CarRecallWatchThe 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Exterior Lighting (10 reports).
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls
Most common 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle problems
Problem areas named in the 30 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 10 |
| Visibility | 7 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Seats | 3 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Power Train | 1 |
What owners report
1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE SEVERELY OVERHEATED, CHECKING OUT CAUSE FOUND THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY HOUSING HAD MELTED. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT! VWOA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM ALTHOUGHT INTERNET SURVEYS SHOW 26% FAILURE IN NEW BEETLES. PLACEMENT OF THE FUSE BOX ON THE BATTERY HOUSING DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A VERY SAFE IDEA!*AK
SOME TYPE OF 'CONTROL MODULE' NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, WITHOUT IT THE AIR-BAG SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE WHICH HELPED IN THE DECISION TO BUY THE CAR, AND AFTER 5 YEARS IT FAILS RENDERING THE SYSTEM USELESS AND REQUIRING OVER $700 TO REPLACE. THIS IS WRONG!
TODAY, JULY 27,2004, THE OUTPUT CONNECTION ON MY FUEL PUMP CAME APART (DISCONNECTED) AND WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR DUMPED ABOUT A QUART OF GASOLINE ON THE GROUND UNDER THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. I WAS IN A CROWDED POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AND IT WAS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE FIRE DEPT CAME AND RECONNECTED THE LINE AND I WAS ABLE TO PROCEED TO THE VW DEALORSHIP AND HAVE IT CHECKED AND CERTIFIED SAFE TO CONTINUE OPERATING. THE CAR IS VW NEW BEETLE, 1998 YEAR OF MANUFACTURING. THE DEALORSHIP VW MECHANIC SAID HE HAD HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING SPONTANEOUSLY ON ONE OTHER OCASSION.*AK
PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW AND DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED AND DRIVER SIDE PLASTIC SWITCH BROKE OFF.*AK
HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING, HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE MANY TIMES DUE TO NO LIGHTS OR HAVING TO DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS ON. THIS PAST TIME HAD TO PARK THE CAR AND HAVE SOMEONE TAKE US HOME, COULD NOT DRIVE CAR UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. REPAIR BILLS ARE BECOMING REDICULOUS.*AK
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle questions
Does the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (10), Visibility (7), Electrical System (3).
How do I check if a recall on my 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.