1998 Volkswagen Beetle: engine failure

6 of the 170 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 12 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2018
1
2015
1
2014
1
2013
3
2012
2
2006
2
2005
1
2004
3
2001
4
2000
4
1999
2
1998
6

What owners say

Filed Sep 25, 2002 · Body, Brakes · NJ · fire

Vehicle caught on fire, possible engine failure, while driving the vehicles brake system failed and the driver had to use the emergency brake to stop vehicle. *mr the head light malfunctioned and the vehicles is flling apart after one month of ownership. The dealer refused to fix it.

Filed May 7, 2001 · Engine, Locks · VA

Car overheats routinely. Initially in for repair on 1/25/01 when dealer claimed to have replaced the water pump and thermostat. Since then, car has overheated on three occasions, and water leakage has been observed. Dealer says they can not replicate the issue. Driver's side door does not lock and unlock reliably, forcing me to enter and exit car through passenger door. Reported to dealer three times (initially 5/31/00). One time dealer lubricated lock; currently they say they can not replicate the issue and will not fix. After water pump repair in 1/01, car exhibited a whining noise and power steering stiffness at low rpms -- likely due to improper workmanship during that repair. Dealer claims power steering fluid was low, and has been "topped off" to alleviate problem. However, I recently had rountine maintenance at another establishment just 4 days prior to taking into shop; during that service, power steering fluids were indicated as "ok." oil consumption is excessive. Despite repeated reports to vw (initially 5/00), have received no resoluion or investigation into this issue. Through research, I have learned that this is a common beetle problem, and some beetle owners are receiving new engines or valve stem repairs to remedy. Transmission jerks severly when shifting from reverse to drive. Initially reported 9/29/98 at 9596 miles and not addressed by dealer. Recurring problems with headlight sealant leakage and water getting into headlight assembly, causing headlights to be unreliable and potential electrical/fire hazard. Have researched vw and learned during initial beetle production in puebla, mexico, they experience an abominal 40% defect rate. From research into other consumer issues with 1998 beetles, I am certain that vw passed these defective vehicles on to consumers. Please contact me for further details. I have also experienced window reglator failures, dead battery, interior pieces falling apart and other issues. Thank you!

Filed Mar 7, 2001 · Engine · TX

Coolant loss on two occasions causing engine to blow, no warning until last minute, all fluids and maintenace done and under extended warranty, dealer refused to pay for new engine.

Filed Mar 29, 2000 · Engine · TX · fire

Possible engine failure and missing oil cap caused fire. Yh

Filed Mar 15, 2000 · Engine · TX · fire

Possible engine failure caused vehicle fire. Yh

Filed Apr 20, 1999 · Engine · VA

Losing oil at rate of 1qt every 1,500 miles. Vw ordered new engine for me. Service said nothing could be done about it, and it is normal. I don't think so. Owner's manual recommends oil changes at 10,000 mile intervals. The engine would be bone dry at 6,000 miles.