beetle by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle reliable?
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. The most complained-about area is electrical system (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,421 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.