Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen beetle. While driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the fuse box was melted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a few months later,here was smoke the contact noticed smoke and fire coming from the vehicle while it was parked. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
2003 Volkswagen Beetle: engine stalls while driving
11 of the 314 complaints about the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle describe engine stalls while driving.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 83,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 36 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Engine stalls while driving by model year
What owners say
Car stalled out in the middle of traffic and the epc code appeared.
I was out driving my 2003 beetle on the freeway and the vehicle begin to stall and slow down. I pressed the accelerator and the engine just rev very high and started jerking. I immediately got off the freeway as soon as I can. This problem appears to be on going. After driving for approximately 20 to 30 minutes the transmission will rev high as though I put the car in neutral and eventually jerks and lunges. If I stop at a red light the car will stall and lurch forward upon acceleration. I have approximately 106,000 miles on this vehicle. This car is unsafe and should be repaired by volkswagen.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test and the mechanic stated that the power train had failed. The contact had the transmission replaced. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 36,000. Updated 11/15/13
Bought car for daughter feb.2011. The gear seems to get hung up between 2nd and 3rd then the car will barely move. Sometimes when it goes in to gear it lunges forward. My daughter almost had a wreck trying to turn and the gear got hung up and stalled in traffic.
Transmission shifts very hard from 1st to 2nd and 3rd to 4th. Has even stalled on occasion. Has less than 70,000 miles. Transmission hits so hard it feels as though it will fall out of the car. I have stopped driving it due to this dangerous situation. Can not afford the 4,000 - 7000 dollars quoted to replace.
2003 tdi beetle (auto) jerks abruptly when upshifting. The car almost stalls in fast-moving traffic, creating a life-threatening condition. Dealer service dept. States a temperature sensor for transmission fluid is not functioning, and needs replacement. This is not a part that should fail as it threatens lives, and should be replaced by vw.
2003 vw new beetle has a faulty transmission which is presenting a safety concern as the vehicle is driven on roads and highways. Car does not shift right, hard shifts, bucking, etc. And now stalling, probably a totally failed transmission for which vw is taking no responsibility.
2003 vw bug stalls when hitting around 35 miles per hour, almost was rear ended - takes a while to start back moving but is sluggish. Took it to the mechanic and he said it was the transmission. I only have 80,000 miles on this car - how could this be the transmission.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkwagen beetle which was purchased in 2008. While driving approximately 45 MPH and accelerating or shifting gears, the vehicle would act as if it was going to stall and began to shake violently. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be rebuilt at a costs of over $6,000 at the owner's expense. No repairs were made to date. The current and failure mileages were under 100,000.
Transmission shifts hard around 20 MPH. Jerks so hard sometimes it seems like the car will stall out. Dealership says this is normal. I can't imagine that it is good on the transmission!? This has been happening for the past three years.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document
- Engine replacement tip
- 17 17 01
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle stalling
Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle?
11 of 314 owner complaints about the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle (4%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle?
There are 0 recalls and 36 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle
Jerking 59Airbag light 42Power windows 29Transmission failure 27Slipping 14Harsh shifting 13Won't shift 12Check engine light 10Seat belt 9Hesitation 8Grinding brakes 7Headlights 6Door locks 5Fire or smoke 5
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