Two problems related to transmission gear slipping have been reported for the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
First of all< your form won"t let me select transmission< that is why I selected engine> the problem is the transmission>>>>> I was driving at 45 mph, suddenly transmission slips into neutral. Pressing accelerator did not help. Coasted to side of road. Moved transmission selector thru gears including reverse. Car did not move, then suddenly the transmission jumped into gear and lurched forward. Very scary! I was pointing towards the road when the car lurched forward from a stop, my quick response avoided me lurching into passing traffic. I kept moving,along the shoulder, but the car wasn't upshifting until I reached approx 45 mph, then it slammed into the next gear. Jumped back into neutral, then slammed into next gear.
I have a 2001 vw Beetle transmission slips in 1st and 2nd gear and took to a shop and they said I need a new transmission.