2001 Volkswagen NEW 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 #03V265000July 25, 2003295,136 vehicles affected

  exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

  On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction.

  If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.

  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.

• NHTSA recall #02V244000September 12, 2002332,950 vehicles affected

  equipment: other: owners/service/other manual

  Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.

  These vehicles were not marked or described as required by the standard.

  Remedy

  Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments. Also enclosed will be four decals together with installation instructions and a template for attaching the decals to the lower seat backs. Owner notification is expected to begin september 15, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

• NHTSA recall #02V031000January 31, 200255,000 vehicles affected

  service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  On some passenger vehicles, short circuits Can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

  This Can result in a fire.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began march 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Other model years

• 1998 30
• 1999 34
• 2000 40
• 2001