2000 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls and problems

The 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle has 2 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
40
Crashes / fires
2 / 5
Injuries / deaths
2 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls

Recall 03V-265: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 25, 2003 · 295,136 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction.

Risk: If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. Owner notification began september 26, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

Recall 02V-244: Equipment

Reported Sep 12, 2002 · 332,950 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.

Risk: These vehicles were not marked or described as required by the standard.

Fix: Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments. Also enclosed will be four decals together with installation instructions and a template for attaching the decals to the lower seat backs. Owner notification is expected to begin september 15, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

2000 Volkswagen New Beetle problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System14
Engine and Engine Cooling9
Air Bags5
Power Train4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Visibility2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Exterior Lighting2
Fuel System, Other2
Seat Belts1
Unknown or Other1
Fuel System, Diesel1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Other · at 24,000 miles · reported Aug 23, 2004
Car stalled out several times right after starting it. It would always start right back up normally, once the vehicle died on the interstate at approx. 70mph also came right back on. Took it to an independant repair shop (Got no help from vw dealer at all) they told me it was an idle motor which is connected to the throttle body ($700 repair). We'll see if it works or not.
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Aug 16, 2004
Service engine light has come on repeatedly since purchasing the car from burnsville vw, burnsville, mn. Service dept. Stated "it's nothing to worry about" and reset the computer. After persistent reoccurance, requested they actually fix the problem, that is when they informed us the rivets to the secondary air pump had failed and it was no longer under warranty. Calls to vw north america resulted in the same, "no longer under warranty", "circumstances do not matter", etc. Estimated $650 to replace item. While we are being told it is a "minor" failure and will not affect the car performance…
Power Train · at 27,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2004
Clutch suddenly and completely failed at 27,000 miles. Driven only by previous owner of two other vws. Have learned no replacement clutch is available. Was attempting to sell it since another car has already been purchased. This has presented a financial hardship. I AM livid livid livid. No more vws for me ever.
Electrical System · at 59,992 miles · reported Aug 4, 2004
The ignition switch on the car failed sometime between 8:00pm monday 8/02 and 5:30am on tuesday 8/03. I went out to my car and started it, only to notice, I had no fan, no A/C, no defroster, no rear defroster, no headlights, no foglights, no power to some of my gauges. I researched the problem and found it to be the ignition switch, which I called my dealer for and had to spend $90 to replace. Upon removing the old unit, I noticed a wire that connects to the 30 fuse on the unit was melted and corroded, the plastic housing that connects the wires to the switch it self had melted in a small…
Power Train · at 55,000 miles · reported Jun 7, 2004
Transmission locks its self into park. You cannot release the car from park. Dealer cannot replicate problem. Will not fix te brake switch which has caused teh same problem in other cars.

Other Volkswagen New Beetle years

Compare all Volkswagen New Beetle years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle: 03V-265 (exterior lighting), 02V-244 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (14 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.