Tail lights intermittently function, and the dealer cannot determine or duplicate the problem.
1998 Volkswagen Beetle lights complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 23 of 23, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Headlights failed while driving without warning.
Driver side head light continually stops working.
Consumer replaced brake lights/headlights/rear brake pads and rotors/ engine shield and cooling system. *ak
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.
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.
Many problems/failures between 10600 and 19000 miles. Dashboard left turn signal indicator intermittent failure persists for >1 year and devonhills vw refuses to fix the problem because it would be expensive for them (in the mean time, the light is useless since half the time it is on, half off).
Brake light switch replaced five times from dealership . When backing up there was no light showing up. Dealership is aware of problem.
Multiple problems with car since purchase.
Consumer was traveling on the highway and noticed that headlight went out on the passenger's side. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic told him he needed a new headlight assembly.
Dealer refuses to schedule prompt repair for current headlight failure (request 5-10 days); current headlight failure includes permanent failure of left headlight and intermittent failure of both headlights; consumer reports reports 1998 new beetle as "used car to avoid" (april 2000issue, p. 75); new beetle website conducted survey of owners of 1998 model - 55 percent report trouble with the car, 90 percent of which is electrical; a recall was issued for 1998 beetles manufactured in first half of 1998 because of faulty wiring that could cause fire in engine compartment (we were not notified of a recall); there are many complaints of beetle owners regarding vw consumer service; we have received substandard service from our dealer, including one repair on a failed headlight that was not performed as stated, forcing us to return the car.
Vehicle has had continued problems with transmission operation and shifting, replacement of the speed sensor,throttle cable and TCM wiring rectified problems.
Headlamp: I stated to my dealer that my headlamps were not properly adjusted, dealer found left headlamp had no possible adjustment, and replaced the entire assembly. Fog lights: fog lamps when switched on, don't light. After a few minutes of driving, they come on sometimes.
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