1999 Volkswagen Beetle Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 174 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the fuel system of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, 4% of the 174 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles.
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.
“We purchased a used 99 vw Beetle; the previous owners were having the same problem as us the check engine light keeps coming on. We have it checked out (diagnostic) and they tell us it show rich fuel. We pay around $250.00 each time to have it fixed and reset and it last for about six months and it does it again. I was told that there was a recall back in 2004 about a octain sensor. I believe this may be the problem and want to know what I can do to have this fixed right with no charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #10244615, filed 2008-10, 47,000 miles“The speedometer stopped working. Shortly after this the drive by wire throttle also stopped working returning the vehicle to an idle (approx. 1100 RPM). This can occur at any time. You have to restart the vehicle to get the throttle to work again. This is very dangerous when it happens in heavy traffic. The manufacturer (vw) can offer no solution to the problem. I have discovered this issue, at some point in time, could affect all of the 1999 -2009 new beetles along with the audi tt. Again vw and the speedometer cluster manufacturer magneti morelli can offer no fix for the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10559753, filed 2014-01, 138,097 miles“Consumer complained about a fuel leak. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who indicated that the fuel pump had a crack in it. There was a strong smell coming through the vents of the vehicle. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, but was told there was nothing they could do.”
NHTSA complaint #10081509, filed 2004-08, 46,803 miles“While driving the car I noticed the speedometer & odometer weren't working (mileage froze at 26,139). The gas gauge was not working either. Then the check engine light came on and the airbag light. Brought into dealership and was told there were 19 failures when it was tested on their computer. Dealership claims the transmission needs parts replaced. (will be covered under powertrain warranty possibly). Still waiting on parts. They said after they replace parts of transmission they will let me know what else needs to be done and how much it will cost me. The standard warranty ended march 2001. …”
NHTSA complaint #759766, filed 2002-03“While driving at 60 MPH. The consumer smelled a strong chemical odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The smell caused the consumer to feel nauseous and made it impossible to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #10082019, filed 2004-07Related service bulletins
- 10238572May 9, 2014Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10240604Sep 18, 2013Emissions Recall Circular - 1999-2001 Volkswagen Folf/Jetta and New Beetle 2.0 Liter Gasoline Engine Vehicles Reprogramming of Engine Control Module and Replacement of…
- 10242397Jun 17, 2013VW Elsa Newsletter
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 12% |
| 2014 | 4 | 8% |
| 2013 | 7 | 8% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2010 | 3 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 4 | 7% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 7 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 4% |
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 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 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