1999 Volkswagen Beetle
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Volkswagen › Beetle › 1999
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
7 recalls name the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. Newest first.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump…
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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.
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.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, white smoke was coming from the center console. The contact noticed the console was melting. The contact extinguished the smoke. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,500.
My car- 1999 VW beetle was not fully inspected before I got the car from dealer. I just found out that my car has long list of parts need replacement to repair and I felt that it wasn't real safe because of strut shock and power steering also cv joints are getting bad in the under of hood. I found out that my car has no panel skid for prevent from wetting on motor parts and got bad acid on it. I has to order the parts for my car and hasn't driven for almost 6 months by so far. by right I don't have much money to pay for repairs.
TL* the contact owned a 1999 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise while driving in the middle lane of the road. The contact stated that smoke emitted near the left part of the dashboard close to the steering wheel. In addition, due to the extensive nature of the smoke, the contact had to engage the hazard lights and exited the vehicle while in the lane. The fire department extinguished the flames. A police officer was present to direct traffic and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a yard. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14e007000 (engine and engine cooling). The vin was included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 07v063000 (exterior lighting) and 06v183000 (exterior lighting).the manufacturer was notified of the failure months ago and was to provide further testing to determine the failure. The contact kept calling, but received no response from the manufacturer. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen beetle. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light and coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the timing belt was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14e007000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 235,403.
TL* the contact owned a 1999 volkswagen beetle. While driving approximately 60 mph and switching lanes on the highway, the contact's vehicle crashed into the retention wall. The contact sustained a broken nose and a large cut from the lower lip all the way down to her chin. The contact was transported to the local hospital by ambulance for medical attention. A police report was filed. The doctor stated that a piece of metal from the air bag cracked some of her frontal teeth. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000. ...updated 06-12-15 *bf
TL* the contact owned a 1999 volkswagen beetle. While driving 65 mph, the air bags deployed when the contact crashed into the bars on the freeway. The contact sustained a fractured nose and a cut to the face that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Had to have fuse panel on battery replaced for 2ND time in 2-3 yrs and also a fuse box under dash. Cost was very expensive. Car would not start all of a sudden after shopping at a store. Had to push start the car to a independent mechanic. Still don't know why it went bad/appeared melted. In first episode the alternator had to be replaced also as there were battery drain problems. This an indirect safety issue as my daughter drives car and she could have be stranded at any place when this happened. *tr
The speedometer stopped working. shortly after this the drive by wire throttle also stopped working returning the vehicle to an idle (approx. 1100 rpm). this can occur at any time. you have to restart the vehicle to get the throttle to work again. this IS very dangerous when it happens in heavy traffic. the manufacturer (VW) can offer no solution to the problem. I have discovered this issue, at some point in time, could affect all of the 1999 -2009 new beetles along with the audi tt. Again VW and the speedometer cluster manufacturer magneti morelli can offer no fix for the problem. *tr
Sending my daughter to college in this cute little red bug. Every VW dealership and their brother, IS aware of a driver side airbag defect in these cute little things. my dealer will repair the faulty wiring and belt buckle, as they did for the school teacher I bought this cute little thing from. what school teachers won't do IS replace the faulty airbag in the side for six years because they think, "oh I am safe enough with a front airbag only!" and nobody wants to spend $700 for a little side airbag. But I think VW should recall the side airbag for putting in so many faulty side airbags as a whole bunch of cute school teachers and cute little freshman students like my little precious girl drive around these bugs with a smile on there face. and the cute light with a little man holding a beach ball in his lap! *tr
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated to the contact that the clutch, pressure plate, and bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the problem persisted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. *Tr
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while at a traffic light she smelled something burning then noticed smoke emitting from the dashboard. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact home where the vehicle completely engolf into flames. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,500.
My grandmother had purchased a eddie bauer brooke stroller and car seat set online for my baby shower end of september through beginning of august 2011. Purchase was around $300+ which I don't find cheap by any means. Long story short- my 5 month old daughter and I were in a head on collision where I've learned her car seat base was defected during the crash and had actually lifted out of the base and back down. Could have easily went through the windshield. She suffered a broken right femur and a fractured left femur leaving her in a almost full body cast for 4 weeks. I had hit a full sized truck head on leading up to the even the base and car seat detached. The car seat was thrown away sometime while I was in the hospital. I was in a medically induced coma for three days before stating to anyone at the hospital. One of the first responders from the fire department had gotten the baby out from the drivers side door from reaching around me. I have the stroller and the box the set came in but they threw the car seat away. My grandmother should be able to locate purchasing info through her past credit card use if needed. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, he turned off the air conditioner and noticed smoke coming from the instrument panel. The contact was able to park and exit the vehicle, when the vehicle burst into flames. The fire was able to be extinguished and the vehicle was towed from the scene. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 107,000.
Defective plastic speedometer drive gear in transmission. After driving at highway speed for approximately 5 minutes the speedometer gradually drops causing you to think that your driving slower than you actually are. At 65mph the speedometer floats between 45 - 55 mph. At 80mph it reads 60. This problem causes the cruise control to constantly try to speed the car up. I'm afraid to let my teen driver use the car. Cost of repair at private shop IS over $1000. Due to intense labor to replace broken gear. Transmission must be taken apart to fix. Dealer wants to replace the entire transmission for $4000. These beetles are popular with new teen drivers and this IS a dangerous defect. An internet search also shows the same problem occurring in the jetta.
Defect in driver side power window. Window not used for several years. As of may 28, 2011 window opened & will not close. *tr
1999 VW beetle. Airbag light came on randomly and won't turn off. VW repair shop told me it would be $99 to diagnose the problem and a few hundred dollars to replace/fix the issue. The car has not been involved in an accident. Nothing has been done to fix the issue. It IS a safety issue because I'm essentially driving around with no airbags. I refuse to pay that much money for something that multiple people have reported the issue about. Should be a recall. *tr
Electrical system problem on the 1999 volkswagen beetle: during the last (4) weeks, daughters beetle stopped running on (2) major highways, and one-time a side street near my home. the 1ST auto shop stated that I had a bad alternator & a bad battery. than, 1 week later, the new alternator blew and the same mechanic had the original alternator re-built stating it was the harness! Than, it stopped running on my road near my home. A 2ND auto shop told me to take it toe VW dealer and that IS where it IS now! I have paid $640 so-far & have used my aaa for towing 3X'S! *Tr
We test drove cars at rod & tys all star auto in puyallup, we noticed that the tires were bald and one car had a bulge and tear in the outside of the tire. I brought this to their attention and they said they aren't required to make these cars safe. That IS the buyers responsibility. I was very upset. These tires are so bald they aren't even legal. I would like this place investigate to shut down before some IS hurt or killed from the dangerous cars. *Tr
K I recently bought a 99 VW beetle and now all of a sudden my car jerks when it hits like 3000rpm and it idles higher then it should. *Tr
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen beetle. While driving at approximately 55 mph, a fire erupted under the dashboard. The contact moved the vehicle off the highway. The fire and police department arrived on the scene to assist. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot and the vehicle has not been examined for the cause of failure. A police report was available. The failure and current mileages were unknown.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen beetle which was purchased on february 13, 2010. While driving at speeds of 70 mph, the vehicle shifted into neutral while in drive mode. The instrument panel indicated that the vehicle was in neutral gear; however, the gear shift selector was in the drive position. She then attempted to shift back into drive and the vehicle began to jerk and lunge violently. The dealer was contacted and they attempted to correct the failure by replacing parts unknown to the contact. While driving home from the dealer, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they reprogrammed the computer, which also did not correct the failure and the vehicle continued to shift out of gear. The failure and current mileages were under 121,000.
V.W. Beetle automatic transmission failure - hard shift or will not shift. *Tr
Driving down nj parkway,65 mph. Transmission went out,thumping,losing speed in heavy traffic. nothing done to correct after reading blog about this problem. I can't afford to have it fixed based on this info. Car IS now undrivable. shifting erratically if at all. Jerking between gears. *Tr
Faulty valve stems -- suspect -- made in china, purchased at local aaa repair facility that purchaes supplies from tech int'l. *Tr
Daughter was traveling down road at 45 mph (speed limit) and the right front driver's side tire caught on fire due to tread separated from tire. she saw smoke and immediately stopped the car. the fire department came and put out the fire. the car had to be towed to car dealership. the result was the tread separated, damaged oil pan, wrapped around cv axle, melted the transmission mount. the car IS beyond repair. *Tr
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
By letters dated may 24, 2006 and august 4, 2006, volkswagen (VW) notified the agency that it IS conducting a safety recall (nhtsa recall no 06v-183) involving model year (my) 1998-2002 volkswagen new beetle and 1999-2002 volkswagen jetta vehicles equipped with cruise control.volkswagen?s recall covers 646,246 vehicles.previously, VW recalled these vehicles to replace a defective brake light switch (recalls 03v-265 and 04v-096) that was unique to vehicles with cruise control.volkswagen reports that the brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly during recalls 03v-265 and 04v-096.volkswagen will install a new design brake light switch.based on volkswagen's safety recall action, this investigation IS closed.
The brake light switch used in cruise control equipped my 1998-1999 and all my 2000 and later models has undergone multiple revisions.analysis of warranty and complaint data indicates high replacement rates occurred in vehicles built with brake switch part numbers 1J0 945 511A and 1J0 945 511B, the original and first revision levels, respectively.the failure of the switch could result in failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brakes are applied, or could cause the brake lamps to stay continually illuminated.either condition results in the inability of the brake lights to notify other motorists of vehicle braking.under safety recall 03v-265, volkswagen will inspect the brake light switch on all vehicles built through november 2001.any affected switch will be replaced free of charge with the most current version, part number 1J0 945 511D.
The brake light switch used in new beetle IS also specified in golf and jetta models.one type of switch IS used on cruise equipped models, a second type IS used on non-cruise models.vw reports 86 consumer complaints and 2575 warranty claims of inoperative brake lights, the majority of which are related to the brake switch.two of the VW complaints involve failures that were also reported to odi.additionally, over 100,000 brake switch service components have been sold under 4 different part numbers.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.