I've had my Beetle since 2005, and the airbag lights continuously come on as well as issues with the transmission. I've taken it to VW once for repair, and they come back on months later. I've read similar complaints from other VW owners concerning the airbag and transmission. I can't understand why this isn't a recall issue particularly since there was a death in 2007 with another owner. The airbag will not deploy when the light is on. The web page below voices the frustrations of many owners, and I do not understand why these complaints aren't being taken seriously. The repairs cost over $1600. How is this fair when having to get it repaired every year" are you protecting VW" trying to find someone to clear the codes is difficult because they have to go under the seat to adjust wires and using the computer to clear them, but they come back on a day or two later.

- Lorton, VA, USA

The transmission mechanically failed on 3 June 2013. Prior to it failing I had taken the vehicle to three different VW repair shop over a four year period, due to the car suddenly downshifting all the way to first gear. The car will drive normally for about 30 minutes, then start having this downshifting issue, I pull over and let the car cool a few minutes then all is normal again for a short period of time. Of course with the downshifting the tranny tends to overheat quickly. I wanted to get the oil changed in the tranny, but all repair centers said, "it's a sealed system and never needs and oil change;" also the VW repair techs test drove the car and analyzed it, could find nothing wrong. My experience with VW service on everything is, their mechanics are parts changers only and don't have any real diagnostic capability to find the problem, just replace parts until they fix the problem at the customers expense; I've spent about $10,000 on repairs for A/C, brakes, transmission, etc. Finally, the car failed fortunately across the street from a Mr. Transmission shop. Per Mr. Transmission specialist, the tranny failed due to lubrication failure probably from over heating and high mileage; so much for the "never needs an oil change policy." Mr. Transmission rebuilt the tranny (out $3400), and state the problem is electrical not the transmission, and VW is famous for electrical issues and always have been. Needless to say Mr. Transmission has not been able to find the problem, and they have rebuilt the tranny twice just to make sure the problem is not in the transmission. Word to the wise, never buy a VW; I'll never own another one.

- Shalimar, FL, USA

We bought the car everything was fine. Two weeks later the engine light comes on and now the transmission takes off in second gear and will not shift till gets up to 40 mph. After checking on line it seems Volkswagen is having issues with the transmissions and doing anything about it.

- Lafayette, IN, USA

I just bought a 2000 Volkswagen new Beetle, and my transmission is slipping I have taken this vehicle to more than one location including the Volkswagen dealership and everyone is telling me the code read gear ratio incorrect. My car is very dangerous for me too drive the dealership told me that the transmission I need is 5000 and there is no warranty that they could offer me. I just bought this car I don't have 5000 for a new transmission and I have done my research about this situation and everyone is saying the same exact thing im complaining about how fast Beetles transmission go out and half of them took there Beetle to Volkswagen just for them to tell them they need 5000 to 7000 transmission and later find out that was jot even the problem and the car is still driving very reckless. I'm putting my life N danger every time I drive the car I have two jobs and I cant afford to miss one day. So U tell me miss days from work because I don't have safe transportation or drive the car I have N rest my life everyday. I need someone to hear me out and help me with this situation. I'm sorry to say I will keep complaining intel someone gets to bottom of this.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

Transmission failure- vehicle down shifted hard and would not come out of 1st gear during heavy traffic on highway almost causing rear end collision. After turning car off and turning vehicle back on it proceeded for about 5 miles before doing the same. Car was towed and transmission was rebuilt but the car continues to do the same. Recently traveling on highway during rush hour, slowing down for traffic that was at a stand still the vehicle downshifted hard causing the car behind me to slam on his brakes causing an accident behind me.

- Fontana, CA, USA

2000 new Beetle with its second transmission. I thought these were reliable cars that would be reliable for back and forth to work.. I looks at the forums and find im one of the thousands that has had the same issue. Is this acceptable?

- Clatskanie, OR, USA