2002 Volkswagen Beetle Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 6%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle, 6% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Vehicle was in motion (about 25 MPH) when a front end collision occurred which resulted in the passenger side airbag activating only. The driver side steering wheel airbag did not activate. Driver's face hit the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11091672, filed 2018-05, 102,000 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“Currently have very low mileage(now under 20000) 2002 vw new Beetle purchased new. After time warranty expired both power window(passenger and driver sides) regulators failed (at different times and mileages) spontaneously not due to any external event.. Both regulators required replacement at considerable cost. This is very unusual because auto window regulators usually are very durable when not damaged by external crash or the like. I reported this to Volkswagen but got no satisfaction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10449083, filed 2012-02, 11,000 miles“Dt : the key will not turn in the ingition. Had to wait up to 10 minutes in order to get the vehicle to start. Once it started it stayed locked/parked. It was intermittently. Contacted the deale, they could not duplicate the problem and could not t replace parts until they duplicate. This started on may 15, 2005. Also the trunk release will not unlock from the button that used inside the vehicle. Dealer could not duplicate this problem either.”
NHTSA complaint #10131532, filed 2005-08, 23,000 miles“Rear collision accident in 2004, now seatbelt latch mechanism not working, struts and wheel bearings damaged and need replacement along with subframe and emergency brake system.”
NHTSA complaint #10249359, filed 2008-11, 112,115 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10236426Sep 23, 2016Contacting the parts helpline
- 10121169Mar 28, 2016Technical Bulletin about Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399Mar 4, 2013VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10157655Oct 25, 2012Technical Bulletin (Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches): New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or…
- 10026848Aug 28, 2008Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. Heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 4% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 5 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 8% |
| 2010 | 3 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 10 | 17% |
| 2007 | 6 | 11% |
| 2006 | 7 | 6% |
| 2005 | 13 | 5% |
| 2004 | 16 | 5% |
| 2003 | 20 | 6% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 16 | 9% |
| 1998 | 13 | 8% |
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 complaintsOther or unknown
6 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 27, 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