2002 Volkswagen Beetle: jerking or lurching

10 of the 165 complaints about the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 10
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 74,430
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 6 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2018
2
2016
1
2013
3
2010
1
2009
1
2008
2
2007
5
2006
6
2005
47
2004
60
2003
59
2002
10
2001
4
2000
1
1999
4
1998
6

What owners say

Filed Oct 5, 2014 · Acceleration, Airbags · 122,000 miles · IN · 1 injury

Bought this vw beetle used. Had terrible smell, like burnt crayons. Cleaned it intensely, inside and outside. Thorough detail job. Still smells, causing headache. Air bag light and buzzer stayed on even after latching seat belt. Cruise control works erratically, lunging forward suddenly, then chugs, then lunges forward quickly again. Speed works consistently when cruise control is not engaged. Very unsafe with cruise control in use. Lighting issues. Interior lights would not work, unable to see interior gauges in the dark. Turn signals blinking erratically, and not in sync. Took vehicle in for repairs at an authorized vw dealer, paid $1,300.00. Still not working properly. Took it back in 4 days later because drivers side window almost fell out while driving, and interior lighting issues still did not work. Was charged another $600.00. Vehicle will not engage into drive position easily, and sometimes not at all unless the steering wheel is jerked on. Dealer said sensors were the problem, and that I will need to bring it back again to have the cruise control fixed at a cost of $250.00. I am scared to drive this vehicle now. There should be some recalls on the smell issue, and the air bag/seat belt issue. Also cruise control issue, because I have been told it is associated with the electrical problems.

Filed Aug 16, 2013 · Transmission · LA

This is my daughters car and we are concerned about the safety of it with her going to school and work. It has been jerking very hard enough to throw you whole body forward I just can't believe the complaints I've seen with this car I would have never bought it knowing all these problems. Parents concerned please help to get fixed. Vw should be held accountable and fix these dangerous issues I pray everyday she is ok driving, can't afford to get another car let alone fix it!!! Also have had other issues too but this one is the most concerning!!

Filed Dec 5, 2011 · Engine · 74,430 miles · FL

The blue temp gauge comes on for a short period of time...then when I slow down the jumps/jerk really hard...I notice it only does when I slow down....to avoid it I try to let the car slow down on its own but it still does it....others that ive discussed the issue with advised me that it may be the transmission...and upon researching the vw beetle I found out that im not the only person experiencing this is issue and that it is indeed the transmission

Filed Nov 9, 2009 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · OH

2002 volkswagen beetle automatic transmission. There is a long hesitation then a violent jerk going into gears. I had stopped at the stop sign at the end of my road, I then proceeded to cross 4 lanes of highway traffic when the transmission decided to do a long hesitation. A multiple car accident was almost the result. I have since parked the car and do not drive it because I cannot afford to fix it and volkswagen told me that the repairs would be $5700.00. This hesitation and jerking happens everytime time now when driven. I believe this is a safety concern and should be looked into. Thank you!

Filed Oct 19, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 70,000 miles · WV

2002 turbo vw beetle. Seems to be jerking when shifting into gear. Last week it jerked me forward quite hard. Scary!! Car has 70,000 miles. I see there is alot of people with this same problem. I've spent 1200.00 in the last year on various repairs. As I saw with other complaints, A/C stops working and then this. Wondering if this is a safety issue with the seriousness of this jerking affect. Jerking now has gotten harder and is everytime it shifts into gear. This is an automatic! When recently taken into a vw shop they did a computer scan on it and nothing comes up. Various hoses, water pump, thermo reader have been replaced.

Filed Aug 30, 2007 · Transmission · 51,400 miles · MO

When you put the car in drive with your foot on the brake, when you let off the brake the car will roll backwards then jerk forward.

Filed Sep 3, 2004 · Transmission · 19,900 miles · CA

While at a stop/driving vehicle jerked forward. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Dec 18, 2002 · Transmission · CA

While traveling on the highway the vehicle will jerk back and forth. The transmission has froze and will not shift gear. Please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem. Ts

Filed Nov 5, 2002 · Transmission · MI

While consumer has his fot on the brake, and the transmission in forward gear, it will not engage. When removing his foot, the vehicle will hesitate and then lurch forward into gear. If on a hill the vehicle will roll backwards before engaging. The transmission control module has been changed several times and the problem still exists.

Filed Oct 8, 2002 · Transmission · MI

Consumer states that when vehicle is shifted into drive with foot still on the brakes it will not engage. When foot is removed from the brake vehicle will hesitateand then lurch forward. Dealer contacted, cannot fix problem.