2000 Volkswagen Beetle Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 7%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle, 7% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The front lights on both sides go out without warning. I change out the bulbs and they work intermittently. As I was driving over colima road toward whittier, ca on the way home, one light went out and then the other. Colima rd is an unlit road. I don't drive at night. I have spent over 150.00 on mechanics trying to get it fixed. I read on the internet that many are having the same problem. This item should be investigated, and in my opinion should be recalled by the manufacture.”
NHTSA complaint #11010895, filed 2017-07, 55,000 miles“Was wondering if there is a problem/recall with the new vw beatle. I have a 2000 and I have had to replace the headlights 4-5 times within a year or so. Also I see alot of them on thge highway with one headlight out. Do you have any information inreference to this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10100665, filed 2004-11, 37,000 miles“Recently I brought my niece's vw 2000 new Beetle to the vw dealer to have the brake light switch replaced. It was clearly evident from information available on the web and the recall notice below that the vehicle was experiencing the same problem described in the recall. However the dealer indicated the VIN for my niece's vehicle was not included in the recall and therefore not covered by vw. We had it fixed anyway at our cost and it was exactly what is indicated in the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10143679, filed 2005-11, 27,200 miles“Since new, in the past (4) years, I have had to replace the drivers side headlamp bulb (5) times and the pass. Side headlamp bulb (4) times (daytime running and low beam). Now, the daytime running and low beam lights do no function at all! I cannot find any blown fuses or circuit breakers and after reviewing several vw owner support sites, I'm told it is a problem with the wiring harness do to corrosion from the windshield washer bottle spillage. The only way to drive the car at night or dusk is by using the high beam lamps. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116092, filed 2005-03, 85,200 miles“Turn signal and hazard flashers quit working, this is a 2000 gls model but there is a recall on the 2000 gti model for the exact same thing. According to vw the gls model is not covered. The NHTSA number for the gti model is 04v584000.”
NHTSA complaint #10205664, filed 2007-10, 100,000 milesRelated recalls
- 06V183000May 24, 2006On certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic or manual transmissions and cruise controls, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction if…Covers: Volkswagen Beetle 1998–2002, Jetta 1999–2002
Related service bulletins
- 10158533Feb 18, 2019Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10121257Mar 27, 2015Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
- 10253215Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239592Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10120169Jun 4, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The…
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10253214Mar 8, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Mar 6, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10124287Mar 6, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 14% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 6 | 18% |
| 2008 | 14 | 23% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 7% |
| 2005 | 21 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 3% |
| 2002 | 14 | 8% |
| 2001 | 30 | 15% |
| 2000 | 19 | 7% |
| 1999 | 17 | 10% |
| 1998 | 23 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
64 complaintsElectrical system
58 complaintsEngine cooling
56 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 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