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2005 Volkswagen Beetle visibility problems

62 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 55,000.

owner complaints
62
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
55,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Power window devices and controls
    51
  • Glass, side/rear
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Beetle visibility problems in other years

19982000200520102019

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2005 Volkswagen Beetle owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 7, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · OR

My VIN number on car is different from the VIN number on motor. I just found this out about one month ago. I wasn't told this when I bought the vehicle.. So, I don't know if this is a big problem or not. Its a 2005 vw, with a 2004 engine from a slavage yard, bandb, or b and r?? This caused me great alarm. The wiring since had to be done about 2 weeks ago. Also, the belly pan had been missing. I had it fixed. And the headlights had to be repaired too. This car has cost me thousands in repairs since purchase. And I don't have more thousands to put in it. Please help I hope the car in excellent shape now. Also, I noticed the dip stick broke to oil check and hadn't been prior to my acknowledgement. Also, the car has a soft top and I was told was newly replaced in 5/2018. But it seems to have a different look inside then a tight shape regarding top, and I don't know if this should be or not.

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 Feb 27, 2014 · Visibility · 30,000 miles · FL

The problem is with all vw beetles in this time frame. The HVAC doors have a foam around them that breaks down and falling into the duct work of the vehicle. When you are driving the vehicle with defrost or AC on these little pieces fly out of ducts into your eyes. If you have glasses it is a little better till the pieces hit you because you turned your head. I have pictures if needed. Of course vw states there is know product they heard about.

Filed Dec 6, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 35,000 miles · IN

Window has stopped working for the second time. Repairs have already been made to 1 rear driver s side window. Now it's the passengers side rear window.

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 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 Oct 29, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 51,816 miles · CA

Rolled down back window on drivers side wont roll up just makes a noise.

Filed Oct 10, 2013 · Visibility · 103,540 miles · SC

Rear window would not go up. Automatically went back down, and then I hear what sounds like glass breaking! Think there are plastic parts down in window that were actually tearing up! Had seen numerous complaints on this problem before and was hoping my bug was not a lemon like so many others! Vw has seen this problem repeatedly, but still continues to do nothing but charge an astronomical amount to "fix" (put a bandage on it) ! Love my bug, but this is ridiculous! Seriously thinking of getting rid of it before something else happens!

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.

Questions about the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle visibility

Does the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 62 complaints about the visibility of the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2005 Volkswagen Beetle visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 55,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle visibility?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Volkswagen Beetle have the most visibility problems?

The Volkswagen Beetle model years with the most visibility complaints are 2004 (65 complaints), 2005 (62 complaints) and 2003 (56 complaints).

Other 2005 Volkswagen Beetle problems

Transmission 116Electrical 35Airbags 31Lights 21Engine 16Body 13Acceleration 7Brakes 4Fuel system 4Seat belts 3Driver assistance 2Suspension 2

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