Transmission Gear Slipping problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle

Once the car warms up, the transmission begins to shift very erratically. This includes while upshifting - the transmission slips causing the engine to rev up and suddenly shift into the next higher gear without warning. Sometimes the upshift is so sudden that it causes the tires to break free. It also occurs when slowing down to come to a stop - the transmission downshifts into low gear unexpectedly at too high of a speed causing everything in the vehicle (including occupants) to lurch forward. The sudden deceleration could cause rear end collisions from following vehicles. Edmunds. . Read more...

2003 Volkswagen Beetle owner blogs, failed transmission is a common and frequent occurrence. /31/bf the consumer stated that upon starting the car and shifting it moved forward for a few seconds and then stopped. The engine still ran fine but, the transmission did not shift to higher gears. The transmission slipped and the car would not move forward. Updated 06/06/12.

Vw Beetle transmission slips and jerks, may other individuals are complaining also. Very unsafe and the company does not seem to believe it is a defect in their product. Consumers need help.

2003 vw Beetle, transmission slips between 2nd and 3rd gear on upshift. Vw 'rebuilt' the transmission last year but problem returned.