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 smell problems
13 of the 2,588 owner complaints about the Volkswagen Beetle describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 13
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical mileage
- 58,000
By model year
- 20181
- 20141
- 20131
- 20091
- 20071
- 20061
- 20041
- 20031
- 20021
- 20012
- 19991
- 19981
Often reported together
Fuel leak 4Fuel pump 2Check engine light 2Wipers 1Stalling 1Jerking 1Fire or smoke 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was abnormally strong. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear latch for the hatchback was not locking securely and was also allowing exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Emissions Recall Circular Code: WA000 Reprograming of Engine Control Module and Replacement of Oxygen Sensor (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. The VIN was not provided.
Noticed an fuel smell coming from the engine bay. After a few times of looking for the source I came across the fuel rail covered in gunk. Wiped off rail and cycled the engine. Noticed the fuel rail is leaking from what looks like the fuel rail mounting bolt.
Vehicle has gas fume odor accumulating while inside garage and inside vehicle for over one year. Took to dealer on february 2015 who did a 27 point inspection of the vehicle but still has gas odor.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen beetle. While driving at approximately 30 MPH the contact noticed the smell of fuel. Also, the engine light had illuminated on the instrument panel.the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic stated the fuel pump had to be replaced due to a leak. The fuel pump was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
1. Normal driving. 2. Exhaust gas recirculating (egr) cooler connecting pipe fractures. This can occur anywhere between 30,000 and 120,000 miles. This fracture allows exhaust fumes to enter the passenger cabin. As of now the part has not been replaced, $178 dealer item. Old part will be available upon request.
I noticed a gasoline smell in the car each time I drove it. The mechanics checked and found a seal for the fuel pump housing leaks. They removed and replaced housing and seal.
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 smell
Which Volkswagen Beetle years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (2 complaints), 1998 (1 complaints) and 1999 (1 complaints).
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