Model year record

2003 Volkswagen NEW Beetle

No recall campaigns on file for this model year. 30 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

No recall campaigns on file for this model year.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train: automatic transmission5260 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline216,000 mi
Air bags1
Air bags: side/window126,000 mi
Electrical system1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator116,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module116,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch116,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1
Equipment116,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch120,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights1
Latches/locks/linkages11,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift116,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly12,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly126,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler115,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid1
Structure: frame and members1500 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields110,000 mi
Tires14,160 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window11,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer115,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1

The 2002 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2004 model has about 1.5 times as many 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.