Five problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Had to have fuse panel on battery replaced for 2nd time in 2-3 yrs and also a fuse box under dash. Cost was very expensive. Car would not start all of a sudden after shopping at a store. Had to push start the car to a independent mechanic. Still don't know why it went bad/appeared melted. In first episode the alternator had to be replaced also as there were battery drain problems. This an indirect safety issue as my daughter drives car and she could have be stranded at any place when this happened.
Purchased 1999 vw Beetle 20 months ago. Car has only 54,000 miles. Since owning the car have already over $3,500 in repairs. All of the repairs were done at my local darcar vw repair shop. I believe some of these repairs were recalls and have all receipt. Is there someone I can sent my repair receipts to to see if I can be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses which should have been recall services? I can forward receipts. Also seven days ago the passenger side window regulator broke and it appears it had been recalled per two vw owner who had same problems but I can't find the recall information on it. Can you suggest how I can view all recalls for 1999 vw Beetle GLS?.
On 01/28/2003 while cruising at approximately 45mph my diesel engine simply shut down without any advance warning whatsoever. I was stranded on the side of a very busy road with my 3 year old granddaughter. I then had it towed to jim ellis vw on peachtree industrial blvd, atlanta, GA 30341 (phone: 770-458-6811). They were able to repeat the problem and diagnosed a failed power supply relay which was subsequently replaced. Thus far the problem has not repeated itself. This was a potentially dangerous situation!!!!.
While starting battery exploded. Vehicle towed to dealer, and informed consumer that the probelm was due to an electrical surge from alternator . Feel free to provide any further information.
I purchased this vehicle because I was looking for a reliable and economical car. I have been very disappointed. This car burns oil at an unbelievable rate. I cannot rely on it and do not want to drive it out of town. I am now keeping jumper cables in the hatch because of constant battery problems. The radio is not working. I have already replaced a regulator (window) on the driver's side and it has broken again. Less than a year after it was replaced. Several dealerships told me that they couldn't get me in to fix the problem for 2 weeks - my window was stuck down inside of the door and would not roll up. The waiting time for an appt at a dealer should be an indication that the are not producing quality vehicles. The warranty period is too short. The problems seem to all happen after the warranty is up. Is that how long they expected to last - 2 years?I have been very disapointed.