The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The towing agent informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a major fuel leak. The mechanic replaced an unknown part with a part purchased from a Volkswagen dealer. The contact stated that the fuel leak was corrected; however, an unknown repair needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer the vehicle was purchased from, was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing and repair. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Volkswagen Beetle fuel leak problems
11 of the 2,588 owner complaints about the Volkswagen Beetle describe fuel leak, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 11
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical mileage
- 60,000
By model year
- 20181
- 20131
- 20121
- 20101
- 20071
- 20062
- 20011
- 20001
- 19991
- 19981
Often reported together
Fuel smell 4Wipers 1Stalling 1Jerking 1Fuel pump 1Fire or smoke 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The certified mechanic also informed the contact that the failure was similar to the issue listed in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v621000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volkswagen beetle. While the vehicle was stationary, fuel leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was diagnosed as having a leaky detection pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine smoking defective fuel filter o-ring gaskets causing fuel leaks--vw dealers not honoring warranty. Between april 2015 - july 2016, vw dealers have replaced this fuel gasket five times, repeatedly charging me for the defective part and unneeded filters. I saved one of the defective gaskets and have been to two different vw dealerships, graham in sioux falls south dakota and jensen in sioux city iowa. The engine smokes, I find the fuel leak, take it to the nearest dealer, who diagnose the problem before even opening the hood, because "the problem is so common." I contacted the vw regional service manager, tamar t., and vw customer care (reference # 160555387) and was advised that replacing a fuel gasket five times in just over a year is a regular "maintenance item". Attached are a photo of the defective gasket, response from vw customer service and my maintenance receipts/log.
February 2015 my fuel tank began leaking from a pressed ridge area of the tank, not in a seam, not in a gasket. Tank replaced. Six months later second fuel tank leaking in same area. Appears to be a production and manufacturing defect related to a weak area of the metal. Fuel literally dripping from the tank onto the ground. Critical safety issue with the fuel and fumes. This happened randomly without any issue of damage to the tanks. Contacted vw who refused to help in any way. We have kept the first tank for observation. At this time vehicle is parked leaking fuel and unable to be driven. Can not afford to replace another tank, and end up with same problem. This is a critical safety issue.
Gas leakage from under hood identical to recall #20i4 but was told by vw dealership car was checked 3 years earlier and there was no problem in the location of parts and that this leakage happened at another area of the fuel line and vw of america concurred with dealership. Luckily there was no fire because it was leaking bad and I took it to the dealership after smelling gas odor inside car. It seems vw won't own up to anything unless there is a casualty. After having bought three beetles I have no confidence in vw of america and this dealership anymore. Also the headliner has to be replaced and the windshield wipers never worked properly after dealership checked it when it was still under warranty. Very low mileage to be incurring design problems.
This car has a fuel leak in the engine compartment of the fuel supply rail for the fuel injector system. There is a gasoline smell inside the passenger compartment and very noticeable outside. This appears to be a serious safty. Defect. It has taken volkswagon more than a week to locate parts for the expensive repair which may indicate this is a common safty problem with this model car. I am being charged over $1,000 for the repair but feel this may be a serious defect in the car. Please investigate and advise.
Consumer complained about a fuel leak. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who indicated that the fuel pump had a crack in it. There was a strong smell coming through the vents of the vehicle. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, but was told there was nothing they could do. *ak
Fuel leakage due to a puncture in plastic fuel tank. There is no protection or barrier for low positioned fuel tank .
After discovering that fuel was leaking from the bottom of the vehicle. Vehicle was towed to a dealership, where the fuel tank was found to be busted. The fuel tank was replaced at owner's expense. Driver never ran over anything that could have damaged the fuel tank. Please provide any further details.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑822‑8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V‑809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Recall number 15V028000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.
- Risk
- If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 10V621000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 04V586000 · Recall details
Questions about the Volkswagen Beetle fuel leak
Which Volkswagen Beetle years have fuel leak problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (2 complaints), 1998 (1 complaints) and 1999 (1 complaints).
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