1998 Volkswagen Beetle

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #06V183000May 24, 2006646,246 vehicles affected

  exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA recall #98V100000May 13, 19988,500 vehicles affected

  electrical system: wiring: front underhood

  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The electrical wiring located in the engine compartment was routed too close to the endge of the vehicle's battery tray. The wiring Can become damaged over time by chafing and the air-conditioner compressor and/or the fuel pump Can malfunction.

  A malfunction of the fuel pump Can cause the vehicle to stall, and in some instances, could also result in a wiring fire in the engine compartment.

  Remedy

  Dealers will install a modified battery tray and inspect, properly route, and securing the wiring in accordance with the recall repair instructions.

Other model years

• 1998
• 1999 174
• 2000 263
• 2001 203
• 2002 165
• 2003 314
• 2004 349
• 2005 261
• 2006 124
• 2007 56
• 2008 60
• 2009 33
• 2010 30
• 2012 65
• 2013 93
• 2014 50
• 2015 83
• 2016 48