CarRecordBook

1998–2004 · 7 model years

Volkswagen New Beetle recalls & problems by year

10 recalls and 190 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. Pick a year for the full record.

Most complaints200040 complaints
Most recalls20013 recalls
Crashes reported12in owner complaints
Injuries reported133 deaths
Owner complaints by model yearSelect a bar to open that year
0102030401998: 30 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 34 complaints, 1 recalls2000: 40 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 39 complaints, 3 recalls2002: 15 complaints, 1 recalls2003: 20 complaints, 0 recalls2004: 12 complaints, 2 recalls1998199920002001200220032004
Model yearNHTSA starsEPA mpgRecallsComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesDeaths
2004 New Beetle—22–36 mpg2120000
2003 New Beetle—22–38 mpg0202020
2002 New Beetle—23–38 mpg1150020
2001 New Beetle—22–38 mpg3394030
2000 New Beetle—22–38 mpg2402522
1999 New Beetle—22–38 mpg1342020
1998 New Beetle—21–38 mpg1302121

Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints; NHTSA does not verify them. A year with more complaints is not necessarily worse: newer and best-selling years collect more reports.

Most-reported problem areas, all years

  • Electrical system45
  • Engine and engine cooling31
  • Exterior lighting28
  • Visibility27
  • Power train23
  • Air bags19
  • Service brakes, hydraulic15
  • Vehicle speed control12