1998 Volkswagen Beetle: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 31, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · KY · fire

Daughter was driving to school, car stalled, restarted car then saw smoke and fire under passenger side dash. Car burnt completely, totaled. Have before and after pictures. ..updated 11/12/14

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Engine · 85,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to shift into any gear without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 85,000.

Filed Dec 25, 2008 · Electrical · VA

I have a 98 volkswagen new beetle. I have had the exact problems listed in one of the recalls that has been done on some new beetles, but when I talked with volkswagen, they said that based on my VIN #, my car is not eligible for that recall. What is my recourse so that this issue can be resolved? Here is the information on the recall that I think they need to do on my car: electrical system:wiring:front underhood vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The electrical wiring located in the engine compartment was routed too close to the edge of the vehicle's battery tray. The wiring can become damaged over time by chafing and the air-conditioner compressor and/or the fuel pump can malfunction. Consequence a malfunction of the fuel pump can cause the vehicle to stall, and in some instances, could also result in a wiring fire in the engine compartment. I have had to get a new fuel pump for my car this year and my mechanic is telling me that I now need to get a new AC compressor. Since these are the things that are affected by a bad electrical wiring, and my car has had issues with these, I believe that my car should be eligible for this recall. Please help!

Filed Oct 26, 2005 · Electrical, Visibility · 31,500 miles · AZ

Dt: the consumer stated that 1998 volkswagen beetle intermittently stalled while driving. The speed was not a factor. The whole electrical system failed when the car stalled. This started happening in january of 2005. The consumer to the car took the dealership, and the dealership could not find the cause of the problem. The consumer did not call the manufacturer. Diagnostic testing was done with no results. *ak the consumer stated the problem has been rectified. The window switch was replaced.

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 Dec 31, 2004 · Seats · 75,000 miles · NC

I was driving my 98 bug when the entire seat fell off the track, and I fell in the backseat, the car stalled while on a 45 MPH road I was not injured.keffer volk recured the seat but say I will cost $1000 for a new floor track. Volks says this isn't a warranty issue. It would be nice to have a seat to drive the car. My concern is how many other cars/volks have done this and I cannot believe their lack of concern. Had I been injured or worse killed there would be a huge lawsuit at this time. I do not weigh 300 pounds nor am I abusing to my vehicles. I do believe a motor car industry should be able to build a car that keeps the seat in place. I rarely have even moved the seat back and forth on the track. I am the second owner and the car has never been involved in a wreck. We are getting rid of the car very soon. I have lost my confidence in volks. This was my second car with them. Thank you. Previous firefighter and er nurse and safety previontion officer with the fire depart.

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 Dec 23, 2003 · Engine · NJ

While driving at an undetermined speed the vehicle stalled. The consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic. Please add any additional information.

Filed Dec 7, 2001 · Engine · OH

While driving vehicle stalls out and engine completely shuts down, also engine check light illuminates. *ak

Filed Nov 13, 2001 · Electrical · GA

When jump starting or replacing the battery vehicle would run approximately three miles or less before it stalls completely out. Vehicle had to be towed to a dealer shop to reset all of electrical components to get vehicle to run again . If this occurs in a town or city that does not have a volkswagen dealer shop, what can one do? Asking the federal safety agency to look into this matter. *ak

Filed Nov 11, 2001 · Electrical, Fuel system · MS

Left headlight went out first, then again. Air compressor replaced 3 times. Car now stalls. Replaced fuel/air filters, still stalls. Car was recalled for the electrical system wiring harness under hood, recall states all problems I have had. I was not the owner at time of recall. Apparently was not fixed at recall.

Filed Nov 9, 2001 · Electrical · GA

When jump starting or replacing battery vehicle would run approximately three miles or less before it stalls compelety out. Vehicle had to be towed to dealers shop to reset all electrical components in order to get vehicle to run again. If this occurs in a town or city that does not have a volkswagen dealer shop, what can one do? Asking the federal safety agency to look into this matter. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.