general problems of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle

Nine problems related to seats have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Seats problem

Failure Date: 03/18/2013

Two small bolts that hold down the front of the drivers seat became loose and over time they eventually broke completely free allowing the seat to roll and tip backward and sideways. This was a complete shock when it occured, I had noticed the seat becoming loose but then to have it break free was a scare. Thankfully there was not a crash and injury as a result. It appears that I am not the only one this has happened to so it is surprising that that cars are not recalled to have thread locker or different bolts installed.

2 Seats problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2005

With normal use of the seats in the vehicle, the 2 bolts that hold the rail to the seat of the floor of the vehicle came loose and the seat slid around recklessly. It almost caused numerous accidents because it would come loose while driving the vehicle. We finally had to use lock tight on the bolts to hold them in place because even after tightening it back it place it would still come loose.

3 Seats problem

Failure Date: 12/08/2004

I was driving my 98 bug when the entire seat fell off the track, and I fell in the backseat, the car stalled while on a 45 mph road I was not injured. Keffer volk recured the seat but say I will cost $1000 for a new floor track. Volks says this isn't a warranty issue. It would be nice to have a seat to drive the car. My concern is how many other cars/volks have done this and I cannot believe their lack of concern. Had I been injured or worse killed there would be a huge lawsuit at this time. I do not weigh 300 pounds nor am I abusing to my vehicles. I do believe a motor car industry should be able to build a car that keeps the seat in place. I rarely have even moved the seat back and forth on the track. I am the second owner and the car has never been involved in a wreck. We are getting rid of the car very soon. I have lost my confidence in volks. This was my second car with them. Thank you. Previous firefighter and er nurse and safety previontion officer with the fire depart.

4 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/10/2004

My driver side seat on my 98 Beetle has collapsed and needs a new seat frame. It is unsafe to drive.

5 Seats problem

Failure Date: 04/24/2001

Consumer was driving , approaching a stop light, and applying brakes and seat came loose. Driver was forced into steering wheel, and then went all way back, not allowing driver to reach the pedals. Only component that held the seat to vehicle was a wheel mounted in a track. There were 2 screws (3/4") that had come loose which caused this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

6 Seats problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2001

Consumer states the drivers seat slides foward each time the vehicle stops, the dealer was notified and they still have not fixed the problem.

7 Seats problem

Failure Date: 10/21/2000

Driver's seat is loose from floorboard. There's alot of movement when driving and braking. Seat was repaired by an independent repair shop. Consumer will attach additional information. Seat bolts failed.

8 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/18/1998

Passenger chair adjusting knob came off. Yh.

9 Seats problem

The drivers seat completely detached itself causing consumers daughter to fall backward. Consumer re-attached the bolts and the defect occured again. Consumer re-attached the bolts a second time this time adding a lock washer to the bolt and some locktite on the threads. Consumer would like this issue to be looked into.