One problem related to diesel engine has been reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The car made a funny whistle noise then shut off. The person behind us said blue smoke came out the back. Took to dealer had engine, water pump, turbo and belts replaced. Now dealer can not get car to run properly. The diesel starts fine and runs great after 15 minutes car starts running sluggish and has no power. The car has been at the dealer for 4 months still waiting and still making payments on the Beetle.