1998 Volkswagen Beetle seats problems

Filed Mar 19, 2013 · Seats · 147,000 miles · NM

Two small bolts that hold down the front of the drivers seat became loose and over time they eventually broke completely free allowing the seat to roll and tip backward and sideways. This was a complete shock when it occured, I had noticed the seat becoming loose but then to have it break free was a scare. Thankfully there was not a crash and injury as a result. It appears that I am not the only one this has happened to so it is surprising that that cars are not recalled to have thread locker or different bolts installed.

Filed Jan 17, 2010 · Seats · 50,100 miles · CA

My driver seat was dislocated n pushed to the back while the car was in motion. Luckily I was driving in the town n the speed was slow n I managed to park my car after much difficulty cos I could not reach the pedal of brake n had to pull myself forward to do it. God blessed me that nothing happened except rushing of adrenaline. Later I found out that the dislocation of seat was caused by the loosing screws which secured the seat. The screws are in perfect condition. They certainly cannot come loose cos there is not wear n tear. It much be manufactured defect. I report to vw dealer but they want diagnostic charge. What a joke. I do not send my car for repair cos I want the truth of the matter. I only taped my screws to fix them. Still they will come loose after a while.

Filed Oct 1, 2009 · Seats · 53,000 miles · CA

My 1998 vw new beetle driver seat dislodged cos screws underneath came out while driving on oakland highway. I was pushed to the back on the seat n I was not able to reach my accelerator n brake pedals. I would have been killed on freeway if it happened five minutes earlier. The screws came loose the second time. The third time I have to use the white tape on the screws to tighten them.

Filed Apr 9, 2007 · Seats · CO

With normal use of the seats in the vehicle, the 2 bolts that hold the rail to the seat of the floor of the vehicle came loose and the seat slid around recklessly. It almost caused numerous accidents because it would come loose while driving the vehicle. We finally had to use lock tight on the bolts to hold them in place because even after tightening it back it place it would still come loose.

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 Sep 14, 2004 · Seats · AZ

My driver side seat on my 98 beetle has collapsed and needs a new seat frame. It is unsafe to drive.

Filed Feb 3, 2003 · Seats · NY

The drivers seat completely detached itself causing consumers daughter to fall backward. Consumer re-attached the bolts and the defect occured again. Consumer re-attached the bolts a second time this time adding a lock washer to the bolt and some locktite on the threads. Consumer would like this issue to be looked into.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Seats · CA

Consumer states the drivers seat slides foward each time the vehicle stops, the dealer was notified and they still have not fixed the problem.

Filed Apr 25, 2001 · Seats · VA

Consumer was driving , approaching a stop light, and applying brakes and seat came loose. Driver was forced into steering wheel, and then went all way back, not allowing driver to reach the pedals. Only component that held the seat to vehicle was a wheel mounted in a track. There were 2 screws (3/4") that had come loose which caused this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Jan 25, 2001 · Seats · CA

Driver's seat is loose from floorboard. There's alot of movement when driving and braking. Seat was repaired by an independent repair shop. Consumer will attach additional information. *ak seat bolts failed.