To whom it may concern, my 16 year old daughter drives a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle with automatic transmission that has been very well maintained and only has about 47,000 actual miles. Recently she has been having some very scary experiences with the vehicle and we are highly concerned for her safety. When the vehicle reaches 55 miles per hour on the freeway, it starts to automatically slow down while her foot is on the accelerator and then as she continues to keep her foot on the gas, it all the sudden violently jerks into gear and starts to accelerate again. She was on flat teranine and was not going up a hill when this happens. She said the experience today left her terrified to drive the vehicle!! also, she placed the vehicle in reverse to back out of the driveway, and the breaks and steering wheel both locked. She couldn't steer or stop the car without using the emergency brake. I asked her if she is sure the care was not in neutral and she said it was absolutely 100% in the reverse position. Also she stated the brakes are making a hissing sound like when you let air out of tires, but not all the time and her brakes seem fine. I would like to know about any recalls this vehicle has had and also would like to know what you are willing to do to rectify this issue. I do not feel comfortable that this vehicle is safe for her to be driving at the moment and she has stated that when the issue happens, it feels like her and the car jerk forward with a very violent excessive force. I would like correspondence started in case in case anything happens to my daughter while operating this vehicle. Your prompt response is appreciated. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

I have a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle purchased in 2008. I'm putting in this complaint along with thousand of other VW Beetle owners. The problem is the 5 speed transmission. It jerks real hard when down shifting and then again when coming to a complete stop. Now it's to the point where it won't pull at all. I have tried to call VW of America to see if there were any recalls on this problem but no will return my calls so I went on edmunds.com and realized there are many people with the same problem with the car and VW. I also called VW credit who I still owe for this car they told me they couldn't do anything about this, and to call VW of America. My question is what am I to do with a vehicle that I can't drive and I owe $9,000 on. That has a transmission that they are telling me I going to cost $6,000 to replace. Please! is there anyone who can help my situation ? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Wylie, TX, USA

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