2004 Volkswagen Beetle Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 65about this part
- Share
- 19%of 349 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,202miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 65 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle, 19% of the 349 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,202 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The windows on the driver side will not roll up. They have been repaired on the passenger side. This leads me to believe that this is a Volkswagen problem. I have not repaired the window side as of this date. If there is a recall, please advise. I need this fixed as soon as possible. I was told it was the window regulator.”
NHTSA complaint #10679519, filed 2015-01, 76,000 miles“My rear passenger window is stuck in the down position. After reading many forums I can conclude that it is the regulator. This seems to be a recurring problem with many of these cars. I am most likely going to have to pay upwards of $1000.00 to get this fixed. I am not happy about this. It seems to be a defect on volkswagens part. How many complaints does this take to get a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10451653, filed 2012-03, 49,500 miles“My wife owns a 2004 vw new Beetle convertible with power windows! The vehicle has only 40k on the odom. But the rear windows have had to be repairs multiple times! There are several TSB's on this issue posted by vw. They will not cover the cost of repairs and this is a concern! I am having the repairs completed again for the 4th time at a cost of $500.00 total ridiculous!!”
NHTSA complaint #10332700, filed 2010-05, 40,129 miles“Vehicle is seven years old with 59,100 miles and already needs a new transmission due to incorrect gear ratio fault 17114, and po330. Also, needs a catalytic converter, has air leak from brake booster vacuum pipe. Vw corporation advised converter under warranty and offered $1,000 toward a new or used vw. The transmission is approximately $4,000. I declined their offer. I also had to replace three window regulators. ...updated 01/30/12”
NHTSA complaint #10445389, filed 2012-01, 59,100 miles“Driver side window failed in the down position on my 2004 new Beetle convertible. The regulator has failed on many new beetles. The window regulator has been covered for 2003 - 2005 new Beetle sedans but not convertibles. I want to document that the problem exists on the convertibles as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10373162, filed 2010-12, 48,435 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10122157Dec 3, 2015Technical Bulletin (Window, Rear Side, Inoperative): Rear side window inoperative or will not roll up. This document discusses the "Fault Codes" necessary to diagnosis, and…
- 10123011Jul 22, 2015Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. To avoid unnecessary…
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239541Sep 24, 2014Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239534Apr 18, 2014HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533Mar 27, 2014HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10243002Jan 27, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 6% |
| 2014 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 32% |
| 2010 | 4 | 13% |
| 2009 | 5 | 15% |
| 2008 | 6 | 10% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 11 | 9% |
| 2005 | 62 | 24% |
| 2004 | 65 | 19% |
| 2003 | 56 | 18% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 21 | 8% |
| 1999 | 26 | 15% |
| 1998 | 37 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen Beetle
157 complaintsAir bags
73 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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