2002 Volkswagen Beetle Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle, 4% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles.
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.
“Any time I turn on my air conditioner it sounds like my car is going to blow up. Cold air comes out, but the noise and the shaking of my car scares me. It started about 4 months ago. I would have the AC on and if my car was idling the noise would start up and my car would vibrate, it felt like my car was idling very heavily. It sounded like a jack hammer. Now, it happens just when I turn the air on, but it's even louder than before. Also I hear the jack hammer sound when the air is not on and hasn't been turned on at all when my car is at a stop or when I turn the car off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162489, filed 2006-07, 61,102 miles“The interior smells strongly of crayons and will not go away with shampooing, cleaning and/or other methods of odor removal. The odor is very strong and rubs off on clothing and skin whilst seated.”
NHTSA complaint #10864673, filed 2016-05, 54,000 miles“Transmission replaced three times, still not working properly, lunges into forward and reverse, and will drop into and out of high and low gear when driving. Sunroof leaked because the drainage tubing was not connected at factory causing water damage to leather seats and now mold is growing inside of vehicle, making it difficult to be inside and have had one sinus infection already.”
NHTSA complaint #10153996, filed 2006-03, 21,057 miles“I was driving down the road an the car started accelerating all by it's self so I pulled over but every time I let off the break it acted like I had the gas to the floor. The O2 sensor wire's shorted and burnt up the ECM making the CPU light to come on.”
NHTSA complaint #11516155, filed 2023-04“Since I bought the vehicle, I had all kinds of problems all the way from changing my whole engine, and changing all kinds of sensors and now I have this big concern with this strange smell problem which I can't get rid off, I had spray and bought all kinds of deodorants and still can't get rid off. I'm having light headaches and allergy problems, but once I get out of the car I'm ok now im to the point that I have to drive with my windows down bcuz this smell is horrible and I get a headache.”
NHTSA complaint #10425134, filed 2011-09Related service bulletins
- 10249138Jan 9, 2024Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
- 10213862Jan 29, 2016Coding the Replacement Instrument Cluster.
- 10239210Dec 8, 2014Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10253215Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10241310Mar 18, 2014Software Version Management
- 10253214Mar 8, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239789Jan 24, 2014To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine…
- 10240605Oct 15, 2013P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10242404May 13, 2013VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238960Apr 8, 2013To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 14% |
| 2018 | 4 | 24% |
| 2017 | 5 | 33% |
| 2016 | 5 | 10% |
| 2015 | 13 | 16% |
| 2014 | 4 | 8% |
| 2013 | 12 | 13% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2010 | 5 | 17% |
| 2009 | 4 | 12% |
| 2008 | 8 | 13% |
| 2007 | 5 | 9% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 6 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle
43 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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