Volkswagen / Beetle / 2002
2002 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Owners have filed 231 complaints about the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA. Air bags account for 18.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 17.3%.
Complaints231
Crashes18
Fires5
Injuries14
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 18.6% · 43
Electrical system 17.3% · 40
Power train 10.0% · 23
Engine and engine cooling 10.0% · 23
Exterior lighting 6.5% · 15
Visibility 5.2% · 12
Seat belts 5.2% · 12
Structure 4.8% · 11
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 14 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 12 model years of the Volkswagen Beetle in this data, 2002 sits 8th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 16 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I was sitting in standstill traffic, by myself, was hit from behind at full freeway speed, forced into the car in front of me, resulting in a domino effect and a 6 car pile up. I sustained both front end and back end damage, totaling my car, my passenger airbag deployed (again, I was alone) the drivers side one did not, forcing me into the steering wheel and dashboard. I am currently under a doctors care. Air bags · reported at 103,000 miles
The front seat belt buckle becomes defective and sets an airbag code making the air bag light turn on and possibly not work. This is the third time I have had to replace the buckle on this vehicle in 187,000 miles. I have checked a number of vw club forums and have found this is a very common issue on these vehicles. I feel this is a safety issue that nhtsa should look into. Air bags · reported at 178,000 miles
Airbag light came on. Took it to the dealer to diagnose. Dealer stated that the drivers side (SEAT) side impact airbag (the one built into the side of the seat nearest the door) was not communicating with the airbag system and stated that it would cost $680 to fix. Less than a year ago I spent $500 on the drivers seat belt latch replacement to cure the airbag light. Air bags · reported at 125,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…