10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
123,541 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Volkswagen Beetle engine problems

engine problem

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2001 Volkswagen Beetle Owner Comments

problem #10

Apr 272018

Beetle

  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

A huge amount of 2.0L engines (1998-2006) seem to stall when driving or stationary after 20 min from cold start in high temps (+75F). Loss of power steering and power assist brakes. It happened to me 2X while driving 45 mph. Scary. Dealers and mechanics can't locate issues because its intermittent. Cars operate normal again after 10-20 mins. See newbeetle.org/forums/2-0-liter-gas/139065-hot-weather-stop-go-car-stalls-dangerous-2.html#post1508562 for a list of different sites all listing similar issues. Apparently, and according to my research, the issue stopped on model yr 2007 and higher.

- Moore, SC, USA

problem #9

Jan 012009

Beetle

  • 130,000 miles
I read the recall announcement in the paper (NHTSA 17V-509, VW 20ae) regarding the fuel pump cut out. I have complained to VW a number of times over the years that my VW engine stops when driving between 55 and 65 mph. The service writers response was that the fuel pump needs to be replaced - a $1000 item. Other mechanics that I've asked have said that if that was the case the engine would not get fuel and not work and that it was probably something else. When I read the symptoms reported in 20ae, they were exactly what I have experienced many times, but not consistently. At 65 mph when the engine cuts out, the deceleration is almost immediate to 50 mph. The symptoms started about 8-10 years ago. I have not driven the car on the freeway since because I was nearly run over by a cement truck. The article I read said that no known crashes or injuries were caused by the problem. Please consider expanding the investigation to include the 2001 new Beetle to see if there were any serious injuries due to this issue. I believe my issue is exactly the same as the issue reported in the press.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #8

Jun 162017

Beetle

  • miles
Driving down the road on 3 different my occasions car overheated now it won't start.

- Saint Albans, WV, USA

problem #7

Dec 122016

Beetle

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car was illegally repossessed (I own the vehicle but used it as collateral in a small loan) November 29, 2016 while I was in another state. I then received a email from carfax that the odometer was changed and gave me the new mileage. I purchased the car in March of 2015 and the mileage was over 155,000 miles but now it reports 124, 685 miles which is not an error but intentional and obvious odometer fraud! I have attached several photos showing the dealership website's log of mileage when I bought it, the picture of my odometer as of October 2015 (when it was no longer able to drive due to oil leak from valve cover), and the email screenshot from carfax showing the odometer fraud. The new owners of the vehicle are peter landry of for financial in donaldsonville, Louisiana 225 473 7652

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #6

Sep 162015

Beetle

  • 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving at approximately 35 mph, all the gauges dropped to zero and failed to function. In addition, the temperature and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that the temperature warning light remained illuminated, but the oil warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

- West Jefferson, NC, USA

problem #5

Sep 072012

Beetle

  • 155,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving approximately 55 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sprocket fractured and caused the timing belt to fracture. In addition, the water pump failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. In addition, while driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the alternator assembly. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14E007000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired by the dealer twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

- Bay City, MI, USA

problem #4

Jun 232015

Beetle

  • 165,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owned a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving at 50 mph, there was a sudden loss of acceleration. In addition, there was smoke coming from the hood, the windshield, and inside the vehicle. The vehicle became engulfed by flames. It was unknown if a police report was filed or who extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.

- Hawthorne, CA, USA

problem #3

Feb 102015

Beetle 4-cyl

  • 170,000 miles
I am the 2nd or 3rd third owner, and I should have checked this car out further, since whomever ('s) sold it to me didn't tell me a [xxx] thing was wrong with the car. I am so disgusted about this incident of buying basically a lemon from dishonest creeps. I only drove it once before I handed over every hard earned penny I had saved over such a lengthy time due to the fact I am a struggling single mother. I don't get child support nor welfare, thank you! I paid all I had literally ever saved up ever in my whole life. (yes I am that poor to be quite frank) I paid $4500 for a 2001 VW new Beetle. I have always only ever heard excellent things of VW's, there for I just pray and wish that VW would help!!!!!!!!!!!! now I am without transportation to get to and from work, as well as my children to and from school. I can't even drive to get groceries or anything! help!! why can't VW at least pay to have it fixed" I am just to poor. I am looking into a law suit. Dishonest VW, why can't you just be honest and fix your error and wrong doing" they sell these Beetles knowingly to innocent trusting families, single moms, etc: Etc;, and that alone I believe should be grounds enough for a hell of a law suit. They knowingly put women, children, and innocent people's lives in serious danger with no conscience what so ever. Buying a VW is like playing russian roulette. For you, your children, your family, loved ones and friends. [xxx] even innocent by standers and passer byes. Fix my Beetle evil creeps. May god deal with you eventually either way amen! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #2

Nov 102014

Beetle

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving approximately 75 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle and the engine was on fire. A police and a fire report were filed. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #1

Oct 112013

Beetle

  • 255,411 miles
Continue over heating blowing head twice engine light stay on brake lights on left side don't work alarm wont lock left side doesn't work and back seat is totally unsafe for kids. Front is vary unstable it feel like it going to fall off to low to the ground, etc......it goes on and on.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

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