2000 Volkswagen Beetle Electrical system Problems

“I was driving this car and just stalled on an intersection and smoke just came out under the hood and I smelled it too, opened the hood and fuse box had melted which is located on top of battery and fire inside the engine compartment, under the battery has been burning and also melted the wires.”

“The transmission mechanically failed on 3 june 2013. Prior to it failing I had taken the vehicle to three different vw repair shop over a four year period, due to the car suddenly downshifting all the way to first gear. The car will drive normally for about 30 minutes, then start having this downshifting issue, I pull over and let the car cool a few minutes then all is normal again for a short period of time. Of course with the downshifting the tranny tends to overheat quickly. …”

“Bought used 2000 Volkswagen new Beetle for daughter. 102k miles. After having it one week, went to start it, battery dead (new battery). Noticed that the cosmetic mirror light in driver's side visor would go on even though mirror closed and visor not in use. In looking further, it appears that something in the movement of the car jiggles some loose wiring in the visor, and light remains on without our knowledge. We bought new battery, and have taped visor into secure position when parked.”

“My daughter's car was being driven by my niece on the freeway when the light went on signaling it was over heating so she pulled over to a call box and while she was making the call for assistance she heard a pop pop and the front hood was on fire and a man pulled over and tried to put it out with his extinguisher which didn't work and the whole car went up in flames within a matter of minutes. It was completely burned up which also burned down the call box on the freeway. She had just spent aproximately $1, 400 on repairs on the car which was mainly on the cooling system.”

“I drove an hour away in the rain, parked for 15 minutes, and when I returned the engine would start but I had no use of wipers, heater/blower, or directional signals. Since I dared not drive in the rain without wipers, and since it was a sunday, I had to get towed home. It was the ignition switch -- and when they tried to replace it, they found that its receptacle and nearby wires were all melted! Vw says tough luck, it's my problem.”