Model year record

1998 Volkswagen NEW Beetle

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 37 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V265000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
295,136
Reported to NHTSA
2003-07-25
Owners notified
2003-09-26

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.

Safety risk

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Exterior lighting: headlights1048,210 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls653,000 mi
Seats3
Unknown or other235,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module185,000 mi
Air bags: side/window158,932 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood195,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1
Engine and engine cooling: engine1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery182,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages154,000 mi
Power train: driveline1
Structure1
Structure: body: door1
Vehicle speed control1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1

The 1999 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.