no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. EXCEEDING THE CORRECT SEATING CAPACITY IN A VEHICLE PUTS OCCUPANTS AT RISK FOR INJURY IN A CRASH, AND CAN RESULT IN VEHICLE OVERLOADING, WHICH CAN AFFECT…
2004 Volkswagen NEW BeetleProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 8, 2004. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Visibility
2Air bags
2Structure
1Latches/locks/linkages
1Power train
1Seat belts
1Seats
1Engine and engine cooling
1Vehicle speed control
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. SHOULD THE PODS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT WORK AS DESIGNED AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN A…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other NEW Beetle year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the NEW Beetle median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'06
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle safety ratings
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What NEW Beetle owners report
Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
DRIVER DOOR POWER WINDOW:NEW BEETLE CONV. WHEN CLOSING,WILL ROLL BACK DOWN BY ITSELF AND CLUNKS WHEN HITS BOTTOM. HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME WINDOW IS OPENED THEN CLOSED. REPORTED AND TAKEN TO DEALER APRIL 20 2004, THEY FOUND WINDOW GLASS ALMOST FALLING OFF CLIP. REINSTALLED. RELEASED BACK TO ME.…
WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR WINDOW CATCHES ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. AS A RESULT, DRIVER HAS TO CLOSE THE DOOR THREE TO SIX TIMES BEFORE IT IS COMPLETELY CLOSED. *AK THIS PROBLEM CAUSED WEAR TO THE SOFT TOP. THE ARMREST WOULD NOT SECURE AND THE WINDOW WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ROLL DOWN BY ITSELF.…
2004 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE WINDOWS CATCH ON THE TOP WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPEN. THIS ACTION IS WEARING TOP. THE WINDOWS ACTUALLY BEND UNDER STRESS WHEN DOOR IS OPEN. THE AUTO-UP OPTION IS INTERUPTED WITH WHEN THE WINDOW GOES UP, HITS TOP AND COMES BACK DOWN.THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I…
Own a 2004 NEW Beetle?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.