2001 Volkswagen New Beetle: problems, recalls and reliability

“Windshield wiper fails to operate or operates randomly. The blade will stop in the middle of the window and go no further unless I physically push it down or turn the switch on the highest speed and then it may work so I can put it in the down position so it doesn't obstruct my view. *la”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2004

“Brake lamps on 2001 new beetle come on and stay on even though the vehicle is shut off and parked. This is similar to NHTSA campaign # 03v265000 (7-25-03). I checked vw and they told me the recall was VIN specific and my 2001 new beetle was not included. It seems there may be more units affected than originally thought.*ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2004

“2001 new beetle 1.9 l tdi, 55,000 mi.: check engine light comes on and stays on until car is turned off then it comes on once glow plug light goes off and car has started (witin 20 seconds). The dealer first told me it was the glow plug sensor. Then recanted and said the sensor was fine and told me I needed a new bridge wire and 4 new glow plugs. Should glow plugs only last for 55,000 miles? The car just turned over 55,023 when the check light came on. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2004

“Brake pedal went to floor durring a panic stop, brakes did not work. Dealership says the computer in car did not identify a malfunction. Said dealership did/has not done any manual diagnostics. *la”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 2003

“My 2001 volkswagen new beetle has had at least one recall associated with failures in the materials making up the electronic switches in side the vehicle (window switches). Recently, the I bumped the knob that controls the remote control exterior mirros and the knob broke off. Upon inspection, it is clear that the optical material which is used to connect (molded) the knob to the mirror switch assembly (and transport light to the knob for nighttime visibility) is too brittle to withstand prolonged use and snapped clean when gently bumped.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2003

“We have a 2001 vw beetle and while driving on the interstate in mn, the entire plastic bottom panel separated from the auto. The panel got caught in a rear tire, causing the vehicle to temporarily lose control, then this piece of panel that is about 3' square blasted into the windshield of the car behind. This panel is removed for oil changes, engine repair and fluid fills. The mechanic said this happens with all the beetles, but the panel had to be replaced. I am concerned about the aspect of road debris and the loss of control while driving 70 mph. *jb”Owner report · Structure · May 2003

“I started my car on 1/31 and the epc, check engine and traction control lights came on. The car would drive however had much less power and was very rough. I borught it into the dealership on 2/3 and they stated it was a coil. They refused to replace all 4 coils, only the faulty one, and I was told that only if this power failure occurs again and it is due to another coil...then they would replace all four. I am questioning the reliability of my car, since it appears this problem has been wide spread throghout the us. I feel very unsafe in my year and half old beetle that was bought because of the high reliability rating at the time.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2003