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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2000 Volkswagen Beetle Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
23about this part
Share
9%of 263 total for the year
Median mileage
81,500miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle, 9% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10535529, filed 2013-08, 95,600 miles

“I am having transmission problems on my 2000 Beetle. I was told the transmission does not need replaced but I feel otherwise. When I am driving my vehicle will pull back very hard and then jump and shoot me forward. I am afraid that this will cause a bad accident.”

NHTSA complaint #10357376, filed 2010-09, 107,000 miles

“2000 new Beetle with its second transmission. I thought these were reliable cars that would be reliable for back and forth to work.. I looks at the forums and find im one of the thousands that has had the same issue. Is this acceptable?”

NHTSA complaint #10347877, filed 2010-08, 117,126 miles

“Transmission failure- vehicle down shifted hard and would not come out of 1st gear during heavy traffic on highway almost causing rear end collision. After turning car off and turning vehicle back on it proceeded for about 5 miles before doing the same. Car was towed and transmission was rebuilt but the car continues to do the same. Recently traveling on highway during rush hour, slowing down for traffic that was at a stand still the vehicle downshifted hard causing the car behind me to slam on his brakes causing an accident behind me.”

NHTSA complaint #10428133, filed 2011-10, 129,226 miles

“I received a recall about my back or break light. Made an apt. With heritage vw in georgia. I drove from leesburg al. To the dealership. They change the light and told me a belt has to be replaced. I know nothing needs replacement because my son ( a mechanic ) does all the maintenance in my vw. I told the them I will talk to my son and will get back with them. I had a hard time staring the car, but did not pay any attention because I was in a hurry to get out of there. I was on hwy 20 when every thing went crazy with my car. Lost my cruise control, lost power, won't start. …”

NHTSA complaint #10255224, filed 2009-01, 1,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201917%
201612%
201567%
201436%
201355%
201223%
2010413%
200926%
2008712%
20071221%
20064637%
200511644%
200415745%
200313443%
20022314%
20012412%
2000239%
19992917%
1998106%

Other parts of the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle

Air bags
64 complaints
Electrical system
58 complaints
Engine cooling
56 complaints
Brakes
23 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaints
Exterior lighting
19 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Engine
6 complaints
Equipment
5 complaints
Suspension
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