1999 Volkswagen Beetle Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 174 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the tires of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, 3% of the 174 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 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.
“Daughter was traveling down road at 45 MPH (speed limit) and the right front driver's side tire caught on fire due to tread separated from tire. She saw smoke and immediately stopped the car. The fire department came and put out the fire. The car had to be towed to car dealership. The result was the tread separated, damaged oil pan, wrapped around cv axle, melted the transmission mount. The car is beyond repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10256887, filed 2009-01, 108,000 miles“We test drove cars at rod & tys all star auto in puyallup, we noticed that the tires were bald and one car had a bulge and tear in the outside of the tire. I brought this to their attention and they said they aren't required to make these cars safe. That is the buyers responsibility. I was very upset. These tires are so bald they aren't even legal. I would like this place investigate to shut down before some is hurt or killed from the dangerous cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10366716, filed 2010-11“When tires were rotated, the technician found three bulges on the inside sidewall of the left rear tire. The goodyear dealer claimed it was road damage and would not honor the tire warranty. The tire was less than two years old and had gone less than 20,000 miles. It had replaced the original, whose sidewall was punctured when my wife hit something in the road. I suspect that the sidewalls on this model tire should be stronger than they are.”
NHTSA complaint #762946, filed 2002-06“These tires were on the vehicle when I purchased it. The tread began to separate from the body of the tire at 18,500 miles. I contacted perelli tire of north america. They told me that this was a misapplication of that tire. Volkswagen engineers determined tgat an 89-load carrying capacity is necessary for a 1999 Beetle. However, the tires that Volkswagen had installed on my car was rated at 82. Perelli is helping me with this problem, but is concerned as to how many vehicles have tires installed by vw unsafely. …”
NHTSA complaint #738764, filed 2001-01Related service bulletins
- 10243002Jan 27, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Tires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
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 complaintsFuel system
7 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