2nd Beetle. Same issue. (first one leaked fluid). This one does not leak but has the same horrible shifting issue! I love my car but hear from all the mechanics that this is the norm with these vehicles. So why is it not recalled"???? is it transmission or something else? 2007 automatic transmission. It has 91,000 miles on it. When the car transmission is cold it shifts ok most of the time. But when the transmission has warmed up its a given to jerk and hesitate. Specially when it shift from 1st to 2nd gear I feel a hitting noise. Also facing the same problem when it down shifts but not always. Embarrassing really! sometimes it shifts hard in higher gear on highway or seems to miss and RPM goes up and it hesitates to shift. It finally does while I am holding my breath and pray it does not stall while I am turning or in the intersection or on the highway. It really is a safety issue! I love my little car though... gurrrrrrrrr.. so mad. What could be the issue? how could I fix this problem without having to put on a lift to always check transmission fluid. I want to keep the car, its a shame because its in great condition. Triple white convertible and no wear. Am I looking at 3K for a new trans" so I am to give up and sell it to some other poor soul (sucker). That's awful. There is a graveyard full of your cars in the junk yards for parts.. sickening and sad!

- Apollo Beach, FL, USA

For years, Volkswagen has had a design flaw in their seat belt wiring harness. My "check engine" light came on as is the "air bag" light so I took it to a VW mechanic. He said it was a common problem with VW and Audi. He cleared the fault using a diagnostics tool. Soon the lights came back on. And they stay on...! will my air bag work with this problem" what happens if I get an engine problem such as oil pump or timing belt? my vehicle could shut down without my knowledge. That could cause an accident. And again, will my air bag work" we have looked online...this seat belt wiring design flaw has been going on for years. Yet, Volkswagen has not fixed this issue. The mechanic we used says the seat belt wiring harness is too short...therefore, when the seat is moved forward it breaks wiring in the harness. The dealer wants $600 to fix this. I do not have that kind of money! I am on ssdi.

- Charlo, MT, USA

After departing my home, and driving approximately 23 miles, I had a brief smell of something burning, however, all the windows were open and I was on a highway of 12 lanes of traffic, and felt it could be from any where, not necessarily my vehicle. Moments later, I caught a flash in my right eye, that drew my attention to the passenger side floor board, but when I looked I thought perhaps it was a sun reflection. Directing my attention back to the highway, seconds later, I caught a second flash and this time when looking to the passenger side floor board, there was flames inside the car near the glove compartment towards the floor and door, and black smoke. I immediately got off the highway safely, turned off the car, evacuated with my belongings, as the car became totally engulfed in flames. I immediately called 911 and assistance arrived to include the state police and fire department, and turnpike staff. The car was picked up on camera by the turnpike dispatcher once I called in. Note: This vehicle had just been serviced 35 days prior from the VW dealer where purchased 4 years ago! I have never received a recall notice at all, and have a car fax that was given to me when purchased that shows no previous recall either. Something went seriously wrong on 25 Jul 2015. This could have resulted in my more tragic damage, to include my life, other vehicles, and possibly other lives.

- Bristol, PA, USA