1998 Volkswagen Beetle Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,392miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 4% of the 171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,392 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This vehicle has had a series of problems since I have owned it. I have always been a Volkswagen enthusiast. So when I saw the new beetles I was naturally excited and couldn't wait to own one. What I expected was volkswagens usual excellent quality and value for money. What I got was a vehicle that not only is an inconvenience to drive, but is also a safety concern. This vehicle has had at least 8 major defects. I call them defects because so many others have experienced similar issues with their new beetles. Keep in mind the vehicle is regularly maintained, and is only at 97,000 miles. 1. …”
NHTSA complaint #10118500, filed 2005-04, 97,785 miles“Headlights will go out while in use without warning. When vehicle is in cruise control mode it will either surge or continue to accelerate. Dealership stated they need to separate the engine and transmission in order to fix the problem. The windshield wiper works intermittently. The dealership replaced the motor but the problem recurred. Consumer noted he has seen a lot of one headlight beetles and that the problem is widespread.”
NHTSA complaint #10050523, filed 2004-01, 53,000 miles“- the contact stated that on 12-28-06 vehicle which was parked caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire department came to extinguish the fire and made a report. The fireman said that the battery was completely melted, and could have been the possible reason for the fire. That 15 minutes before the fire she heard whistling noise from under the hood, and saw dark gray smoke coming out. The contact said that the car was in idle at the time she heard the noise and saw the smoke. The contact found recall 98v100000 which the contact felt could be the possible reason for the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10177518, filed 2007-01, 140,000 miles“Many problems/failures between 10600 and 19000 miles. Dashboard left turn signal indicator intermittent failure persists for >1 year and devonhills vw refuses to fix the problem because it would be expensive for them (in the mean time, the light is useless since half the time it is on, half off).”
NHTSA complaint #752434, filed 2001-09“While driving at highway speeds speedometer only registered up to 65 MPH. Dealer determined the cause of the problem, but did not inform the consumer what parts had to be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10046291, filed 2003-11Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 7% |
| 2016 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 10 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 5% |
| 1999 | 10 | 6% |
| 1998 | 7 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
53 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsEquipment
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology