Many owners of vws including the Beetle and other models have reported cold solder joint on the door lock sensors. These cold solder joints cause intermittent problems where the doors will lock and unlock, and the windows will roll down and back up. The windows function is related to the convertible top, so that the window will roll down a bit when the door is unlocked so that it will come out from the lip of the convertible top. This happens when the vehicle is stationary and when the vehicle is moving.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

Ongoing issue with starting for approx last year and a half. Have had in to local dealer where purchased and they find nothing other than to tell me to lock my car when in use because the car's electronics are being confused. While trying to start the icons will flash and the windows will go up and down. Sometimes the car eventually starts on a 2nd or 3rd try but other times the car goes dead and a jump is necessary. I have less than 35,000 miles on it at this point in time. Are others having issues or is this dealership ineffective in diagnosing problem?

- Greeley, CO, USA

The ignition key/tumbler and steering column will become locked if the steering wheel is not perfectly straight. Car must be aligned perfectly before parking to not have an issue. Car has been towed to the dealer for repairs but nothing has been fixed. Key and tumbler will actually spin in the column when turned while column is locked up. Dealer said to pull on key/tumbler while turning and it will "catch" its position again. Wife has been trapped in various locations because of steering column lock-up. This is an unsafe condition for anyone to be left stranded in any location.

- Mcallen, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen new Beetle convertible. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver side windows would involuntarily open and close independently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told there was an electrical failure causing the windows to malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver lock had become inoperable. The battery was replaced twice but to no avail. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.

- Clarksville, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Beetle. While parked, the contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle had an electrical problem and an unknown part would need to be replaced. The contact also stated that the headlight bulbs had to be replaced approximately eight times in three years. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200.

- Bremerton, WA, USA