2006 Volkswagen Beetle
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Beetle › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Volkswagen Beetle. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2006 Volkswagen Beetle. Newest first.
Volkswagen IS recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. the jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If chafing occurs, there IS the potential for a fuel leak to develop. fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. 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.
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 17-inch wheels and a 2.5L engine fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were produced with a tire information label that lists an incorrect front tire size. the correct front tire size should be listed as 225/45 R17. The…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A misprinted label could lead to fitment of improperly sized replacement tires.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with a new tire information label and installation instructions. at the customer's option, a dealer can perform the installation for them free of charge. the recall began on february 27, 2006. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
Owner complaints
124 complaints7 involved a crash1 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident due to the seat belt buckle malfunctioning. When he callez Dublin Volkswagen to…
I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident due to the seat belt buckle malfunctioning. When he callez Dublin Volkswagen to get the part to fix this issue, they stated that Volkswagen does not make the part anymore. This is a major safety concern because myself and anyone else needs this part to drive safely.
- Power train
When in motion, the transmission fails to engage gears at appropriate engine speeds. Sometimes the engine revs way too high and slams into the next gear, producing dangerous jolts. Other times the gear fails to engage at all, resulting in complete loss of vehicle power. My vehicle was stranded in…
When in motion, the transmission fails to engage gears at appropriate engine speeds. Sometimes the engine revs way too high and slams into the next gear, producing dangerous jolts. Other times the gear fails to engage at all, resulting in complete loss of vehicle power. My vehicle was stranded in city traffic due to this temporary failure of the transmission to engage properly. The vehicle has been examined by qualified technicians and certain control parts have been replaced but the vehicle continues to display this defective behavior seemingly at random. I and others could have been very seriously injured because of this defect in the vehicle's drivetrain.
- Electrical system
Fuse box on top of battery meltdown going down the highway
- Electrical system
The car was stopped at a red light. when the light turned green and we tried to accelerate, the car engine stopped running. it looks like the cause was the wiring going into the fuse box on top of the battery overheated and melted. the alternator harness and fuse box need to be replaced. we are the second owner of this vehicle so don't know if this has happened before.
- Unknown or other
The driver's side door hinge just disappeared and broke for no apparent reason. I do not know when it broke but it had to have just happened as I noticed it now makes an awful cracking noise when the door IS opened or closed. After inspecting it the hinge IS gone or broke off inside the door that…
The driver's side door hinge just disappeared and broke for no apparent reason. I do not know when it broke but it had to have just happened as I noticed it now makes an awful cracking noise when the door IS opened or closed. After inspecting it the hinge IS gone or broke off inside the door that you cannot see; therefore, if there IS a wind, it could swing clear back and break the door off as there IS nothing to let it swing only a certain amount back. we've only had the vehicle 1.5 years. we've checked and alot of body shops do not know what to do with it. it will take some body work with welding and taking the door off.....and no doubt paint replacement . I can send a photo if need be.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
Fuse box melted twice. The last time totally shut the car down. VW does not have a fix for this problem. Will sell you new box but will not warentee the new box will not fail again as they do not know why it happens. As I was driving in traffic dashboard warning lights came on and the ac stopped…
Fuse box melted twice. The last time totally shut the car down. VW does not have a fix for this problem. Will sell you new box but will not warentee the new box will not fail again as they do not know why it happens. As I was driving in traffic dashboard warning lights came on and the ac stopped working and the car slowed and lost some power. I was able to get off the road and pull into a repair shop that just happened to be right there. They diagnosed that the fuse box had melted.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2006 volkswagen beetle. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's vehicle was rear ended and pushed into a yard. The vehicle struck a water meter and crashed into a concrete covert. The air bag deployed. The contact sustained third degree burns from the volkswagen…
TL* the contact owned a 2006 volkswagen beetle. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's vehicle was rear ended and pushed into a yard. The vehicle struck a water meter and crashed into a concrete covert. The air bag deployed. The contact sustained third degree burns from the volkswagen emblem on the air bag, and cuts and bruises to the face that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot and deemed destroyed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 190802695. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000. *Ln consumer stated found car was sold to tennessee auto salvage (knoxville,tn) sold 9/14/19. Phone number 865-281-5420.*jb *ln pictures that VW (larry west) received from copart knoxville, tn. *Jb*dt *tr
- Electrical system
This vehicle has a problem with the immobilizer. This IS an electrical problem wich should be responsability of the manufacturer. At warm days there IS no problem, but in cold days the immobilizer activates and there IS impossible start the car.
- Unknown or other
I have a 2006 volkswagen beetle convertible that I bought about a year ago.the beetle IS in excellent condition and has extremely low miles. It has been well taken care of to say the least. However, I have noticed a very strong odor that smells like crayons. The odor IS so strong that my hair…
I have a 2006 volkswagen beetle convertible that I bought about a year ago.the beetle IS in excellent condition and has extremely low miles. It has been well taken care of to say the least. However, I have noticed a very strong odor that smells like crayons. The odor IS so strong that my hair, clothes and skin smells like this scent. I have a special needs child and he coughs and sneezes the whole time while riding. Not to mention both of us get horrific headaches and our eyes water from the odor. I have no idea if this crayon smell IS toxic or what fumes we are breathing in but it cannot be good from the side effects we are having from it. I have tried to sell it but no one will buy it because of the strong odor it has. I have had it professional cleaned, changed the cabin air filter etc and the smell IS still there.
- Unknown or other
My car shifts hard between 1ST and 2ND gear and between 3RD and 4TH gear.
- Electrical system
Every year when it gets cold the window regulators break. I have replaced both sides twice now!
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle lost acceleration. The contact released the accelerator pedal and the vehicle resumed to normal. The contact also stated that the failure occurred for approximately eight months…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle lost acceleration. The contact released the accelerator pedal and the vehicle resumed to normal. The contact also stated that the failure occurred for approximately eight months every day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a transmission valve body failure and needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the extended warranty was expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. updated 12/13/2017 *ln *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Epc warning light want turn off. Vehicle IS stationary as well as in motion. Speed decreases when traveling on roadway.
- Exterior lighting
While driving the vehicle going 60mph, the lights turn off. I had to stop and hit the headlights to get the lights to come on. Then they would shut off again. I took it to the dealer. The headlight assembly IS made of plastic and broke. It IS a matter of time before the assembly breaks again causing the lights to fail.
- Power train
Hard shifting from first to second, and second to third and when car downshifts thru 1-2 2-3 just had transmission fluid replaced by dealer. Just found out on line this problem has happened since 2003 till 2016 in beetles
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The certified mechanic also informed the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The certified mechanic also informed the contact that the failure was similar to the issue listed in nhtsa campaign number: 10v621000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vin was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
- Power train
My 2006 VW beetle only has 64,000 miles on it, has received regular maintenance, and the transmission went out. this mechanical breakdown IS premature for the miles and care this car has.
- Power train
Auto trans slips when shifting from 1-2 and 2-3 and it also makes car jump forward when it shifts into gear moving FWD. This IS a safety problem VW has had since 2003but does not accept blame for problem at 87,000 had fluid changed and problem started it seems VW doesn't care just like airbag and diesel problems.
- Power train
Transmission problems related to this model. Car hesitates when automatic transmission IS shifting gears.
- Power train
A well documented transmission problem under 100,000 miles there was a lawsuit that I was unaware of my transmission IS now having this issue. *tr
- Service brakes
Brake failure resulted in crash and total loss of vehicle. Traveling on flat straight four lane road with raised median approximately 45mph. Vehicles to the right and median to the left. Brakes did not slow the vehicle. vehicle crashed into another stopped vehicle.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Purchased vehicle from used car dealer 5/2014. Within 6 weeks a noticeable odor of gas both in the passenger compartment and outside the car.when standing within 5 feet of it. Regular maintenance was performed but licensed repair shops were unable/unwilling to find a cause. the car was driven…
Purchased vehicle from used car dealer 5/2014. Within 6 weeks a noticeable odor of gas both in the passenger compartment and outside the car.when standing within 5 feet of it. Regular maintenance was performed but licensed repair shops were unable/unwilling to find a cause. the car was driven approximately 8 miles within the city of tucson, az on public roadways todavis-monthan afb for service again. The technician immediately evacuated my car's driver away from it as he saw fuel had spilled into the trunk space, traveled through the access panel, spilled into the backseat passenger compartment under the back seat, saturated the carpet and floor mats, and had begun reaching beneath the front seats. The fuel was hosed until it could safely be driven off the military base then towed to a VW dealership. per the dealership's service manager, the fuel pump had cracked and caused several gallons of gas into the car. Neither VW of america or it's authorized dealer are able to give me a detailed description of what had been addressed in 2011, prior to my ownership, regarding the fuel system recall reference nhtsa #10v621000, and VW will not fund the repair of the fuel system. VW of america reports to nhtsa that no recall repairs remain to be done. All repairs to the fuel system; gasoline delivery hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been completed on 2006-2010 certain models jetta, new. Beetle, beetle convertibles, jetta sportwagon, and rabbit vehicles. without VW providing me a recall repair record and accepting no responsibility to provide me such, I am screwed!! As a single, hard working mother, I can neither afford 1K to fix it or a monthly payment on a car that can't be driven. VW once again reveals it's reprehensible practice of deceiving american consumers.
- Unknown or other
While driving on highway, about 70 mph, car bucked and seemed to begin to lose power. tachometer dropped to 0 then swung back up to 2-3. epc light came on. I couldn't accelerate beyond 65 mph. during slowed traffic, car began idling extremely high. had to control it with clutch. (it's a…
While driving on highway, about 70 mph, car bucked and seemed to begin to lose power. tachometer dropped to 0 then swung back up to 2-3. epc light came on. I couldn't accelerate beyond 65 mph. during slowed traffic, car began idling extremely high. had to control it with clutch. (it's a manual.) car IS drivable, but continues to buck and epc continues on. dealership suggested replace throttle board, but all my research suggests that most drivers who have done so say this did not solve the problem. there are huge discussions about this problem on multiple message boards, so it seems to be an ongoing, recognized, consistent problem, and probably a safety hazard, as a car stalling on the highway, or idling too high in traffic IS not a good situation.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
It IS accelerating on it own when stopped or in gear or not. Really scary
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen beetle. While driving at an unknown rate of speed, the driver side low beam headlamp fractured and detached without notice. The contact took the vehicle to an independent repair shop. The technician replaced the low beam headlamp. The contact later noticed…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen beetle. While driving at an unknown rate of speed, the driver side low beam headlamp fractured and detached without notice. The contact took the vehicle to an independent repair shop. The technician replaced the low beam headlamp. The contact later noticed that the low beam headlamp fractured on a roadway. Months later, both low beams fractured and had to be replaced. In addition, the contact mentioned that the low beam lights had been replaced more than twice before the fractures with the part detaching while the vehicle was in motion. The vin was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
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
- 10243053VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243049VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243008VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243001VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242682ODIS Service Update
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242391VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242390VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242387VW 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
- 10241320Update Programming to Eliminate DTC P0601 Stored in DTC Memory
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
Every Volkswagen Beetle model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.