Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
170–25K
2325–50K
3850–75K
1675–100K
15100–150K
5150K+
114 reports with mileage · 51 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports4 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
165 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2002
Power Train
WHILE CONSUMER HAS HIS FOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE TRANSMISSION IN FORWARD GEAR, IT WILL NOT ENGAGE. WHEN REMOVING HIS FOOT, THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AND THEN LURCH FORWARD INTO GEAR. IF ON A HILL THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACKWARDS BEFORE ENGAGING. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STI…
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WHILE CONSUMER HAS HIS FOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE TRANSMISSION IN FORWARD GEAR, IT WILL NOT ENGAGE. WHEN REMOVING HIS FOOT, THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AND THEN LURCH FORWARD INTO GEAR. IF ON A HILL THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACKWARDS BEFORE ENGAGING. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *JG
NHTSA ODI #568093
5,000 miles · Oct 21, 2002
Electrical System
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, ANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE ACTIVATES THE MOTOR PROTECTION CIRCUIT, THIS CIRCUIT REMAPS THE COMPUTER TO SHUT OFF THE TURBO, THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHICH CAUSED A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. *TS *NLM
NHTSA ODI #8021201
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. VEHICLE "SPUTTERS" AND THEN STALLS. MR
NHTSA ODI #8020415
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2002
Power Train
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE WITH FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKES IT WILL NOT ENGAGE. WHEN FOOT IS REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE VEHICLE WILL HESITATEAND THEN LURCH FORWARD. DEALER CONTACTED, CANNOT FIX PROBLEM. *MR
NHTSA ODI #8020330
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2002
Electrical System
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. DURING ONE SITUATION VEHICLE SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH NO WARNING. OTHER PROBLEMS WERE IMMOBILIZER FAILED AGAIN, AFFECTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, FRONT LIGHT COVERS WERE RETAINING WATER, CAUSING A SHORT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8016949
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2002
Exterior Lighting
WHEN FOLLOWING THIS VEHICLE IN BRIGHT SUN IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS OR THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUN JUST WASHES THEN OUT. THEY NEED TO BE MOUNTED VERTICALLY AND NOT ON A SLOPE AS THEY ARE NOW.*JB
NHTSA ODI #764725
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2002
SeatsCrashInjury
DURING A REAR IMPACT, MY SON STATES HIS SEAT LUMBAR SECTION TILTED TOWARDS THE BACK SEATING AREA AND THE PASSENGER SEAT (EMPTY) TILTED FORWARD, TOWARDS THE WINDSHEILD. MY SON LITTERALLY HAD TO USE THE STEERING WILL TO HELP PULL HIMSELF BACK UP FORWARD.*AK
NHTSA ODI #764482
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2002
Visibility
WINDOW REGULATOR KEEPS BREAKING, CAUSING POWER WINDOWS TO MALFUNCTION. HAD PART REPLACED 3 TIMES. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8010134
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENLY LOSE POWER AT A CERTAIN SPEED AND STAY THERE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS THE CONSUMER HAS TRIED TO STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WILL STILL DRIVE AT THE SAME SPEED. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*JB *YH
NHTSA ODI #8009979
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2002
Air BagsCrash
PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID MNOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING VEHICLE. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW 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 ↗
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED MY 1998-1999 AND ALL MY 2000 AND LATER MODELS HAS UNDERGONE MULTIPLE REVISIONS.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES HIGH REPLACEMENT RATES OCCURRED IN VEHICLES BUILT WITH BRAKE SWITCH PART NUMBERS 1J0 945 511A AND 1J0 945 511B, THE ORIGINAL AND FIRST REVISION LEVELS, RESPECTIVELY.THE FAILURE OF THE SWITCH COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, OR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATED.EITHER CONDITION RESULTS IN THE INABILITY OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOTIFY OTHER MOTORISTS OF VEHICLE BRAKING.UNDER SAFETY RECALL 03V-265, VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON ALL VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH NOVEMBER 2001.ANY AFFECTED SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE WITH THE MOST CURRENT VERSION, PART NUMBER 1J0 945 511D.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED MY 1998-1999 AND ALL MY 2000 AND LATER MODELS HAS UNDERGONE MULTIPLE REVISIONS.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES HIGH REPLACEMENT RATES OCCURRED IN VEHICLES BUILT WITH BRAKE SWITCH PART NUMBERS 1J0 945 511A AND 1J0 945 511B, THE ORIGINAL AND FIRST REVISION LEVELS, RESPECTIVELY.THE FAILURE OF THE SWITCH COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, OR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATED.EITHER CONDITION RESULTS IN THE INABILITY OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOTIFY OTHER MOTORISTS OF VEHICLE BRAKING.UNDER SAFETY RECALL 03V-265, VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON ALL VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH NOVEMBER 2001.ANY AFFECTED SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE WITH THE MOST CURRENT VERSION, PART NUMBER 1J0 945 511D.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED MY 1998-1999 AND ALL MY 2000 AND LATER MODELS HAS UNDERGONE MULTIPLE REVISIONS.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES HIGH REPLACEMENT RATES OCCURRED IN VEHICLES BUILT WITH BRAKE SWITCH PART NUMBERS 1J0 945 511A AND 1J0 945 511B, THE ORIGINAL AND FIRST REVISION LEVELS, RESPECTIVELY.THE FAILURE OF THE SWITCH COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, OR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATED.EITHER CONDITION RESULTS IN THE INABILITY OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOTIFY OTHER MOTORISTS OF VEHICLE BRAKING.UNDER SAFETY RECALL 03V-265, VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON ALL VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH NOVEMBER 2001.ANY AFFECTED SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE WITH THE MOST CURRENT VERSION, PART NUMBER 1J0 945 511D.
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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