Volkswagen / Beetle / 2004
2004 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Owners have filed 469 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 33.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of air bags at 16.2%.
Complaints469
Crashes12
Fires24
Injuries4
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 33.5% · 157
Air bags 16.2% · 76
Visibility 13.6% · 64
Electrical system 10.0% · 47
Engine and engine cooling 4.3% · 20
Structure 3.4% · 16
Exterior lighting 3.2% · 15
Seat belts 3.0% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 24 describe a fire and 4 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 12 model years of the Volkswagen Beetle in this data, 2004 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 28 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 63,782 miles.
In owners' own words
1. Automatic transmission slips during acceleration. On de-acceleration downshifting the transmission jerks. 2. It happens all the time and is very dangerous if trying to speed up to avoid an accident or pedestrian. 3. Currently obtaining estimate to repair vehicle. My vehicle has 80,000 miles and I noticed other owners with similar mileage have the same problem. Repair cost of $4,000 to $6,000. Power train · reported at 80,000 miles
2004 Volkswagen new Beetle with less than 40,000 miles when the automatic transmission started slipping; now, with less than 60,000 miles, it is slipping constantly, resulting in increased driving danger. According to numerous websites, this appears to be an uncomfortably widespread problem for many owners of new beetles, 2003 - 2005. This will be an expensive fix, requiring a new transmission. Power train · reported at 50,000 miles
There seems to be a problem with the 2004 vw Beetle transmission valve body at around 60,000 miles. We have our 04 vw at a transmission shop and I am being told that this seems to be enough of a problem that vw changed the design from 2004 to 2005. Vw does not admit anything and says that the car must be taken to a vw dealership in order that they can address this issue, I do not believe them. Power train · reported at 57,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…