1999 Volkswagen Beetle Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 6%of 174 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the equipment of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, 6% of the 174 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 miles. 2 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.
“I bought my 99 Beetle in october of 2007 and the day that I got the car the oil light came on and I took it back they had it for one month they replaced the motor and wire cluster. When I finally got it back about two weeks passed and I was driving on the interstate and my speedometer went from 0 to 120 and then the care lost power on the middle lane of the road. I took it back and they replaced the transmission I have tried numerous times to get them to take the car back and they wont. …”
NHTSA complaint #10216730, filed 2008-02, 100 miles“Three months prrior to the engine fire, a battery blew up in this car after turning the ignition key. Prior to that the headlights have been replaced three times and the A/C condenser replaced. We believe this car has some serious electrical problems. Vw decided it was an insurance issue, because of the mileage of the car. In short, they are saying that it is ok for the engine to burn up on a 1999 car with 44,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #749060, filed 2001-07“Consumer has been having alot of problems with electrical features. Consumer has replaced 2 batteries/ 1 cd changer/ 4 headlight bulbs, and air conditioner outlet didn't work. Dealer stated vehicle had too many miles. Problems existed since day 1.”
NHTSA complaint #898624, filed 2001-11“The consumer stated that after 2 months after the windows were repaired, everytime he turned on the vehicle, a loud beeping noise would sound and a flashing red light appeared.”
NHTSA complaint #567334, filed 2002-09“Shortly after I bought the vehicle, engine check light came on and stayed on. Also, cd player was not operating correctly and temperature display (by rear view mirror) did not work. Took in to dealer's svc dept. Many times, but problems persited . Dealer svc. Dept. Claimed everything working fine. Recently, the window on the driver side failed and it would not go up. Took car in to dealer svc. Dept. And got repaired. Shortly after that, car died. It was not the battery, so car was towed to dealer service dept. On 8-14-02. …”
NHTSA complaint #766098, filed 2002-08Related service bulletins
- 10228180Dec 12, 2022Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- 10175799May 12, 2020Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
- 10174476Apr 21, 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10164181Aug 21, 2019Quick Reference Update Guide.
- 10159010Mar 27, 2019The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10157306Sep 19, 2017Update to model year applicability.
- 10157302Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10125661Aug 18, 2017Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
- 10155644Jun 28, 2017This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 10 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 6% |
| 1998 | 13 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
39 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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