1998 Volkswagen NEW Beetle Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 7%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Volkswagen NEW Beetle, 7% of the 30 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Consumer discovered that the passenser side door could not be opened from the inside of the vehicle. The latch could be pulled but the door would not open.”
NHTSA complaint #567489, filed 2002-09“The vehicle had inadequate ground clearance. As a result, the front portion of the engine splash shield scrapes on the upper surface of the concrete stop.”
NHTSA complaint #566175, filed 2002-06Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen NEW Beetle
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen NEW 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