2005 Volkswagen Beetle: power window failure

Filed Dec 12, 2016 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · GA

Driver's side rear window regulator stopped working. Window was stuck down in the middle of winter. Car was in motion, hit the front window button, back window rolled down, wouldn't roll back up.

Filed May 16, 2016 · 69,800 miles · FL

The left rear driver side window will not raise or lower. I can hear the motor running and the regulator moving but no window movement. Vehicle was stationary when the problem began.

Filed Aug 17, 2015 · Electrical · 76,700 miles · MD

Rear right side window regulator malfunction

Filed Dec 31, 2014 · Visibility · 90,000 miles · CO

Our rear, driver's side window failed to roll up and we discovered it would be $1,200 to repair/replace the regulator. This is the second window to fail. We paid around $1,000 to have the rear, passenger regulator repaired two years ago. This time, after researching the problem online, we discovered there are hundreds of complaints about the same, recurring problem. Reading reviews on edmunds.com, you'll find people saying they'd never buy a vw again, due to this and other recurring issues (e.g. Sensors going bad, transmission problems, convertible top leakage, etc.). One individual posted a recall letter from 2002 on the newbeetle.org forum saying vw would fix the front, driver's side window regulator and warranty it for 7 years. But, they obviously didn't solve the regulator issues, and have denied us a similar extended warranty. This model car is a maintenance nightmare, and vw won't admit their utter failure in producing this lemon and taking responsibility for the numerous mechanical problems. Apparently, they have chosen to practice caveat emptor to the financial detriment of their naive customers. This just isn't fair!

Filed Dec 4, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · CA

Today, 12/3/13, I had my 3rd window regulator go out in the past 12 months. Each occurrence has been on a different window, and each repair has cost from $400 - $600. The service advisors I've spoken to have all said this is a common problem in volkswagen beetle convertibles because the part is poorly engineered and they're surprised a recall has not been made. This poorly engineered part is not only a financial abuse to the consumer, but also a safety issue. If this happens when the convertible is down, then one is not able to put the top back up, which now does not only cost you a new window, but the loss of the car if it's stolen while unattended. Additionally what could happen, as it did in my case. The window made a noise on sunday, this morning (tuesday) I took my car in, the part won't be in until tomorrow or potentially thursday. In the mean time, it's raining in my city and I live in apartments and have to park on the street. Therefore, my car runs the risk of not only getting stolen, but the interior being damaged if the plastic on the outside comes off during the heavy rain. Again, major inconvenience to the consumer, while the manufacturer not only pockets the customers car payment on a monthly basis, but is also making money in the service department with a vehicle that was produced by them with faulty parts in the first place. Finally, the window at any moment can fall into the door and shatter, which would make the broken window a health risk if the individual is in the vehicle when the window shatters; the driver or passenger could be injured by the glass. In conclusion, there seems to be multiple risk and consumer complaints on the same issue, it is ludicrous that a recall or permanent solution has not yet been determined.

Filed Aug 22, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 88,000 miles · OH

Rear window regulator bad - replace $639.00 front regulator bad - $338.23 radio went bad - drains battery - replacement $419.62 airconditioner making loud noise not replacement yet dash light bulb - 100.62 replace crank seal,water pump,thermostat,drive belt $1,094.16 outside temp gauge replace $49.70 .

Filed Jun 27, 2013 · Visibility · 126,000 miles · MO

Driver's side rear window won't roll up entirely. Sounds like the motor still works, but when it wouldn't roll up, there was a loud popping noise, like glass breaking. Have seen this be an issue on multiple forums. Is there anything like a recall?

Filed May 10, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 81,400 miles · CT

Driver side rear window fell down. I'm told the rear window regulator snapped and they have to repair it. For $600! From what I've read online, it seems to be a common problem in the 05 model. It's a shame that volkswagen doesn't stand behind this and put out a recall.

Filed Feb 15, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 80,801 miles · GA

When gearing down or starting up at redlight, car downshifts and gears-up with a jerk; took to vw dealer; says it is valve body defect which could utimately cause transmission to go bad; was told at dealership vw knows about the problem and extended a warranty on valve cover only which went out last yr on my vehicle. I never got a notice. Vw admits the problem was there when manufactured in mexico. I believe that this could be a safety issue for many vw owners. Also have had numerous problems with window regulators malfuctioning - affecting locking of doors and window closings- even when these costly regulators are replaced, the problems return... My car value is now -0- thanks to vw manufacturing issues.

Filed Feb 10, 2013 · Visibility · IL

There seems to be an issue with the rear windows and rear window regulators in the new beetles from 2003-2010. I have experienced and read numerous testimonials that indicate this is a design flaw that vw is making money repairing.

Filed Feb 1, 2013 · Visibility · 75,000 miles · GA

Left rear window regulator stopped working in july 2012. In october 2012 the right rear window regulator stopped working. Both have to be replaced. Car is very well maintained but was bought used. Vw dealer covers nothing but charges an enormous amount to fix. Reading other blogs there are many, many with the same issue. There should be a recall and vw should be responsible for replacing the rear window regulators. The rear windows not working means you can not put the convertible top down without risking further damage to the car.

Filed Jan 22, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 68,000 miles · NC

Both rear window regulators have become defective. Do not work.