2002 Volkswagen Beetle Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,058miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle, 2% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,058 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.
“I was driving down the street at approximately 20 miles per hour when suddenly my car began to sound like I was dragging metal across the road. I tried to turn the car to the right to pull over and park, and the car locked. Three airbags then deployed. The steering locked and caused the car to sideswipe another. The officer that responded to the accident, advised me to report it on to this site. He claimed that he has never seen anything like this before and said it was a defect in the wheel. The lower control arm bolt completely broke causing the suspension frame to break. …”
NHTSA complaint #10229356, filed 2008-05, 44,000 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 miles“While driving 55-65 MPH steering wheel started to shake and vehicle pulled to the right. *akthe dealer replaced the cu axle and related front end parts.”
NHTSA complaint #8002793, filed 2002-01Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 1 | 7% |
| 2016 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 4% |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
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 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsEquipment
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