While driving between 20-40 mph, suddenly the ventilation panel became hot. When the driver attempted to turn the ventilation system on the knob melted. This was followed by smoke coming out the air vent. Vehicle was engulfed in flames within minutes of the consumer exiting the vehicle, and calling the fire department. The insurance company and a factory representative inspected the vehicle. The cause of the fire was reportedly due to interior electrical system. The vehicle was totaled.

- Roslindale, MA, USA

Fan switch would turn off, then started smoking and caught fire, burning the entire dashboard in a matter of minutes.

- Elizabeth, NJ, USA

Consumer noticed dashboard lights flashed while traveling. Vehicle is now on second repair. Dealer can't duplicate problem.

- Granbury, TX, USA

On 12/27/01 while driving my 2000 VW beetle to work all the dashboard lights started to flash and make a clicking sound. I then smelled wires burning. I got out of my car, called my husband as I was not expecting the car to catch on fire. Within minutes I noticed smoke and then flames coming from beneath the drivers side dash. I then called 911 but the car was fully engulfed in flames by the time the F.D. got there. The fire station is aprox. 1 mile from the incident. VW has been deaf to my complaint.

- Amesbury, MA, USA

When jump starting or replacing battery vehicle would run approximately three miles or less before it stalls compeletly out. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer shop to reset all of eletrical components, to get the vehicle to run again. If this occurs in a town or city that does not have a Volkswagen dealer shop what can one do?

- Atlanta, GA, USA

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.

- Tuttle, OK, USA