2015 Volkswagen Beetle: backup camera failure

Filed Aug 5, 2020 · Electrical · 15,000 miles · FL

Have had issue with backup camera for 3 years. Have told vw about this for 3 years when turning in car for maintenance and they keep telling me nothing is wrong. Finally it quit working completely. Took it in and they told me it will take 4 to 5 months to get parts. They say it's not their problem but the supplier. Keep checking back with status after turning it in and found out parts weren't even on order till 2 weeks after turning car in for problem. It's been 2 1/2 months and no status as of yet for parts. They say they checked around the country for parts and theres none. I found a system on the internet that can be purchased to fix the problem..they will not go that way.

Filed Apr 7, 2016 · 12 miles · FL

Well since I got my car, the new backup camera doesn't have the option to make it brighter, which is a hazard when you try to use it and you can't see anything, because the camera doesn't contrast with the outside brightness the other models with navigation have the option to adjust it I asked and call the volkswagen of america and file a complaint after weeks I got a response nothing is been updated so is nothing w can do with your complaint if we update system, you will know almost a yard hav past

Filed Jan 8, 2016 · 25 miles · CA

The rear view camera is almost completely dark when reversing, making is almost useless in seeing and avoiding anything behind you. Vw dealer refuses to replace, saying that's how it is supposed to be. A bad safety flaw.

Filed Oct 24, 2015 · Electrical · 10 miles · PA

The backup camera on the vehicle is so dark to be almost unusable. It is supposed to be a safety device, but you cannot identify what is in your path. It has been back to the dealer for this and they cannot find a fault or a way to adjust the image. They contacted volkswagen tech support who offered no solution and do not seem to be interested. I have asked to contact volkswagen directly, but they have no way for the consumer to do that. This car has the "premium 8" radio and no navigation. It appears to be an odd combination as I have not been able to locate one for comparison within a 50 mile radius. Again, this is a safety issue that should be addressed before someone backs over a child or something else.

Filed Sep 30, 2015 · Visibility · CA

The backup camera is so dim it is useless. Although some vw cameras have adjustable brightness, my model does not and even the dealer said it was useless. Was shown other models with same problem. I have contacted dealer and vw of amer. And was told nothing could be done. Needs new sensor or replacement. A real safety issue.

Filed Sep 28, 2015 · Visibility · 200 miles · FL

The backup camera on my vw beetle convertible is so dark that is is virtually useless. We have had it to the dealer multiple times and the manager agreed there was something wrong. He replaced the camera and the same thing happened. Then the manager left and another one came on board we reported the problem to vw and they spoke with the manager onsite. He told them that it was ok because all of the cameras were like that. We have owned cars previously with back up cameras and never had a problem. The cameras with GPS do not have the same issue. The dealer told me I could pay for a unit with GPS. I have a hand held GPS so have no desire to put more money into it. I paid extra for the backup camera and did not get my money's worth. This is a major safety issue since the back window in the convertible allows for only limited sight.

Filed Aug 8, 2015 · 81 miles · FL

Purchased a 2015 vw bettle for my daughter. One requirement we had was a backup camera. Test drove car in a storm and took it home same day. Thought camera was dark due to the weather. We were wrong. Picture quality is very poor. Screen is dark. Brightness can not be adjusted. This is a major safety issue. Why have a camera on a vehicle that is so poor? Spoke to dealership who mentioned brightness can not be adjusted and to someone on vw chat who mentioned same thing. Definitely a rip off and safety issue. Vw should replace these cameras with ones that work. Other complaints on this site about same issue.

Filed Jul 24, 2015 · 20 miles · NJ

The backup camera on my 2015 beetle is useless most of the time. The image is very dark. I complained to the dealer and they said there is nothing they can do. Please let me know if you have a solution to this safety problem,

Filed May 28, 2015 · PA

The car was purchased new. The backup camera on the vehicle is very dark and not safely usable. Even on sunny days the image is very dark and objects cannot be seen well enough to make backing up safe. The car was returned to the dealer on the same day of purchase for repair. Was informed that a slight adjustment was made but nothing else could be done and that my vw camera was compared to other beetles in their lot and they were all the same with low image. The adjustment made no difference in the camera image. It is still dark and not safe to use. I have registered my complaint with the local dealer and with vw, inc. I consider this to be a serious safety issue.

Filed May 16, 2015 · 100 miles · PA

The backup camera on the vehicle is so dark to be almost unusable. It is supposed to be a safety device, but you cannot identify what is in your path. It has been back to the dealer for this and they cannot find a fault or a way to adjust the image. They contacted volkswagen tech support who offered no solution and do not seem to be interested. I have asked to contact volkswagen directly, but they have no way for the consumer to do that. This car has the "premium 8" radio and no navigation. It appears to be an odd combination as I have not been able to locate one for comparison within a 50 mile radius. Again, this is a safety issue that should be addressed before someone backs over a child or something else.

Filed Mar 24, 2015 · Visibility · 50 miles · TX

The backup camera on the beetle does not work. The image on the screen is too dark to see anything. The only time you can actually see the backup camera is in full sun, and then it is still distorted and unable to use. I know that 2018 that all cars are suppose to have a back up camera, but if a car already has the safety feature should it not work properly? My theory is that they are trying to test the system to see how much they could get away with. To have the camera in place, but only meet the minimum qualifications of the law. But this is not usable. I have taken the beetle into 2 different dealerships, all they have done is visible comparison with other beetles. They say that it meets all technical specifications, and there is no fix.