CarRecallWatchThe 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility (6 reports).
2Recalls
12Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your New Beetle?
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls
Most common 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle problems
Problem areas named in the 12 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 6 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
What owners report
WHENEVER THE PASSENGER/DRIVER SEATS ARE MOVED WITHIN 10 SECONDS OF STARTING THE CAR AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON IN THE CONSOLE AND DOES NOT TURN OFF UNTIL DONE SO MANUALLY BY A MECHANIC. THE "POD" DEVICE IS THEN DISABLED. IF LIGHT IS ON, THEN AIRBAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT, INJURIES OR DEATH MAY OCCUR. ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, ONE IN AUGUST AND ONE IN OCTOBER THE LIGHT WAS RESET BY A MECHANIC AND TOOK 3 DAYS EACH TIME. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO HAVE THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR REPROGRAMMED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP'S MECHANICS HAVE NOT DONE SO, ASSUMING THAT IS WHY THE LIGHT KEEPS APPEARING.*AK
WHEN CHANGING THE OIL, A FRAME SUPPORT PAN FOUND ONLY ON CONVERTIBLE CATCHES THE MOTOR OIL. THIS SUPPORT PEN IS CONCAVED AND TRAPS A LARGE MOUNT OF OIL. IF NOT WIPED OUT WITH RAGS IT STAYS THERE CAUSING A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD FROM A SPARK. *AK *NM
WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND RESET IT SIX TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE SEAT LATCH WAS BROKEN AND THE REAR CONSOLE WAS FALLING APART. *SC
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HAS BEEN A MAJOR FAILURE POINT. IT HAS BEEN "FIXED" SEVERAL TIMES NOW AND IS STILL FAILING.*AK
2004 VW BEETLE BUY 8-19-04. RANSMISSION FAILURE 4 SINCE 9-8, LETTER 9-18 SENT CERTIFIED *VW TECH HOTLINE GAVE NO CASE # SERVICE MGR GAVE CUSTOMER TWO 800#S & CUSTOMER SPOKE W/3 MEN BUT NO CASE #S & SAID THEY WOULD CALL BACK IN 10-15 DAYS. A/O 9-29, NO RETURN CALL & CAR BACK IN SHOP FOR 4TH TIME SAME THING. DEALER WANTS CUSTOMER TO DRIVE AROUND, LEAVE SERVICE TICKET OPEN IN CASE HAPPENS AGAIN. CUSTOMER REQUESTED FULL REFUND UNDER LEMON LAW, BUT NO RESPONSES TO REQUEST. INCIDENTS: 1. 9-8 TRIED DIFFERENT GEARS AND MOVED INTO FIRST GEAR ONLY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD NOT LIGHT UP. SALESMAN ADVISED TO DRIVE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, WHICH TOOK OVER
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle questions
Does the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle: Equipment:Other:Labels; Air Bags. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility (6), Exterior Lighting (2), Structure (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 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.
Other Volkswagen New Beetle years
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle2003 Volkswagen New Beetle2002 Volkswagen New Beetle2001 Volkswagen New Beetle2000 Volkswagen New Beetle1999 Volkswagen New Beetle1998 Volkswagen New Beetle