2002 Volkswagen Beetle
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Volkswagen Beetle. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 2002 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. the recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. 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 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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
165 complaints13 involved a crash4 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
Unknown
- Service brakes · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
I was driving down the road an the car started accelerating all by it's self so I pulled over but every time I let off the break it acted like I had the gas to the floor. The O2 sensor wire's shorted and burnt up the ECM making the CPU light to come on.
- Electrical system
I was driving on the highway with my daughter and girlfriend when suddenly the car caught an electrical fire out of nowhere. I pulled over and cloudy smoke was arising luckily the state trooper had a fire extinguisher to put it out before the car caught on heavy flames.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. While driving 60 mph, the ABS main control unit indicator illuminated. An independent mechanic stated that the ABS was malfunctioning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (volkswagen of oakland, 2740 broadway, oakland, ca 94610) who stated that…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. While driving 60 mph, the ABS main control unit indicator illuminated. An independent mechanic stated that the ABS was malfunctioning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (volkswagen of oakland, 2740 broadway, oakland, ca 94610) who stated that there were no active recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 89,605. *Tt
- Air bags · Structure › Body
Vehicle was in motion (about 25 mph) when a front end collision occurred which resulted in the passenger side airbag activating only. The driver side steering wheel airbag did not activate. Driver's face hit the steering wheel.
- Service brakes
ABS traction control system malfunctioning, told by dealer and mechanic that the control module IS defective. The ABS kicks in even when not braking and no light on. Car abruptly swerves as brakes engage one wheel only. The dealer said there IS no recall for my vin number but the part IS the same…
ABS traction control system malfunctioning, told by dealer and mechanic that the control module IS defective. The ABS kicks in even when not braking and no light on. Car abruptly swerves as brakes engage one wheel only. The dealer said there IS no recall for my vin number but the part IS the same number as the one for other listed recalls. I called VW america and they are unwilling to take responsibility. The cost to replace and reprogram the new module IS $2,000
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not available.
- Service brakes
The car was driven in the morning then parked at my home. When I went to use it again it will not come out of park. The light will not go out so that I can pull the gear shift out of park.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle convertible. While driving approximately 40 mph in the rain, water suddenly leaked into the cabin of the vehicle and onto the driver. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
- Electrical system
We purchase our 2002 VW beatle from a private 6 years ago. We have replaced the fuse box above the battery on 3 previous occasions as the box shorts out and melts causing the car to turn off and not restart. The first two times we had repair facilities fix the problem to the tune of $500 plus each…
We purchase our 2002 VW beatle from a private 6 years ago. We have replaced the fuse box above the battery on 3 previous occasions as the box shorts out and melts causing the car to turn off and not restart. The first two times we had repair facilities fix the problem to the tune of $500 plus each time. The 3RD time this happened I ordered the part on line and did the repair myself. Well it just burned out again this week which now makes 4 times in a 6 year history this has occurred. I talked with VW concerning this and they said the cable was too small when VW first manufactured the car. So the 3RD time it went out I replaced the so called faulty cable as well. Well I guess that wasn't the problem as I said it now burned up again and that was replacing the cable and going to a larger gage size wire that VW suggested. Not what should I just expect it to happen again. Needless to say I have seen this same complaint several times when IS VW going to stand up and take responsibility. I know have spent over $1500 fixing the same thing now for the 4TH time. Very disappointing VW.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. While driving approximately 15 mph, all the warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery died. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the same…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. While driving approximately 15 mph, all the warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery died. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the same failure occurred several other times. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000. ...Updated 08/15/16 *bf the consumer stated the alternator was replaced and the battery was charged. *Js
- Seats · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
The interior smells strongly of crayons and will not go away with shampooing, cleaning and/or other methods of odor removal. the odor IS very strong and rubs off on clothing and skin whilst seated.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Vehicle speed control
When I drive the car go slow then fast
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. When the contact started the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer previously replaced the air bag sensor, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. updated 10/18/2017*cn
- Air bags
I was struck by a driver on the freeway going about 30 mph who was switching lanes and hit my driver side tire and driver side fender on my car. My airbags did not deploy. I have continuously contacted and had my vehicle serviced for the defective airbag several times. I am a single mother of twins…
I was struck by a driver on the freeway going about 30 mph who was switching lanes and hit my driver side tire and driver side fender on my car. My airbags did not deploy. I have continuously contacted and had my vehicle serviced for the defective airbag several times. I am a single mother of twins and this IS my only car so I could not take the vehicle in every two to four weeks for this same problem that has lasted since I purchased the vehicle. I have all the records showing all the times I have taken the vehicle in to get the airbag light fixed and every time the VW company fixed it a few days to a week later it would come back on. This has been going on since august of 2006.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen beetle. While driving various speeds at night, the headlights and tail lights failed to work intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Bought this VW beetle used. Had terrible smell, like burnt crayons. Cleaned it intensely, inside and outside. Thorough detail job. Still smells, causing headache. Air bag light and buzzer stayed on even after latching seat belt. Cruise control works erratically, lunging forward suddenly, then…
Bought this VW beetle used. Had terrible smell, like burnt crayons. Cleaned it intensely, inside and outside. Thorough detail job. Still smells, causing headache. Air bag light and buzzer stayed on even after latching seat belt. Cruise control works erratically, lunging forward suddenly, then chugs, then lunges forward quickly again. Speed works consistently when cruise control IS not engaged. Very unsafe with cruise control in use. Lighting issues. Interior lights would not work, unable to see interior gauges in the dark. Turn signals blinking erratically, and not in sync. Took vehicle in for repairs at an authorized VW dealer, paid $1,300.00. Still not working properly. Took it back in 4 days later because drivers side window almost fell out while driving, and interior lighting issues still did not work. Was charged another $600.00. vehicle will not engage into drive position easily, and sometimes not at all unless the steering wheel IS jerked on. Dealer said sensors were the problem, and that I will need to bring it back again to have the cruise control fixed at a cost of $250.00. I am scared to drive this vehicle now. There should be some recalls on the smell issue, and the air bag/seat belt issue. Also cruise control issue, because I have been told it IS associated with the electrical problems. *tr
- Air bags
On friday, august 15, 2014 at 12:19 pm, I rear ended a toyota highlander at a speed of about 30 mph. My passenger was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident and on impact my passenger was ejected out of the seat and smashed her head off the windshield and then onto the dashboard. Also…
On friday, august 15, 2014 at 12:19 pm, I rear ended a toyota highlander at a speed of about 30 mph. My passenger was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident and on impact my passenger was ejected out of the seat and smashed her head off the windshield and then onto the dashboard. Also she hit her legs off the glove box hard enough that she could not walk after the accident. The windshield IS smashed and the glove box door IS broken. I on the other hand had my seat belt on, but my side of the car had sustained the most damage, but neither the driver or passenger air bags deployed. *tr
- Electrical system · Equipment adaptive/mobility
On june 13TH I was driving my car and I went to turn off the ac and it made a loud clicking noise, after the noise the ac wouldn't turn off so I ended up driving 3 hours with the ac full blast. A few days after this I was able to turn off the ac, and left it like this for about 2 weeks. At this…
On june 13TH I was driving my car and I went to turn off the ac and it made a loud clicking noise, after the noise the ac wouldn't turn off so I ended up driving 3 hours with the ac full blast. A few days after this I was able to turn off the ac, and left it like this for about 2 weeks. At this point the middle knob was stuck and the ac would randomly work and no longer would turn at all. On june 30TH as I was leaving the parking lot of my apartment and went to turned on the ac, it made a weird noise but I continued driving anyways. The ac stopped working so I turned the knob again and I started getting a burning smell, I looked down and saw smoke coming out from behind the knob so I drove back to my apartment because I decided it wasn't safe to drive on the freeway. In a matter of a minute the smoke got worse and started coming out from the entire area under my radio. I parked my car once I got back home and stood outside as I allowed my car to air out, not long after this I saw flames coming out from the middle knob and growing bigger. I was luckily able to put it out with a cup of water and was forced to call 911 to make sure the fire was completely out. This IS one of the worst experiences that has ever happened to me and it was terrifying, if I didn't have a cup of water at the time the fire could have easily burned up the rest of my car in a matter of seconds. *tr
- Air bags
The driver's side air bags did not deploy as they should have in a head on car accident. Someone hit my car in the right rear end and I lost control of the car and it careened head first into a tree. Before the car was hit it was going about 30 - 35 mph but after it was hit it went faster, I can't…
The driver's side air bags did not deploy as they should have in a head on car accident. Someone hit my car in the right rear end and I lost control of the car and it careened head first into a tree. Before the car was hit it was going about 30 - 35 mph but after it was hit it went faster, I can't say how much (i estimated above). I was the driver and only occupant. The car was totaled but the air bags did not deploy as they should have. I got whiplash (real whiplash) and injured my hip as it broke the arm rest. The vin number I provided IS for this car that was totaled - it's no longer on the street. *tr
- Air bags
I was sitting in standstill traffic, by myself, was hit from behind at full freeway speed, forced into the car in front of me, resulting in a domino effect and a 6 car pile up. I sustained both front end and back end damage, totaling my car, my passenger airbag deployed (again, I was alone) the drivers side one did not, forcing me into the steering wheel and dashboard. I am currently under a doctors care. *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
The front seat belt buckle becomes defective and sets an airbag code making the air bag light turn on and possibly not work. this IS the third time I have had to replace the buckle on this vehicle in 187,000 miles. I have checked a number of VW club forums and have found this IS a very common issue on these vehicles. I feel this IS a safety issue that nhtsa should look into. *js
- Power train
This IS my daughters car and we are concerned about the safety of it with her going to school and work. it has been jerking very hard enough to throw you whole body forward I just can't believe the complaints I've seen with this car I would have never bought it knowing all these problems. Parents…
This IS my daughters car and we are concerned about the safety of it with her going to school and work. it has been jerking very hard enough to throw you whole body forward I just can't believe the complaints I've seen with this car I would have never bought it knowing all these problems. Parents concerned please help to get fixed. VW should be held accountable and fix these dangerous issues I pray everyday she IS ok driving, can't afford to get another car let alone fix it!!! Also have had other issues too but this one IS the most concerning!! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The VW new beetle I just got has a strong interior smell of crayons. IS this harmful to our health? *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Brake light switch failure
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…
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.
- Brake light switch
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10249138Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243059VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243053VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243052VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243046VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243002VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242397VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242391VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242390VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242384VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242340VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241699Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241698Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240900Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10240605P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
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