2004 Volkswagen Beetle: fire, smoke or burning smell

7 of the 349 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 88,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 42 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2018
1
2014
2
2008
5
2007
1
2004
7
2003
5
2002
3
2001
8
2000
17
1999
13
1998
8

What owners say

Filed Jul 8, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 50,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen beetle. While driving at a slow rate of speed, the contact smelled burning rubber and the vehicle's radio stopped working. As the contact proceeded driving, several unknown warning indicators began flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle shut completely off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and took it to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was able to diagnose the vehicle and had the fuse box replaced, yet the failure still persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Lights, Steering · 105,000 miles · OK · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that after activating the turning signal, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering column. Additionally, the instrument panel shorted and smoke came from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician was unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Electrical · 102,000 miles · FL

My 16 year old daughter drives this car. Initially the headlight was burnt out. Ordered a new headlight and installed it and it worked fine for about an hour. Then my daughter drove the car approximately 10 miles. When she arrived at her destination she attempted to turn the car off but the key would not come out of the ignition. When I arrived I could smell something burning and the car battery was now dead. I had the battery jumped but now the headlight that I just replaced was not working again, and now the brake lights and the running lights were not working. The next morning the battery was dead again. When we finally got over to the mechanic the wiring was completely melted and the headlamp modulator was blown. The window washer fluid reservoir was melted and ruined. After about $1000 in repairs the mechanic is explaining this is just the one side, the wiring for the other side is going to need to be replaced in next 6 months or so. He explained this is a common occcurance with these cars. I am honestly afraid to allow my daughter to drive the car as it seems it is a fire hazard.

Filed Feb 21, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · TX · fire

The car was unresponsive. The car turned off. The car was steered to side of the road. The car caught fire and was destroyed in less than 10 minutes.

Filed Apr 19, 2012 · Engine · 28,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen beetle. The contact was traveling 60 MPH when the vehicle caught on fire. The check engine warning light illuminated seconds prior to the fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and checked under the hood to inspect the failure. The engine blew shortly after the hood was opened. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. The contact stated that the water pump, radiator and vehicle regulator sensor was replaced. In addition, the head gaskets were leaking but the dealer advised that the vehicle could still be driven. Eight months later, the vehicle caught on fire a second time. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was advised that the fire was caused by the leak from the head gasket seals. The failure and current mileages were 28,000. Updated 5/16/12 *cn the consumer stated there was oil in the anti-freeze and the seal on the overflow tank was leaking. Updated 05/23/12

Filed Mar 7, 2010 · Electrical · 88,000 miles · NJ · fire

My 2004 vw beetle turbo convertible check engine light came on, vehicle then stalled out, smoke came out of engine hood, embers fell below car, smoke continued to poor out of engine hood, flames came out of engine hood, 911 called and fire dept and fire marshall put out fire. I am now waiting to hear from my insurance company.

Filed Aug 8, 2006 · 8,322 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the electrical system shut off, followed by an electrical burning smell. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where it was determined that the stereo amplifier was faulty and had burned.