2005 Volkswagen Beetle
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Beetle › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Volkswagen Beetle. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2005 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.
Volkswagen IS recalling 76,900 my 2004-2005 new beetle and my 2003-2005 new beetle convertibles equipped with an advanced (dual-stage) air bag system. this system may have air bag frontal crash sensors that contain a solder joint on the circuit board that may crack under certain high temperature conditions. if this occurs, the air bag indicator light…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In low-severity frontal impacts, the front air bags may deploy more forcefully than designed, increasing the possibility of injury to out-of-position front seat occupants.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect each vehicle to determine that the specific defect crash sensor IS present on one or both sides of the vehicle. all of the defect crash sensors will be replaced free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin on or before july 31, 2008. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. the recall began during april 2007. owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
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.
On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the diesel pump. the recall began on february 8, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
261 complaints11 involved a crash5 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
The contact's son owned a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle Turbocharged. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH during early evening hours, he traveled over black ice in the road, which caused the vehicle to spin around several times before crashing into the guardrail and concrete wall…
The contact's son owned a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle Turbocharged. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH during early evening hours, he traveled over black ice in the road, which caused the vehicle to spin around several times before crashing into the guardrail and concrete wall several times, striking the front and rear of the vehicle, where it eventually came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. There was no reported fire. The front passenger side occupant sustained a severe concussion. The driver sustained a spinal curvature injury and a severe concussion. Medical attention was received, and both occupants were seen at a hospital. There were no warning lights illuminated before or after the failure. The police were on the scene, but it was unknown if a police report was filed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V178000 (Air Bags). The contact spoke with the sheriff, who referred to a lawyer. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact was notified of the crash through the 360 app. A local dealer was able to be located. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000. The VIN was not available.
- Power train
my 2005 VW Beetle auotmatic has 96k miles. When taking off the car shudders hard on 1st and 2nd gear. It feels like the transmission is out to fall out of the car. It also stops moving forward at times. I have quit driving it due to fear of getting hit. I feel this is a very dangerous and could cause serious injuries to me and other drivers. Please help
- Air bags
Passenger Air Bag Off. Light comes on.0
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
I wasa driving and the engine lost power and everything shut down.aoll the lights came on on the dashand it jujst stop power the stearing wheel locked .i was in a residential neighborhod going speed limit if I had been on the freeway I dont know what would of happen , im scared to drive my car now
- Air bags
Airbag light that IS located on the dash IS on. Took to have the sensor replaced and was told that part IS no longer made. Without this sensor the air bag IS rendered useless. The mechanic said that the airbag will not deploy in the event of an accident. this IS the code that IS given 00003…
Airbag light that IS located on the dash IS on. Took to have the sensor replaced and was told that part IS no longer made. Without this sensor the air bag IS rendered useless. The mechanic said that the airbag will not deploy in the event of an accident. this IS the code that IS given 00003 control module defective. And 00532 supply voltage lower limit not reached. Air bag module had internal failure. Will need to be replaced and check part has been discontinued. in the evident I want to sell this vehicle I can not due to this failure. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen beetle. While the contact's daughter was driving 35 mph, the vehicle hard shifted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to crain volkswagen of fayetteville (located at 2011 west foxglove dr, fayetteville, ar 72704, (479)…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen beetle. While the contact's daughter was driving 35 mph, the vehicle hard shifted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to crain volkswagen of fayetteville (located at 2011 west foxglove dr, fayetteville, ar 72704, (479) 695-5900), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000. *Ln*jb
- Electrical system
The light bulbs are short fuse about every year. I think water gets in.i purshase it 0N 2011 h on a use
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Seat belts
I bought used. One headlight was working. The other one went out shortly after I got it. We replaced the hid lights with brand new halogen lights. Was working great! Then I was driving to town late one night and my headlights went out. The low beams, I still had the high beams. Then I got pulled…
I bought used. One headlight was working. The other one went out shortly after I got it. We replaced the hid lights with brand new halogen lights. Was working great! Then I was driving to town late one night and my headlights went out. The low beams, I still had the high beams. Then I got pulled over cause my tail lights were not working. So I had to drive with my flashers on. Then the check airbag light came on and I need a new seat belt, cause it IS not working right. The drivers door window would not roll down a little when I opened the door and the door would not lock. The lights and tail lights are making me mad cause no matter what we have done they never work. Help!!! I want it fixed!! I love my little convertible. I don't want to have to get rid of it.
- Air bags
Air bag light IS on just wondering if this has anything to do with the takata recall
- Electrical system
While driving on a local highway, I heard a "click" then a "poof", then the car lost power, in traffic! it was towed to the mechanic we always use. They determined that the fuse box/alternator cable melted. They said this IS a problem with the beetle. we checked to see if we missed any recalls…
While driving on a local highway, I heard a "click" then a "poof", then the car lost power, in traffic! it was towed to the mechanic we always use. They determined that the fuse box/alternator cable melted. They said this IS a problem with the beetle. we checked to see if we missed any recalls and were surprised to learn that there has not been any on such a dangerous issue! I am including screen captured images from video we have of the problem being inspected. We also have documentation from the mechanic.
- Electrical system · Engine · Visibility/wiper
My vin number on car IS different from the vin number on motor. I just found this out about one month ago. I wasn't told this when I bought the vehicle.. So, I don't know if this IS a big problem or not. Its a 2005 VW, with a 2004 engine from a slavage yard, bandb, or b and r?? this caused me…
My vin number on car IS different from the vin number on motor. I just found this out about one month ago. I wasn't told this when I bought the vehicle.. So, I don't know if this IS a big problem or not. Its a 2005 VW, with a 2004 engine from a slavage yard, bandb, or b and r?? this caused me great alarm. The wiring since had to be done about 2 weeks ago. Also, the belly pan had been missing. I had it fixed. And the headlights had to be repaired too. this car has cost me thousands in repairs since purchase. And I don't have more thousands to put in it. Please help I hope the car in excellent shape now. Also, I noticed the dip stick broke to oil check and hadn't been prior to my acknowledgement. Also, the car has a soft top and I was told was newly replaced in 5/2018. But it seems to have a different look inside then a tight shape regarding top, and I don't know if this should be or not.
- Air bags · Electrical system
I have a 2005 VW beetle convertible. I am having problems with my air bag light on my dashboard. the air bag light will not turn off. I took my car to the dealership and they said that the airbag control module was not working. I am not able to get my car inspected because the sensor light…
I have a 2005 VW beetle convertible. I am having problems with my air bag light on my dashboard. the air bag light will not turn off. I took my car to the dealership and they said that the airbag control module was not working. I am not able to get my car inspected because the sensor light will not turn off! I looked up recall parts for my car, and I now see that there IS a recall on the air bag: frontal: sensor / control module. the recall states that the soldier joint may crack under certain high temperature conditions, and that the air bag indicator light will illuminate and the fall back algorithm will ensure that the air bags deploy. hopefully I will not need them and will not get into an accident. I want the dealer to replace this control module that was recalled, and fix my car so I can get it to pass inspection, and get back to driving it safely. thank you, (xxxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Exterior lighting
Headlights do not light properly when turned on to drive at night. Lights only stay in daytime mode. Too dark to drive at night. Have taken it to dealership and they refuse to see it.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2005 volkswagen beetle. While driving 73 mph, the vehicle hesitated and stalled without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and smoke appeared from the front of the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed…
TL* the contact owned a 2005 volkswagen beetle. While driving 73 mph, the vehicle hesitated and stalled without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and smoke appeared from the front of the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a towing lot. The contact called bill marine volkswagen at (937) 210-4257 (located at 415 e north st, springfield, oh 45503) and was advised to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The vin was not available.
- Power train
The car downshifts into a lower gear with a 'hard' sound. sometimes after the car IS warm it takes a moment to go into gear from a fast speed to a slow or stop.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was taken to (clay cooley volkswagen park cities 6223, 5555 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75209 (469) 425-9452) where the contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was taken to (clay cooley volkswagen park cities 6223, 5555 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75209 (469) 425-9452) where the contact was informed that the passenger seat control sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000. *Tt *js
- Power train
Transmission slips or downshift very hard causes sudden loss of vehicle speed and or loss of control at normal highway speeds or on secondary roadways causing following vehicles to either heavy braking or swurve to avoid rear end collesion with the vehicle.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" this vehicle airbag signal light shows on the gauge and does not go off during driving for the past 4 months.
- Exterior lighting
Driver side headlamp - was inspected by ek automotive in chicago. headlamp assembly IS not connecting to power supply therefore, this IS a big safety concern! . Every time I hit a bump, the low beam headlight goes out !! VW needs to fix this at their expense!! I've seen so many new beetles with one headlight out...make it right!!!
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The drivers window does not work. They are using inferior parts that are known to break. Also the transmission IS slipping out of gear while driving and the trunk will not work using the remote.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
Driver's side rear window regulator stopped working. Window was stuck down in the middle of winter. Car was in motion, hit the front window button, back window rolled down, wouldn't roll back up.
- Electrical system
Alternator malfunction caused sever burning of the battery top mounted fuse box assembly. replaced alternator and fuse box assembly and car still does not operate properly. Battery drains out continuously even with no key in the ignition. Dealership has given up of repairing the car even after…
Alternator malfunction caused sever burning of the battery top mounted fuse box assembly. replaced alternator and fuse box assembly and car still does not operate properly. Battery drains out continuously even with no key in the ignition. Dealership has given up of repairing the car even after spending 500$ in diagnostics, they could not identify a corrective course of action. I have all bills and repair lists on file if needed. The car has only 44,000 miles and was in mint condition. I have also had to replace 3 of the 4 window components on the electric windows.
- Air bags
My 2005 volkswagen beetle has the warning lights on for the airbag. The repairman diagnosed it as codes p1738 and p1739 which indicate the frontal crash sensors for the driver and passenger sides. 76,900 cars under recall 08v178000 have the same issues for this. My vin was not included. The VW…
My 2005 volkswagen beetle has the warning lights on for the airbag. The repairman diagnosed it as codes p1738 and p1739 which indicate the frontal crash sensors for the driver and passenger sides. 76,900 cars under recall 08v178000 have the same issues for this. My vin was not included. The VW dealer IS not willing to fix, I feel I am being penalized by having to pay 500.00 to repair a known problem. I will never own another VW again if this IS what I can expect.
- Air bags
Called volkswagen about the 08v178000 recall as the airbag light IS on on my vehicle and they said the computer says it IS the front right crash sensor which IS exactly what was recalled yet they refuse to inspect and honor the recall. they say the computer tells them there are no active recalls on my vehicle.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen beetle convertible. While the vehicle was at a stop sign, it stalled and was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
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
- 10253180Antenna Diagnosis Overview
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10249138Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243064VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243059VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243053VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242402VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242397VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242391VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242381VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242358VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241699Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241698Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241345Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is Switched OFF
- 10241344Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 10241342Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 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
- 10241285Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241282Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
Every Volkswagen Beetle model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.