Model year record

1999 Volkswagen NEW Beetle

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 40 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
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash343,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers2
Engine and engine cooling: engine255,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system268,319 mi
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock2
Vehicle speed control2
Visibility: power window devices and controls2
Air bags1
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module1
Electrical system1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables150,421 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor155,287 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices180,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Power train1
Power train: automatic transmission1
Seats1
Seats: front assembly: head restraint1
Seats: front assembly: recliner134,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor126,950 mi
Structure130,000 mi
Structure: body: hood1
Suspension: front1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly130,000 mi

The 1998 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2000 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.