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2005 Volkswagen Beetle transmission complaints

Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 116, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2005 Volkswagen Beetle transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Sep 20, 2010 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · TX

2005 vw beetle began having shifting issues. Check engine light came on and I took it to driver's edge. Codes from computer were sensor related and tune up needed. I paid for the tune up and the next week I took to vw due to hard shifting. Code was cleared so they said there was no problem. I still had issues so I returned the car then suddenly I needed a new transmission. My car only has 77k so I thought $6000 was extreme. Started looking into the issue and apparently it's a common problem. Previous code on car was ignition coil so I don't understand how it went from a possible recall issue to needing a whole new transmission.

Filed Sep 14, 2010 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · GA

2005 new beetle convertible transmission started shifting hard at around 56,000 miles. Every once in a while it would slip out of gear. Had a sensor replaced. That helped some but now it is slipping out of gear again - everyday. I have read several complaints on this. Why hasn't vw been made to correct these issues?

Filed Sep 7, 2010 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · MI

Lurching in shift of automatic transmission. We bought an off lease convertible 05 new beetle. It drove fine at first but we continually noticed a lurching or bucking shifting between first and second. This occurred after about 10 minutes of driving. After looking up the issue on the internet we found it to be a common problem. We were just out of the monthly warranty but under the mileage warranty. We took it to our certified vw mechanic and he said we needed a new transmission after doing a drain and fill. We contacted vw and they said we needed a dealership diagnosis for them to get involved. The dealership said we needed a new transmission. Vw offered a goodwill remedy of $1000 off a new beetle. We took it to a transmission specialty shop and they fixed the vehicle with an aftermarket throttlebody kit with a total cost of $1025.00. The kit they used addressed the problem of the shift pressure. I don't believe the old part is available. So far no problems.

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · NC

I bought a 2005 vw beetle with 50,000 miles on it. It drove great until about 70,000+ miles when it starting hard shifting. It is hard shifting when gearing up from 2nd to 3rd and when it gears down from 4th to 3rd. It happens everytime I drive the car.

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · MN

The transmission on my 2005 vw new beetle gls tdi failed. The auto shop cannot find an external cause for the failure. They say the flywheel "exploded" the internal part of the transmission and even broke the transmission case open. There were no warning signs prior to the failure in terms of noises or performance. The car has only 86,000 miles on it and is driven mainly on the highway. I am having the car repaired at a cost of about $6,500. Despite numerous complaints by other customers, vw has not yet recalled this car, but definitely should!

Filed Aug 28, 2010 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · CA

My parents purchased a 2005 new beetle from volkswagen for me when I got my permit in 2006. The transmission is now failing. I was told it would cost over $6000 to replace. It shifts hard and jerkily. Upset about this problem I did some research online and discovered I am not alone in this problem. I found many other drivers with the same complaint at this website: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f124d77/0 . If this is such a common issue why is there no recall? I am afraid to drive my car to school because I am afraid of it failing while on the freeway with all the fast moving cars. I'm in college and cannot afford to replace my transmission. I don't understand why volkswagen hasn't recalled this. Is it because they don't want to have to pay to fix all of our cars that they built poorly? I don't think it's my fault that they built an inferior product. Thank you for your time.

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 Aug 26, 2010 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · OK

My 2005 vw new beetle convertible with triptonic transmission, with only 56,300 miles, lurches in the lower gears after the car warms up after about 10 minutes. The car will not shift smoothly between the lower gears and often revs up to 5000 RPM before it "slams" into higher gear. Vw dealership in oklahoma city asserts "we can replicate the problem". Please help!

Filed Aug 18, 2010 · Transmission · 64,000 miles · NV

I am an original owner of a 2005 vw beetle. Started noticing the transmission, hesitating and slamming into gear, mainly with 3rd and 4th gear. The problem is worsening, now at 75,000 miles I either need a new transmission or at minimum, a new flywheel. I have seen thousands of the same complaints and feel this is a defect.

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · CA

2005 vw beetle convertible transmission . Cars slips from 2nd to 3rd. Jerks hard, complaint to vw, was told this was normal. Rpm's suddenly escalate while in constant gear to 4000 RPM and then level off while already in that gear for long periods of time, also will happen while on cruise. Stops are rough and starts are the same. 6 speed triptronic. Lucky not in accident as of yet because of delays in shifting. Will need a new transmission at 82,000 started acting up around 60,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Brakes, Lights · 80,000 miles · AL

2005 vw beetle with transmission problems, wiring problems and lighting problems. Seems like this is in a lot of beetles that are on the road. Transmission failed at 80,000 miles... This is an ongoing problem and the vw company seems not to care. Since car bought multiple problems, which vw has fixed most of them. The lighting harness melted together on the right and left front sides, this was concern of mine. Why????, the transmission failed... Without warning.. Took it in for 80,000 mile service paid 600.00 and then transmission fails. I don't understand. But I feel like there needs to be a proper investigation into the ongoing problems. .... My brakes have failed to work in reverse 3 times now and this is scary.... I finally get stopped and then have to pump brakes. Nothing wrong with them so far when taking into vw dealer.

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen beetle. When the brakes were applied and the vehicle came to a complete stop the vehicle violently lunged forward. Upon accelerating the vehicle began to hesitate when changing gears. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be examined for the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure continued to occur intermittently. The frequency of the failures had increased over time. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2010 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · MN

The transmission continuously slips between 2nd & 3rd gear when downshifting or upshifting. Often it will not shift at all. There is severe lurching occasionally when moving or coming to a stop. I have gotten a transmission flush which within days the problem continued. The power windows continuously do not fully raise- requiring you to manually raise them. I have had this problem fixed twice and both times after being fixed the problem occurred again within a couple of months.

Filed Aug 1, 2010 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · FL · crash

After 15 or so minutes the transmission starts to miss first & second gear shifting erratically if you are making a left turn, it is quite dangerous because the transmission will not engage for a few seconds this can cause a fatal accident, it is extremely dangerous. I have read other complaints & other vw 2005 super beetles have this problem. Thanks.

Filed Jul 21, 2010 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · NC

I have a 2005 vw beetle, I just made my last payment on it. It has 102,000 miles on it. The transmission is slipping. The window regulator has messed up. I have replaced the headlights twice. Had to replace the radio in it. Replaced the tail lights numerous times. The transmission is the thing I am mostly concerned about. There are lots of complaints of other buyers dissatisfied with their 2005 beetle. These cars are very expensive to buy. It is not right to buy anything for this kind of money and be faced with all these expensive problems. When the car changes gears it snatches your neck. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Jun 27, 2010 · Transmission · 78,900 miles · IN

I have less than 80,000 miles on my 2005 vw convertible beetle and was told I need a new transmission costing $6000. When researching, I found that this model is riddled with transmission issues.

Filed Jun 20, 2010 · Transmission · 97,700 miles · CA

2005 vw beetle, began slipping out of gear and the final straw was in fast moving traffic and it slipped out completely, was nearly killed! Found out the transmission was shot at 97,700 and apparently this happens quite a bit with these vehicles, to replace is $7,500. Thousands of complaints online, ntsb won't say if or what they are doing about it.

Filed May 25, 2010 · Transmission · 64,000 miles · CA

I own a 2005 vw convertible beetle automatic, which I bought new in august of 2005. It only has 64,000 miles on it. I have been having issues with the car lurching forward or shifting very roughly between first, second, and third gears on upshift and downshift. It is extremely scary and gets progressively worse the warmer the car gets. I've almost been in accidents several times because of the lurching, and I've almost been rear-ended on the freeway because of gear slipping. I've spoken to my transmission mechanic, and he stated that they've seen these same issues in many other vw's. I've also searched online, and seen 100's of complaints about this same issue. I contacted my vw dealer, who stated that this is not a common problem. After doing a little bit of internet research, I can't believe that that's true. I'm having to replace my transmission to the tune of several thousand dollars, and the car is not even 5 years old. I feel unsafe and nervous driving the car as do many, many others and I feel there should be a recall.

Filed May 6, 2010 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · FL

2005 new beetle, 79,000 miles needs a brand new transmission. The car shifts hard from gear to gear, down shifts hard, accelerates on it's own, shifts into next gear and just revs up instead of shifting. This is now occurring every time the car is driven. The cost to replace the transmission is $3,00 or more.

Filed May 2, 2010 · Transmission · 97,700 miles · CA

I have a 2005 vw beetle purchased new, I was driving and noticed jerking between 1st & 2nd then it started stalling going into 4th gear and a few days ago it slipped out of 6th gear in the caldecot tunnel, nearly got rear ended! Took it to a tranny guy and he checked it out. Come to find out the vw tech he contacted told him that they go out at 100,000 (currently at 97,700) and it can take up to $7,500 to replace and it can't be fixed. Vw tech said they did this to get you to buy a new car.

Filed Apr 23, 2010 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · WA

I purchased a 2005 vw new beetle convertible in 10/2009 as a way to "save money" and traded in my SUV. It had 48000 miles and now has 56000. In the last couple of months, the transmission started to slip between 2nd and 3rd. I took it in to a local transmission shop to have my trans fluid changed, thinking that might solve the problem. Found out that the transmission was completely ruined and needed to be rebuilt, which cost $4600+ dollars. My husband started looking online and there are pages and pages of testimonials regarding the same issue. When I talked to the vw customer care dept, they didn't know of any problems or complaints and because I didn't go to a dealership for my repairs, or purchase their extended warranty, I am out of luck. I'm afraid it will happen again. At least I went to an independent transmission shop, because looking at all the complaints from people that had their transmissions replaced at the vw dealer, lots of them are needing them replaced again. This seems like it should be a recall issue. Although I didn't have an accident, I am thankful that my transmission didn't go out or act up when I was on the freeway or somewhere that could have caused an accident. Please make vw be responsible for this, come to find out, common defect. The problems started probably in 1/2010 and just had the trans rebuilt 4/2010.

Filed Apr 13, 2010 · Transmission · 39,861 miles · CA

1. Car is 5 years old / 40k miles and the transmission was failing - having trouble shifting from first to second gear. Read online that other vw had same issue - clearly manufacturing failure. 2. Transmission failure 3. Valve body replaced.

Filed Apr 6, 2010 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · NV

My 2005 vw bug turbo jerks so violently between 2nd and 3rd gears that I've nearly hit a handful of cars when I'm trying to move slowly ahead in heavy traffic. I bought the car new, have serviced it faithfully, it is a 6 speed automatic and it only just turned 50k miles. About a year ago when I first noticed it shifting roughly between 2nd and 3rd gear (both upshifting and down shifting) I mentioned it to my vw service center and they said "that's what all bugs do," and brushed me off. I'm writing you now because the jerking has become so violent it feels like I'm being rear ended each time it moves from 2nd to 3rd gear. Thank you.

Filed Apr 6, 2010 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · CA

2005 vw new beetle auto 6 speed 57,000 miles. Hard downshifting. This problem is ongoing.

Filed Apr 3, 2010 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · CA

I bought a 2005 vw new beetle convertible in 2005 with the optional 6 speed automatic transmission. The car now has approx 80000 milles on the odometer and the transmission jerks and slips in all gears. The tachmometer winds 3000 rpms above what the engine should running at any particular speed when this occurs. During these circumstances in traffic I press the accelerator pedal and the car will not respond which places me at risk of a collision.

Filed Apr 1, 2010 · Transmission · GA

Transmission slipping in a 2005 volkswagen beetle with 71,000 miles, I have been told by several repair shops that the manufacturer knows there is a problem with them but will not do anything about it. Driver's side rear window regulator became defective at 59,000 miles and when I contacted the manufacturer was told in order for them to assist with problem it must be diagnosed by a dealer. Drove 60 miles and was charged $100 to diagnose the problem (which I already knew what the problem was) and then was told that because of the mileage they could not help me. Manufacturer knew the mileage prior to requesting me to take to dealer. Cost of replacing a window regulator $600, there is a kit that can be installed, but of course that information is not given to the customer.

Filed Mar 22, 2010 · Transmission · 56,500 miles · GA

Issue has not yet caused an accident but will. Volkswagen beetle, 2005 model with fewer than 57,00.00 miles. Transmission failing causing hard shifting and slipping gears resulting in car lurching and pausing unexpectedly. From my investigation this is a very common problem with the new beetle, one that vw will not admit nor correct. I have been researching this issue for some time finding that there is no question as to whether a new beetle owner will have transmission problems rather when the problem will begin. While I have not been able to determine how many if any accidents have been caused by this issue I do know there is a great concern amongst these vehicle owners that accidents will occur. Vw should be forced to recall all vehicles that use these 6 speed automatic transmissions and correct this problem.

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · IL

Owner of a 05 beetle. Transmission issues started at 60,000 miles. Put in a lot of money on repairs without replacing the transmission to be told afterwards the trans had to be replaced. Looked online and a lot of 05' beetles are experiencing the same effects as early as 30,000 miles!! The car is fine for the first 15 mins than it jerks violently into 3 & 4th gear. The jerking gets so bad it feels as if I had been rear ended. I get panic attacks especially at stale green lights or intersections in general. I never received a recall ever on my car and noticed online a recall on the airbags went into affect on apr 08 which my air bag has been out. I have paid $15,000 and still have $14,500 to pay off in the next 3 years with a payment of $400 a month!!! I can not afford to buy a new trans for my car. All these 05 beetles are defective and very dangerous to drive due to their trans failing and very low mileage. I have always kept up with oil changes, trans flushes, new filters you name it. I can not believe that the "car of my dreams" gives me anxiety attacks just to drive it. Driving is one of my many modes of transport everyday! Please help vw owners with 05' beetles get our cars fixed, I am paying a lot of money for a car that I am terrified to drive. Thank you for your time.

Filed Mar 8, 2010 · Transmission · 55,403 miles · TX

I am the original owner of a 2005 new beetle conv. In 12/08 I took my vehicle in for 40k mile service at which time the transmission was checked for leaks and fluid level. In 2/10 my transmission had to be replaced because it was no good. My problems started about late november 2009 to december 2009. I started to have hesitation problems from take off and coming to a stop after about 15 minutes of driving. I first thought the problem was bad gasoline, however that was not the case. I would be going along just fine and then the transmission would jerk hard sometimes to change gears when coming to a stop. And would whine and hesitate and jerk to change gears when taking off. This problem got progressively worse and when I took my car in I was told @ 55,000 miles I would need a new transmission. So a new transmission was installed to the tune of $5,700. This is not was I bargained for.

Filed Feb 19, 2010 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · MO

2005 vw beetle convertible - slips in and out of gear. I have been on the highway when it did this and it almost caused an accident with the vehicles in font of me and behind me. Luckily I was able to swerve into the right lane to avoid an accident for now. Reading other forums about vw, it is obvious that this is a huge issue that vw is having with a lot of their vehicles. Your job is to do something about it, so please do your job and keep our highways safe.

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