Three problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The transmission mechanically failed on 3 June 2013. Prior to it failing I had taken the vehicle to three different vw repair shop over a four year period, due to the car suddenly downshifting all the way to first gear. The car will drive normally for about 30 minutes, then start having this downshifting issue, I pull over and let the car cool a few minutes then all is normal again for a short period of time. Of course with the downshifting the tranny tends to overheat quickly. I wanted to get the oil changed in the tranny, but all repair centers said, "it's a sealed system and never needs and oil change;" also the vw repair techs test drove the car and analyzed it, could find nothing wrong. My experience with vw service on everything is, their mechanics are parts changers only and don't have any real diagnostic capability to find the problem, just replace parts until they fix the problem at the customers expense; I've spent about $10,000 on repairs for a/c, brakes, transmission, etc. Finally, the car failed fortunately across the street from a mr. Transmission shop. Per mr. Transmission specialist, the tranny failed due to lubrication failure probably from over heating and high milage; so much for the "never needs an oil change policy. " mr. Transmission rebuilt the tranny (out $3400), and state the problem is electrical not the transmission, and vw is famous for electrical issues and always have been. Needless to say mr. Transmission has not been able to find the problem, and they have rebuilt the tranny twice just to make sure the problem is not in the transmission. Word to the wise, never buy a vw; I'll never own another one.
Transmission failure on a 2000 vw Beetle at 60,000 miles.
Transmission failure- vehicle down shifted hard and would not come out of 1st gear during heavy traffic on highway almost causing rear end collision. After turning car off and turning vehicle back on it proceeded for about 5 miles before doing the same. Car was towed and transmission was rebuilt but the car continues to do the same. Recently traveling on highway during rush hour, slowing down for traffic that was at a stand still the vehicle downshifted hard causing the car behind me to slam on his brakes causing an accident behind me.