2005 Volkswagen Beetle: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 15, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 107 miles · CA

I wasa driving and the engine lost power and everything shut down.aoll the lights came on on the dashand it jujst stop power the stearing wheel locked .I was in a residential neighborhod going speed limit if I had been on the freeway I dont know what would of happen , im scared to drive my car now

Filed Oct 25, 2018 · Electrical · 152,000 miles · GA

While driving on a local highway, I heard a "click" then a "poof", then the car lost power, in traffic! It was towed to the mechanic we always use. They determined that the fuse box/alternator cable melted. They said this is a problem with the beetle. We checked to see if we missed any recalls and were surprised to learn that there has not been any on such a dangerous issue! I am including screen captured images from video we have of the problem being inspected. We also have documentation from the mechanic.

Filed May 25, 2012 · Transmission · 50,040 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds the transmission fell out of gear. The contact lost power and had to exit the highway. The failure persisted repeatedly as the contact was taking the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission would have to be replaced because the valve body cover had failed. The contact stated they were unable to get an answer for why the full transmission needed to be replaced instead of just the valve body covers. The failure and the current mileages were 50,040.

Filed Nov 6, 2011 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

While driving the car stop and go-when I stepped on the gas, the transmission would not shift to the next gear-the rpms would rev and finally the next gear would "catch" really slam into gear and the car would shift. I had many near miss accidents due to my car failing to move forward in traffic. I took it to the dealer several times and each time they could not duplicate the problem. No repairs were made. I finally drove it directly to the dealer while the problem happened and the mechanic was able to "witness" the problem, the repair was made-replaced transmission parts at 62,000 miles. Now at 80,000 miles, the car does 2 things-while driving on the freeway, the car feels as if it has lost power-the car stays on, but there is no power to the engine-step on the gas and nothing happens-no rpms, nothing, the car slows down immediately, but because it happens so suddenly, cars that are following me don't always react in time and I have almost been rear ended-after a few seconds all of a sudden the car will regain power. The 2nd problem happens randomly-as I am driving, the car just shuts off. All of the dash lights flash on and the car dies-no power steering, nothing, just a dead car. I have to put the car in gear, turn everything off (radio, air etc), and turn the car back on. This has happened during a left turn, at a stop sign, while driving on the street. Again vw mechanic finds nothing on the computer. This car is a lemon-I have had to replace 2 batteries, several headlights, tail and turn lights, air bag sensors, all 4 window regulators, plus 2 of the same window regulators twice, trunk latch, rear ashtray holder, convertible straps, rear convertible window clips, and now whenever it rains my car leaks. I am terrified to drive the car in it's current condition, afraid to cause or be involved in an accident. This car is not safe, please help.

Filed Sep 10, 2011 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · LA

Recall for transmission valve, brought to dealership, replaced valve and then transmission went out. Vw said this had nothing to do with the valve being replaced and would not cover the transmission, which was 6500 in addition to another 1500. With that being said, the car is now just suddenly losing all power at red lights or whenever stopped, this is a real road hazard, it is an accident waiting to happen. These 2005 vw are dangerous cars on the road. Vw needs to step up and reimburse folks for the transmission so that they can go and get new cars. It's difficult in these times to be able to go and get a new car when I have just socked 8000 into this one. I cannot believe that vw is getting away with this transmission issue, just unbelievable. And the car will go back in the shop again next week. I am really asking for this government agency to investigate and do what's right for all vw beetle owners that are going through this. The recall is surely a cover up for the real issue, a "faulty" transmission.

Filed Aug 26, 2010 · Transmission · CA

I purchased my vehicle from volkswagen around august of 2008. My car began to show signs of transmission failure shortly after my check engine light came on, I took it to the dealer while under warranty and they stated it was nothing. It began to get worse but they assured me I just need to get my transmission serviced and I did. It began gradually from skipping gears to jumping into neutral and losing power while driving. The failure occurs very often now. I cannot drive my car for more than 15 minutes without being stranded on the side of the road for a short period. I noticed that as soon as the transmission warms up from driving, the transmission goes into neutral. I began doing some research into this problem and noticed that this is common problem with volkswagen beetles transmission, which resulted in a recall. I have a 6 speed transmission and the same symptoms take place. We have looked for quotes on replacement of sensors, rebuilt transmissions, but we are still trying to figure out what it may be because transmission work is really expensive. Something needs to be done about this!!!

Filed Nov 12, 2009 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · CA

I purchased my vehicle from volkswagen around february of 2008. My car began to show signs of transmission failure shortly after and began to get worse in june of 2008. It began gradually from skipping gears to jumping into neutral and losing power while driving. The failure occurs very often now. I cannot drive my car for more than 15 minutes without being stranded on the side of the road for a short period. I noticed that as soon as the transmission warms up from driving, the transmission goes into neutral, and the dashboard lights turn on. Luckily my job is really close to my house. My boyfriend began doing some research into this problem and noticed that this is common in newer volkswagen models that involve the dsg transmission, which resulted in a recall. I have a 6 speed techtonic transmission and the same symptoms take place. We have looked for quotes on replacement of sensors, rebuilt transmissions, but we are still trying to figure out what it may be because transmission work is really expensive. This is not normal for a car with way less than 100,000 miles. I do not understand why this would be happening to a car that has been well maintained.