1998 Volkswagen Beetle: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jul 5, 2009 · Lights · MI

Low beam headlight bulbs fail prematurely causing loss of vision at night. New bulbs only last about 3 months before they burn out. We asked the vw dealership if there is a remedy for the problem, but they answered "no". I know other people that have the same problem.

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 Apr 21, 2005 · Electrical · CO

While driving. The headlights short out which burns the bulbs. The wiring harness is defective. The consumer has taken the vehicle into the dealer. The problem still remains. Please provide any further information.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · 10,000 miles · NJ

My 1998 bug has burned approx. 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, dealership reported this as normal? Don't think so. I have also replaced the headlights every six months until the switch on the emergency brake for the daytime runnings lamps broke. I open the car door (still in warranty) and the handle fell off in my hands. Fog light had moisture in it, now both have fallen out. Both door hinges broke. You cannot open doors and shut them, I had to climb in and out of the windows to get into the car. The trunk latch had to be repaired, it wouldn't open. The gas latch is broken and doesn't hinge, the glove box hinges don't work, the compartment above the clock doesn't hinge properly. The radio turns itself off, the temp read out in the car fades in and out, something on the transmission broke and I only had 2nd and 3rd gear, I have replaced the oxygen sensors twice, my air bag light is on, I have been told I need a new seat to correct this, even though it is due the the electrical problems every bug seems to have. Hub cap has fallen off several times. I have lost antifreeze, but no one seems to be able to find out where ii's going. I'm sure there is more, but this car constantly has so many things wrong with it, I can't keep up anymore. Unfortunately the dealerships are the only people who can't seem to see all the cronic problems with this vehicle.

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Lights · 84,239 miles · LA

Driving down the road in my car the day time running light went out. The brights still work but the passenger side headlight doesn't unless it is on brights, I thought this was just normal maybe the light work out but I was told it was the connection and I have seen so many with the same headlight out this is unsafe and can potentially result in a ticket or a wreck.

Filed Jun 22, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 30,415 miles · CA

My 1998 volkswagen beetle is falling apart. I've had to replace my headlights 6 times within the past 4 years that I've owned this used vehicle. My interior trim, window switches, gearshift knob & several plastic covers in the car have fallen now fallen apart. My 6 headlights have cost me approx. $600.00 plus rent-a-car fees which my warranty doesn't cover! Please help me.

Filed Jan 8, 2004 · Acceleration, Lights · 53,000 miles · MI

Headlights will go out while in use without warning. When vehicle is in cruise control mode it will either surge or continue to accelerate. Dealership stated they need to separate the engine and transmission in order to fix the problem. *ak the windshield wiper works intermittently. The dealership replaced the motor but the problem recurred. Consumer noted he has seen a lot of one headlight beetles and that the problem is widespread. *ph

Filed Sep 3, 2003 · Lights · FL

Headlights failed while driving without warning.

Filed Apr 5, 2003 · Lights · OH

Driver side head light continually stops working.

Filed Mar 12, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Consumer replaced brake lights/headlights/rear brake pads and rotors/ engine shield and cooling system. *ak

Filed Nov 21, 2002 · Electrical · CA

Plastic part on orig. Harness melted on both front headlamps. The part was changed to eliminate the plastic but no recall was initiated. I have had no problems since the redesign of the part. Dt

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.