2005 Volkswagen Beetle: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Nov 10, 2013 · Visibility · 48,227 miles · TX

2005 vw beetle convertible, pushed the button for all windows to open at the same time and the back drivers side window would not go back up. Made a grinding sound like scratching noise on glass. It just stuck there about half way opened. I have since taped it up with cardboard and duct tape for security reasons and not to get rain inside. Asked mechanic at vw and he said it is $600 if it's just the regulator much more if it is the motor. Also said they may have to replace the entire window. Really? I have read many, many reviews on this very same issue, too many to count actually. Something is obviously wrong, (like the manufacturer defect issue). I worry every day while at work someone will break in to my car, I've cleaned out the inside of everything and now resort to locking my compartments which I never have ever done before. A recall is necessary for all of us who love our beetles, have taken such good care of them only to be subject to such events. Safety issues for this female beetle owner has been compromised and this is not acceptable and should not be by those with the power to correct this for the safety of those of us suffering from the neglect of the vw manufacturer. I pray this falls on the eyes of someone with a conscious who puts people and their safety above profit. A recall for this very issue is needed and to return those of us to a safer driving experience and lifestyle.

Filed Feb 14, 2012 · Lights, Visibility · 56,243 miles · ID

Rear quarter windows on new beetle convertible (nbc): failure to properly raise/lower, grinding noise from inside panel behind speakers, disassembly found broken cable retainer component, component made of cheap plastic, known problem among nbc owners, $600+ repair for each side, simple correction would be to make this component out of aircraft grade aluminum, both sides have failed on my daughter's car------------ lighting: frequent replacement of headlight low beam bulbs (driver's and passenger's side), consistently failing, have replaced five bulbs in last 1.5 years, no fault codes thrown, mechanic hypothesized it may be due to a voltage surge, problem not associated with touching the bulb (causing them to fail due to oils on fingers) as I use nitrile gloves when handling and installing the bulbs.

Filed Oct 28, 2011 · Electrical, Visibility · 70,650 miles · IN

Have had issues with the front automatic windows in this car since august 2008. In may 2010 the rear windows would go up part way and then go back down. I had repairs done (reinstalled window seal at a cost of $96.00) then in september of 2011 the other rear window would not go up and the dealer said that I needed a "kit" to correct the problem of the cables binding up and keeping the window from going up. This repair cost $800. Today the other rear window will not go up and is making the familiar grinding sound. I suspect that I will need to go to the dealer and get a "kit" for this window which is the one that had the seal replaced on it. Another $800.00 or so for something that will only temporarily fix this issue. I have only had the back windows down on this vehicle maybe a dozen times since I've owned it. This is clearly a cheap and faulty design by the manufacturer. If I do not continue to make these repairs I cannot properly secure my vehicle and risk damage or theft.

Filed Aug 9, 2011 · Visibility · 69,995 miles · NJ

Rear driver side window regulator just stopped working as the window was going down. It would not respond to the button and made a grinding noise. I had to manually return it to the closed position and now it will not operate at all. When checking online for this issue and speaking to the vw dealer I found that they are aware of this problem and have already settled a suit for the front window regulator but it did not include the rear one. The dealer advised me that vw would replace the part but they would not pay for the labor. So they are aware of the issue yet are not willing to include the rear window problem because it was not specifically addressed in the settlement of the suit.

Filed Jul 29, 2011 · Visibility · 74,000 miles · DC

Left rear window regulator needs replaced. $675 for the repair. Left front window squeals when raising/lowering and sometimes when raising it - when it gets to the top it just pops back down and you have to raise it again. Suspect the regulator to be at fault on this window as well. The window regulator on vw products seem to have a pretty bad track record. What can be done to have vw step up and fix these shoddy parts? I can't afford to have this fixed! Now I just have to keep driving with my window partially up.

Filed Jul 18, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · OK

Vw 2005 convertible bug both rear window problems, will not roll up or down. Passenger side window is making a horrible squeaking noise, seems to be the next one to go. Along with head light shortages. The last 5 years I have at least replaced the headlights at least 8 times. Recently both headlights have turned themselves off/out. This is ridiculous! This is unacceptable and vw should be ashamed of themselves to not fix the problems that are obviously flawed! I understand putting out a product will have some flaws, but not standing behind their brand name and not making things right is a slap in the face. I was a proud owner of my first car I bought myself. And all I have to show and get out of the deal is an empty wallet and embarrassment when I drive down the road because features don't work right. Do what's right vw and man up to your mistake. I would buy 10 more cars like the one I have if only they took pride in their product and honored the average loyal customer. I'm a 25 year old girl who supports myself on my own dollar. I was raised knowing you fix what problems you create. Be accountable and do what's right! It's your turn vw please do what's right.

Filed Oct 26, 2010 · Visibility · 35,000 miles · OH

The driver's side rear window no longer opens or closes. This has happened before on the passenger side and, luckily, vw replaced the regulator on that side under warranty during the 1st year of ownership. All it does now is make a 'grinding' noise. A local vw repair shop said they have had a lot of these - there is a defect in vw's regulator. It's a convertible, and you can't put the top down now. The window will not go up or down, and is presently held in place with a rubber door stop. Last vw in our stable, for sure!

Filed Oct 16, 2009 · Visibility · 40,000 miles · CA

My drivers side rear window will not move up or down anymore. The first time it happened I was putting the top down on my convertible and when you press the button for the top to come down the rear windows come down a little to allow for the top to move. It made a grinding noise then the window went all the way down, which has never happened and did not happen on the other side. I put the top back up but the window would not roll back up. I could hear the motor for the window working to pull it up. I ended up having to pull the window up manually while pressing the window up button so my car wasn't exposed to the weather or broken into. I have been told it is the regulator that is out and don't have the $ to fix it.

Filed Sep 1, 2008 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · IL

Dmf failed blew shrapnel through bell housing! Normal driving, volkswagen new beetle, 2005.5 diesel 1.9l tdi automatic trans dsg. Dual mass flywheel (dmf) exploded on the road under 10mph. Small metal parts of springs and aluminum punched hole in side of case. Clear 'grease' and shavings everywhere. Could have caused engine or wheels to lockup if it had jammed a larger piece in the drivetrain. Towed to dealer with 95k miles, sounds like a slight grinding noise on acceleration. This is heavy part with a large hole blown in the edge where parts came flying out. Only offered a $750 rebate on purchase of a new vw... This is a manufacturing defect, imho, that vwoa did not cover. Replacement part number for dmf, oem part no longer available. Vw replaced with part number 03g-105-266-be $785. Work done at dealer, almost $2k! Many dmf failure stories blame the clutch, but mine is an automatic! This is a bad part, that vwoa is trying to hide knowledge of, blaming customers. Other auto makers have admitted bad part and replaced at 100k miles! I have the old part and further checks can be done to show it failed on the inside. My teenage daughter is scared to drive if it were to happen to her! No way to know, there is no scheduled maint, nothing to change or check. Flywheel should be covered by vwoa, it is not a wear item! Can you help? Many others may not be reporting if vwoa is replacing under warranty, as my web research seems to show. They had to replace an airbag, but my dmf exploding on the road is not their problem? Why no recall and no tsb's? Bew gys with direct shift gearbox. Damping layer failed in dmf. This will become a larger issue as more miles are logged on this part. Will it cause someone to loose life? Thanks.