Volkswagen / Beetle / 2005
2005 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Owners have filed 330 complaints about the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 35.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of visibility at 18.2%.
Complaints330
Crashes15
Fires7
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 35.2% · 116
Visibility 18.2% · 60
Electrical system 10.9% · 36
Air bags 10.0% · 33
Exterior lighting 6.4% · 21
Structure 3.9% · 13
Engine and engine cooling 3.0% · 10
Unknown or other 2.4% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 15 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 12 model years of the Volkswagen Beetle in this data, 2005 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 22 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 63,000 miles.
In owners' own words
When slowing for a red light the transmission slams into the lower gear..Usually 4 to 3rd, but not always in that gear. Dealer said it was a problem in all the transmissions., But will not do anything about it. Dealer did replace a throttle body before warranty ran out. Problem has recurred and now the transmission is slipping in the gears. This is a major issue. Just google this problem and see what pops up. Power train · reported at 33,000 miles
The contact owns 2005 Volkswagen convertible Beetle. The contact stated that her transmission shifts forward and downward shift on its own. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they were not able to duplicated the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered to give $1,500 towards the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 48,000 and the current mileage was 66,000. Power train · reported at 48,000 miles
The car has 62,000 miles on it and has been just drove around town and is now having transmission issues it has problems going from 1st to 2nd and when I slow down it down shifts so hard it felt like I was being hit from behind!!! I was so startled when it happened I had chest pains!!! Its looking like these transmissions are defective because there are alot of people having the same problem!!!!! Power train · reported at 62,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…