10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,800 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #5

Nov 132018

Beetle

  • 150,000 miles
The passenger front seat heater was left on power level 3 with a bag of clothes in the seat. An odor was detected and upon moving the bag, an approximately 6' X 10' burn was discovered on lower portion of the seat back.

- Milan, MN, USA

problem #4

Aug 252014

Beetle

  • 135,000 miles
I have noticed a quarter size burn starting to happen on the seat section of the front passenger seat my son had the seat heater on this morning when driving to school no burn noticed on his leg the car is a convert able Beetle 2003 the seat is in reasonable condition.leather still supple with no visual defects apart from slight discoloration and some peripheral cracking on the exterior seat section. Will not be able to turn on heated seat.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #3

May 282009

Beetle

  • 70,000 miles
VW Beetle convertible '04 (approx. 80K miles) - slipping and banging transmission. Slams and bangs hard with each downshift (automatic) after about 15 miles or driving. Slips or will not move when accelerating after slamming and banging begins. Cannot drive car in traffic for fear or being rear ended or broadsided, therefore, cannot safely or dependably drive the car. Expected thousands to repair if a mechanic who understands the problem can be found. Many of the know issues with car have also occurred; broken plastic water pump, rear window seal broken, passenger side window will not go all the way down, passenger side seat belt light malfunction, headlights uneven brightness, short in dash, heated seat too hot to use (fear of fire) and incredible door rattles.

- Plainfield, NJ, USA

problem #2

Oct 302009

Beetle

  • 39,000 miles
Left rear window is stuck in down position. The component part is unavailable in the United States and has to be ordered from the factory in Mexico. It will take 2-3 weeks for it to arrive. Cost of repair is $800 for one side. Complaints to manufacturer who will not stand behind their product as there are no recalls filed even though this is an on-going problem with many of their vehicles. Additionally, the vehicle is a convertible. The hydraulic top has malfunctioned since the date it was purchased. It finally snapped off portions of the hydraulic mechanisms and portions of the interior flaps which are now all over the back seat. The top had to be manually raised and secured and does not function at all. Although they repaired it previously, manufacturer will not repair because vehicle is no longer under warranty. Driver's seat spring poked through the upholstery a month after purchase. Additionally, there is a terrible blind spot while backing out. The rag top completely blocks vision on the right rear. I have complained numerous times to the manufacturer who offers nothing. I believe the entire vehicle should be recalled. I feel ripped off by the manufacturer.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #1

Mar 052004

Beetle 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving SRS light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the air bag sensor needed to be reset, and reset it six times. However, the problem recurred. The seat latch was broken and the rear console was falling apart.

- Pittsburg, CA, USA