2001 Volkswagen Beetle Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 15%of 203 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,499miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle, 15% of the 203 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,499 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The turn signals and hazard some times work , or they just stop working for days at a time am going to take car in to dealer to find out what the problem is and have it fixed. Now they have failed all together and am afraid I am going to get in to a accident if I don't get them fixed. This has been going on for a year.”
NHTSA complaint #10181513, filed 2007-02, 51,810 miles“Turn signal/hazard flasher on 2001 Volkswagen new Beetle failed in same way as described in your recall #04v584000-which applies to other models but not new Beetle. Occurrence date: 12 january 2006, mileage 64,200 approx. This is same behavior already identified by you. I request that investigation be opened to broaden the recall to this model. I am trying to find replacement part.”
NHTSA complaint #10147986, filed 2006-01, 64,260 miles“I have two Volkswagen beetles that have been recalled for a brake light switch. Last year before we were aware of this recall, the car left me abandoned at the hospital emergency room parking lot. I waited for half an hour and then it went off and I was able to put the car in reverse to get home. The problem corrected itself and yesterday when I got out of work it did the same but I was able to drive it home after. …”
NHTSA complaint #10194027, filed 2007-06, 188,000 miles“I have a 2001 vw new Beetle. I have replaced brake light, which was drains the battery, serpentine belt, remoteless key which is still broken- basically 6 days after buying this car- I spent $1200 on repairs- now the check engine light is on, the transmission is acting funny, and basically- my vw dealership has a field day with me. To top it off- my battery died a month ago- and caught on fire when I tried to jump it. I am afraid that this car will blow up on me at any time. Please help me!”
NHTSA complaint #10235807, filed 2008-07, 75,000 miles“Emergency light switch (hazard switch) there was a vw recall issued to replace this switch that not only controls the hazard flashers but also the turn signals, in the jetta, golf, & gti. My Beetle uses the same switch I am wondering why it was not included in this recall (vw recall vx). My switch has the same intermittent problem as described in the march 2005 recall letter, I will be replacing the switch on my own accord, but this bulletin should include the vw new Beetle model in my opinion.”
NHTSA complaint #10170901, filed 2006-10, 119,750 milesRelated recalls
- 07V063000Feb 20, 2007On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed…Covers: Volkswagen Beetle 2001–2007, Golf 1999–2006, GTI 1999–2006 +3 more
- 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 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
43 complaintsEngine cooling
41 complaintsAir bags
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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