2000 Volkswagen Beetle: sudden loss of power

Filed Dec 2, 2018 · Driver assistance, Engine · 136,000 miles · CO

I bought a beetle (136k m) from an acquaintance for $1600 cash there were some issues I.e. The faulty trunk release didnt work, the driver side door had no power, (turns out the door motor is a common issue beetle has) sunroof was stuck part open, and the key fob to the beetle had been worn/broken. (fun fact: without the key fob, access to the trunk, and no power to the driver side door. The stock alarm is very difficult to disable.) we drove the beetle for about a week when the clutch went out. A transmission specialist quoted us $400 for the hydraulic line, after further examination the entire clutch was out (he charged me $1100) the very next day the oil light was blinking, we checked the oil level and it was full. We continued on our business the car started losing power, stalling and making a horrible tapping/knocking sound. The engine light started blinking. We werent able to pull codes because the odb was disconnected during the expensive clutch repair. At this point we have invested a great deal of money into this used vehicle, we are hesitant to to take it to the crusher. We bought a haynes repair manual and after some luck, common sense, and trouble shooting we were able to diagnose the car with a faulty camshaft timing chain tension guide. The repair seemed easy enough so we enlisted a our family mechanic to perform the repair. After another $575 we discovered that the tension guide was in fact the problem. We were able to get the vehicle all put back together with several new vital parts. It will not turn over. The manual indicates it may still be out of time or we may have a blown fuse. After I replace the fuses and reattempt installing the timing chain, I will have put 3 x as much money into this car than its worth. I feel like volkwagen is producing lemons and ripping off americans!!!

Filed May 13, 2013 · Engine · 89,000 miles · CO

Engine timing belt prematurely failed at 89,000 mile. Vw owners manual supplied with vehicle states that for the 1.8l turbocharged engine, the timing belt did not need to be replaced until 105,000 miles. The failure of the belt caused bent valves. Total service bill as a result came to about $4500. Loss of power when the belt failed also put my safety at risk as my car was stalled in heavy traffic.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · AL

I received a recall about my back or break light. Made an apt. With heritage vw in georgia. I drove from leesburg al. To the dealership. They change the light and told me a belt has to be replaced. I know nothing needs replacement because my son ( a mechanic ) does all the maintenance in my vw. I told the them I will talk to my son and will get back with them. I had a hard time staring the car, but did not pay any attention because I was in a hurry to get out of there. I was on hwy 20 when every thing went crazy with my car. Lost my cruise control, lost power, won't start. So I called heritage and ask what they did with the car. They want me to bring it back to them, knowing it can't be driven. I feel they sabotage my car, they messed up my car so much, I paid over $3000.00 for it to work. I kept the receipt just in case I might need it as proof. I received another recall last week it's hard to get burnt twice in a row.

Filed May 25, 2007 · Engine · 74,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen beetle. While driving 60 MPH, the engine lost power. The battery and the ecp warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed the failure as the timing belt. The manufacturer will not perform the repair for free. The contact stated that the water pump was replaced at 38,000 miles and 49,000 miles. The timing belt was removed to replace the pump. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 74,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 45,208 miles · TN

I have a 2000 vw beetle. I bought the car used a little more than two years ago. Within a few months of buying the car I started having engine/electrical problems. I took it in........several times, same problem. As I am driving the car it just dies. I can be going 60 MPH on the highway or 1 MPH pulling to or away from a stop sign. With no warning the car cuts off. It always starts back up, but it will continually die. I lose all power to the car including steering. This is a serious concern and has been for two years and approximately ten times in the vw shop. The car definitely has a problem that no one can seem to fix. I have or my warranty company has repeatedly paid for the same and then some repairs to the vehicle. Some parts (the same part) were replaced within four months of each other. Mostly the shop determines it is the o2 sensors throughout the car (apparently you have several different o2 sensors) or something to do with the turbo (which has also been replaced once or twice now). Those things have been repaired. Some more than once. The car still dies. It gives no warning it just shuts off. Losing power at 70 MPH on a crowded interstate can shake one up. I have contacted the dealer, the manufacturer, and everyone in between. No one seems to care or want to help me. Someone please help this car is a death trap!

Filed Jun 17, 2005 · Engine · 101,000 miles · MD

Dt: consumer's car stalled about 6 months ago with mostly deceleration and down shifting. When this occurred vehicle lost power. Every time it stalled and stopped, but always restarted. Was taken to dealer twice before, but currently a total of 3 times. Yesterday at full speed while passing a truck with no indication the car began to decelerate and lost power. When trying to move into another lane the steering wheel locked. Had to be towed to dealer, is currently awaiting an explanation of what makes this happen.

Filed Aug 21, 2003 · Steering · 12,000 miles · NJ

2000 vw beetleought the car new. At 12,000 miles had a bent tie rod which vw insisted that I damaged which I didn't. If I did I would have blown the tire out. Troddle box needs replacing because of a bad censor. Total cost over $500 not including what I spent replacing the tie rod. Lost power in the car, twice and service cannot find the problem. Check engine light keeps on coming on along with the epc light. Air bag indicator light had to be reset due to the power failure. Vw customer service is worthless. Don't even want to acknowledge the problems.

Filed Mar 13, 2001 · Engine · ME

When it is extremely cold (most of the time the temperature has been below zero) the car will lose power and die. This has happened 4 times. I was going approx. 75 on the interstate passing another vehicle when the car lost power and died. The temp. Was ten below zero. I have been left stranded 4 times with this vehicle in temperatures below zero. Thank god for cell phones!! I am worried about this happening on railroad crossings or in heavy traffic. I am currently working with the better business bureau and volkswagen for a refund- just wanted you to be aware of the safety issue with the beetle.

Filed Jan 19, 2001 · Electrical · OH · fire

Vehicle caught fire while on way home from work. Initial symptom was that vehicle lost power while on highway and stalled. Vehicle was able to be restarted. It then was able to be driven approx. 5 miles when it again lost power. It was then able to be restarted. Vehicle was driven to a fuel station when it stalled. Upon restart the instrument panel gages were not operative. It was driven into an amoco gas station when smoke began emanating from under the hood. The intensity of the smoke increased and it was apparent that the car was on fire. I pulled hood opening lever near driver's side kick panel to open hood. I jumped out of vehicle and opened hood. The left front portion of the engine compartment was on fire and flames were readily apparent. The flames were coming from underneath the firewall of the vehicle extending up the wire harness towards the battery. The battery started to melt as well. A passerby in a cube van observed this incident and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his truck and proceeded to contain and extinguish the fire.er.