Two problems related to cruise control have been reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Defective plastic speedometer drive gear in transmission. After driving at highway speed for approximately 5 minutes the speedometer gradually drops causing you to think that your driving slower than you actually are. At 65mph the speedometer floats between 45 - 55 mph. At 80mph it reads 60. This problem causes the cruise control to constantly try to speed the car up. I'm afraid to let my teen driver use the car. Cost of repair at private shop is over $1000. Due to intense labor to replace broken gear. Transmission must be taken apart to fix. Dealer wants to replace the entire transmission for $4000. These Beetles are popular with new teen drivers and this is a dangerous defect. An internet search also shows the same problem occurring in the jetta.
While traveling 50mph with the cruise control on, went to apply brakes to release cruise control & failed to release or to slow down vehicle. Instead, vehicle started to increase in speed & hit a concrete barrier. Also had hit or clipped 2 other vheicles. Then the vehicle slid sideways & came to a stop. No injuries.