Four problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Owner was driving vehicle and attempted to turn on a/c. When a/c would not work properly, she pulled off roadway and stopped. Smoke and burning odor came out of vents, with fire eventually showing from climate control panel. Interior of vehicle was fully involved in fire when fd arrived. Engine compartment not involved. Radio operating properly prior to incident. No prior issues with vehicle.
I own a Volkswagen Beetle, 98. I was driving my car to work around 9:00 am. The air conditioner would not turn past 2. I could not get it to turn off either. Smoke then began to come out from around the vents of the ac. I pulled off of the road, called my work, and my fiance. The smoke then got worse, then were flames. I then called 911. Police and fire trucks arrived. My car was totaled. The inside was completely destroyed, and most of the outside.
Beetle has had a number of major repair problems. Air conditioning system failed at 3years old resulting in a complete rebuild. Recently, window parts failed on both sides resulting in windows falling down into the doors. Power window on driver side, hatch release and gas tank door release switches have all failed or broke resulting in replacement. Ecm module has been replaced. Glove box door broke and has been replaced. Currently dealing with another series of check engine lights and awaiting diagnosis.
Passenger's side window doesn't work. Also, remote contro is works intermittently, and when the radio is on the tape deck will play.