2004 Volkswagen Beetle engine problems

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 Jun 14, 2019 · Engine · 148,000 miles · AZ

When driving the car shuts off in traffic in town and on the highway. 2 times no check engine light came on. One time light came on. Mechanic is not sure why. I have read several similar occurances online by other owners. Sounds like a risk for fatality to me. My daughter just bought this car from another party.

Filed Dec 15, 2018 · Engine · 8 miles · CA · fire

I bought my vw beetle 2004 used 3 months ago. (epc light on, check engine light on) since then ive had to fix the timing belt, cooling, and hoses because of backfire. I got notified that there is a recall in my car, yet went typing the VIN # it says it no recalls have been found for my car. I have documentation to show the repairs and costs. I'm wondering who do I contact to determinate if my car does have a real or not.

Filed Apr 7, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 15,000 miles · KY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, fluid was leaking from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking and an unknown hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, a burning odor emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and the water pump kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that after the vehicle was started and switched into the drive position, it failed to accelerate without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 73,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen beetle convertible. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle jerked and stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted but the failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Engine · 76,291 miles · NY

Exiting garden state parkway sb engine cut out in the middle of the exit ramp. Had to be pushed off and then towed. Dealer diagnosed that it was the timing belt tensioner. This is not covered under my used car warranty however this is a known problem with the 2.0l turbo motors. I contacted vw customer service who told me that they do not have any recalls or technical bulletins for this part. I am aware that the part that is faulty on the timing belt tensioner was only corrected in 2012. I personally know someone whose entire engine was replaced under warranty due to the failure of this part . The faulty part being replaced is a spring. I understand that my vehicle is not in warranty however the problem is known by vw and I should be either partially or entirely covered for this repair. If you want to do your own research, this problem is very easy to find on the internet.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Engine · 89,000 miles · NY

Engine stalls while driving. Epc and check engine light goes on. Loss of power steering. It is a very dangerous problem. It has happened multiple times. The last time was 7/8/2014, the vehicle is in the shop. I am afraid to drive it. Repairs have not been successful in the past. Volkswagen has been contacted they say not recalls are listed.

Filed May 24, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 58,000 miles · NE · fire

The battery to alternator wire on these cars overheats and catches fire. I own a car dealership and just had it happen to me. I was lucky and stopped anything horrible from happening but most people would not know enough to stop it or that it was happening. These cars are a huge fire hazard and you need to issue a recall. Check the pictures of burned cars on google. You wont find one complaint but many and plenty of burned cars. So I ask that you do your best to fix this issue. The car I own has a history of the alternator being serviced. Obviously a recall issue that maybe vw should figure out how to fix instead a band aid and out the door. Check car fax on this car. If someone let there car warm they could burn down there house. I am going to reroute this wire and replace it with a better grade of wire.

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 Aug 28, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 89,000 miles · WA

Ever since we purchased our used 2004 beetle converitble, the transmission has been a problem. When shifting from 1-3 gears the car jumps and halts. It is horrible. We had the trip tron switch replaced and still no help. I was informed by the mechanic that this is a problem with these cars from 2003 to 2008. A new transmission is over $6000. Apparently, it has to be replaced.