1998 Volkswagen Beetle: check engine light

Filed Jul 3, 2011 · Electrical · 108,700 miles · MA

I purchased a 98' vw new beetle 3 days ago from a dealer and everything seemed fine w/ it until today. The car started over heating and come to find out the engine fuse had melted over the battery terminal that runs the coolant fan. After the fuse was replaced the temp. Light went out the engine light came on. I had the codes read and it sad it was a p0332 knock sensor 2 circuit low. I've read alot of sights and alot of people have said they have had this problem too, but I haven't had a chance to fix yet. I also have had the same problem I have read in other posts about not being able to get your car started. I turn the key everything comes on it cranks it sounds like it just about to start but it just won't turn over. I would like to know more about that too. It's a good idea about sights like this, but there's alot of people out there that have alot of complaints that have no idea about these sights. There should be a way to advertise somewhere to get to more people on how they could make complaints on this sight or sights like these and maybe eventually something could be done and we could get some help to get these cars fixed instead of fixing all the same exact problems ourselves.

Filed Apr 16, 2007 · Electrical · 7,815 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen beetle. The vehicle had ex the same failure as indicated in recall # 98v100000. The contact stated that the vehicle began to overheat after the engine ran for five minutes. The vehicle was brought to the dealer, savage kia, and the cause was diagnosed as wiring failure. The dealer remedied the failure. On april 12, 2007, the contact drove the vehicle for three miles at 45 MPH and the vehicle overheated once more. The check engine indicator light also illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer , who stated that the electrical wires were too close to the battery. This failure could cause the wires to heat and short out, preventing the fans from operating. The contact called the manufacturer, and was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were 75,000. *ak updated 05/21/07.

Filed Sep 28, 2005 · Engine, Locks · 52,000 miles · WA

The lock mechanism on the passenger side door of my 1998 beetle just fell out without warning. I discovered that it was missing and went to a repair shop to get it replaced, only to learn the this is a common problem with beetles because the lock is held in by only one tiny screw. This defect will cost me $350.00 to repair, in a car that has only 50,000 miles on it. I also recently had to replace a fuse that powered the radiator fan because there is no early warning system in the car to indicate that the fan is not working. I was only aware there was a problem when the check-engine light came on, by which time there could have been extensive damage to the radiator. The fuse itself had gotten so hot it had virtually melted. This problem cost me nearly $370.00 to fix. The mechanic noted that he had seen this happen with beetles several times because there is no temperature indicator on the dash -- you have no idea there is a problem until the check-engine light comes on.

Filed Apr 26, 2005 · Acceleration, Body · 97,785 miles · MI

This vehicle has had a series of problems since I have owned it. I have always been a volkswagen enthusiast. So when I saw the new beetles I was naturally excited and couldn't wait to own one. What I expected was volkswagens usual excellent quality and value for money. What I got was a vehicle that not only is an inconvenience to drive, but is also a safety concern. This vehicle has had at least 8 major defects. I call them defects because so many others have experienced similar issues with their new beetles. Keep in mind the vehicle is regularly maintained, and is only at 97,000 miles. 1. Check engine light is on and vehicle stalls or cuts out on a regular basis. 2. The low beams on my headlights always burn out. I change the lights and they just burn out again. I always have to drive instead with my high beams on. 3. My driver side and passenger side windows have fallen into my doors. Meaning that they wont roll up, a loud, noise can be heard when you try. I was told by volkswagen that they were "aware" of the problem. They even told me that it was because they used plastic clips to hold the windows and they are now replacing with metal clips. Fine and good, but while my windows were down my seats became severely stained. (they stain easy) who's going pay for that??? 4. The window switch that controls the windows going up and down broke off in my hand. 5. The radio tries to load a tape when there isn't one. Hood latch broke, has to be opened with screwdriver now. Thanks vwoa!! 6. Heater motor turns up and down on its own 7. Engine holds high rpms in highway, rapid iol consumption. 8 reverse lights malfunctioned. Questions vwoa? Call me, we'll chat 269‑986‑0996 .

Filed Aug 26, 2004 · Airbags, Engine · NY

Upon starting the vehicle the side air bag deployed. There was no collision. Consumer was injured. One month prior to the air bag deployment, the air bag light illuminated on the dash board. Also, the engine light illuminated prior to the side air bag deployment. Recall 98v100000 was issued.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Engine · TN

While driving check engine light appeared on dashboard and remained on. Then, vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem. Consumer informed the mechanic that problem occurred more than once, and had not been resolved.

Filed Aug 6, 2003 · Electrical · SC

Beetle has had a number of major repair problems. Air conditioning system failed at 3years old resulting in a complete rebuild. Recently, window parts failed on both sides resulting in windows falling down into the doors. Power window on driver side, hatch release and gas tank door release switches have all failed or broke resulting in replacement. Ecm module has been replaced. Glove box door broke and has been replaced. Currently dealing with another series of check engine lights and awaiting diagnosis.

Filed May 25, 2000 · VT

The malfunction indicator lamp "mil" comes on all the time and stays on. Vehicle has been to dealership seven times. He hasn't solved the problem.*ak the yellow light came on and went out several times at different mileage. The dealer kept telling the customer it is okey to drive it. But the customer does not feel safe.