1998 Volkswagen Beetle Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 22%of 171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,997miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 22% of the 171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,997 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I ve had multiple failures with my 1998 Beetle. The car was overheating--found out that the engine fuses were melted over the battery terminal. My reverse lights stopped working--no one has been able to correct that yet, my daytime running lights don't usually work, but sometimes will come on all by themselves. Got locked in my car twice. The alarm sometimes goes off for no reason. The car periodically doesn't start. Had it towed to vw twice for this. They could find no problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10144355, filed 2005-12, 60,000 miles“I own a 1998 Beetle and I am making you aware of a safety concern that can possibly lead to an accident or even cause a death. I have complained before and nothing has been done. The external mirrors on the early new beetles are dangerously oversized thus causing a significant blind-spot(s) when driving. These blind spots, (especially drivers side) prevent visibility to the front sides of the vehicle. Ex. If there is someone in the crosswalk in front left of you, you cannot see them or it!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10102665, filed 2004-12, 60,000 miles“Since I purchased my Beetle in 2001, it has been an ongoing money drain. In 6 yrs. I have replaced the manual transmission twice, had the brakes worked on a number of times, been unable to open the gas door on the car w/ the gas cap latch, had to replace the hood opening latch, had repeated electrical failures, problems w/ front & rear light wiring, had door locks/alarm fail & subsequently had my laptop stolen from the car, the radio has not worked for 1+ year, & it's cover panel is loose & falling back into the dash, the rear-view mirror switches have failed, the power window switches have…”
NHTSA complaint #10200746, filed 2007-08, 50,000 miles“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“The electric window would not move in the consumers vehicle. The manufactured issued a recall for the same problem , however they refused to pay for the repair since the vehicle was originally registered in canada. The (the owner bought the parts and repaired the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10082028, filed 2004-08, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123011Jul 22, 2015Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. To avoid unnecessary…
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239541Sep 24, 2014Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243002Jan 27, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239789Jan 24, 2014To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine…
- 10122240Jan 24, 2014Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10239531Jan 22, 2014HVAC, Temperature Output Control Cannot Be Adjusted
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 6% |
| 2014 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 32% |
| 2010 | 4 | 13% |
| 2009 | 5 | 15% |
| 2008 | 6 | 10% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 11 | 9% |
| 2005 | 62 | 24% |
| 2004 | 65 | 19% |
| 2003 | 56 | 18% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 21 | 8% |
| 1999 | 26 | 15% |
| 1998 | 37 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
53 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 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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