2000 Volkswagen New Beetle: check engine light

Filed Aug 16, 2004 · Engine · MN

Service engine light has come on repeatedly since purchasing the car from burnsville vw, burnsville, mn. Service dept. Stated "it's nothing to worry about" and reset the computer. After persistent reoccurance, requested they actually fix the problem, that is when they informed us the rivets to the secondary air pump had failed and it was no longer under warranty. Calls to vw north america resulted in the same, "no longer under warranty", "circumstances do not matter", etc. Estimated $650 to replace item. While we are being told it is a "minor" failure and will not affect the car performance, it seems that it triggers an "service engine soon" light for a reason. Also, we were told to "ignore" the service engine light. However if we ignore it then when a "significant" problem occurs, how would we know?! Vw north america customer service center admitted that this has been an ongoing problem but unless it is reported within the first 2 years it is no longer covered.

Filed Jul 9, 2004 · Engine · 30,461 miles · VA

I own a 2000 new beetle 1.8t glx with approximately 30461 original miles. I have had a total of 7 repairs of the oxygen sensors and one repair to date of mass air flow meter. All of which have been covered by volkswagen of americas expense. I do however want to note that all the mechanical issues revolve around the mil malfunction indicator light on the dash. Each of the failures happens within one year from replacemnt of parts and with less than 6k miles between repairs. With my persistant calls to vwoa and my local dealer they have picked up all expenses. The warranty for this vehicle was 2 years or 24k miles. I now have 30k plus miles and am concerned about this persistant problem of o2 sensors and the like. If you require the VIN number for records or other pertinent information please feel free to contact me directly by mail, email, or telephone perhaps this is problem has been noted by other vehicle owners about this and orther models.

Filed Apr 28, 2004 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · NC

The 2000 new beetle that my husband and I purchased apparently has a defect in the electrical system. We purchased the car in february 2003. At that time there were no problems. The first time I put gas in the car the check engine light came on. My husband contacted a local volkswagen dealer to see about getting it fixed. He was told that this was a normal problem. If the gas cap wasn't put back on and clicked at least seven times, the light would come on. He was instructed to remove the gas cap, put it back on and turn it until there had been seven clicks. After that, we were supposed to do a cold start to make the light go off. This worked, but we have had to do it several times. The light will come on and go off, even though there are no engine problems. I have had another mechanic look at the car, and was told there were no problems with the engine, so it had to be a problem in the electrical system. After seeing some of the complaints that have been posted, I am worried about the possibility of the car stalling, malfunctioning, or, as in some of the other complaints have shown, the car catching on fire. I feel that the volkswagen company needs to really examine this issue. We had to have a sensor replaced for the braking system earlier this year that was under recall, and we only got it done because we were at the dealership for routine maintenance. We had not received a recall notice at all. I don't feel that the volkswagen company is concerned about any of the problems that are going on with this model. It is very distressing to think that I am stuck with a car that isn't worth what I paid for it because of defective equipment. This problem with the check engine is ongoing and I am not pleased with the response I have gotten from the dealer. It hasn't made the problem go away.

Filed Oct 1, 2003 · Engine · 25,000 miles · NY

I purchased a 2000 volkswagon beetle about two months ago and about two weeks after I brought it home the engine light went on. I read that these cars were coming with some kind of saftey defect in the engine and that's the same exact problem the dealer hasn't been able to fix twice already going on three times. The engine light keeps going on and these people seem to believe they know what they are doing. What should I do I don't want the car to cause some kind of accident or endanger my family or me.

Filed Sep 19, 2003 · Engine · NY

Check engine light constantly comes on due to a vacuum hose constantly braking. Have had repaired 4 times.

Filed May 20, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 3,000 miles · PA

Ongoing electrical problems/false positives for the check engine light. Gel-like substance in the oil. Frequent replacement of interior/exterior lights. Nlm

Filed May 8, 2001 · Airbags, Electrical · OK

Engine would not start, after several attempts it started but check engine & air bag light was on. Check engine light went off after 23 miles, but air bag light stayed on until instrument cluster was replaced by dealer.