12 problems related to headlights have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving down the road in my car the day time running light went out. The brights still work but the passenger side headlight doesn't unless it is on brights, I thought this was just normal maybe the light work out but I was told it was the connection and I have seen so many with the same headlight out this is unsafe and can potentially result in a ticket or a wreck.
Headlights failed while driving without warning.
Vehicle caught on fire, possible engine failure, while driving the vehicles brake system failed and the driver had to use the emergency brake to stop vehicle. The head light malfunctioned and the vehicles is flling apart after one month of ownership. The dealer refused to fix it.
Left headlight went out first, then again. Air compressor replaced 3 times. Car now stalls. Replaced fuel/air filters, still stalls. Car was recalled for the electrical system wiring harness under hood, recall states all problems I have had. I was not the owner at time of recall. Apparently was not fixed at recall.
My 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is falling apart. I've had to replace my headlights 6 times within the past 4 years that I've owned this used vehicle. My interior trim, window switches, gearshift knob & several plastic covers in the car have fallen now fallen apart. My 6 headlights have cost me approx. $600. 00 plus rent-a-car fees which my warranty doesn't cover! please help me.
Multiple problems with car since purchase.
Consumer was traveling on the highway and noticed that headlight went out on the passenger's side. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic told him he needed a new headlight assembly.
Dealer refuses to schedule prompt repair for current headlight failure (request 5-10 days); current headlight failure includes permanent failure of left headlight and intermittent failure of both headlights; consumer reports reports 1998 new Beetle as "used car to avoid" (April 2000issue, p. 75); new Beetle website conducted survey of owners of 1998 model - 55 percent report trouble with the car, 90 percent of which is electrical; a recall was issued for 1998 Beetles manufactured in first half of 1998 because of faulty wiring that could cause fire in engine compartment (we were not notified of a recall); there are many complaints of Beetle owners regarding vw consumer service; we have received substandard service from our dealer, including one repair on a failed headlight that was not performed as stated, forcing us to return the car.
Driver side head light continually stops working.
Headlamp: I stated to my dealer that my headlamps were not properly adjusted, dealer found left headlamp had no possible adjustment, and replaced the entire assembly. Fog lights: fog lamps when switched on, don't light. After a few minutes of driving, they come on sometimes.
Headlights will go out while in use without warning. When vehicle is in cruise control mode it will either surge or continue to accelerate. Dealership stated they need to separate the engine and transmission in order to fix the problem. The windshield wiper works intermittently. The dealership replaced the motor but the problem recurred. Consumer noted he has seen a lot of one headlight Beetles and that the problem is widespread.
Consumer replaced brake lights/headlights/rear brake pads and rotors/ engine shield and cooling system.