Alternator/generator/regulator problems of the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle

While driving on a local highway, I heard a "click" then a "poof", then the car lost power, in traffic! it was towed to the mechanic we always use. They determined that the fuse box/alternator cable melted. They said this is a problem with the Beetle. We checked to see if we missed any recalls and were surprised to learn that there has not been any on such a dangerous issue! I am including screen captured images from video we have of the problem being inspected. We also have documentation from the mechanic.

Driver's side rear window regulator stopped working. Window was stuck down in the middle of winter. Car was in motion, hit the front window button, back window rolled down, wouldn't roll back up.

Alternator malfunction caused sever burning of the battery top mounted fuse box assembly. Replaced alternator and fuse box assembly and car still does not operate properly. Battery drains out continuously even with no key in the ignition. Dealership has given up of repairing the car even after spending 500$ in diagnostics, they could not identify a corrective course of action. I have all bills and repair lists on file if needed. The car has only 44,000 miles and was in mint condition. I have also had to replace 3 of the 4 window components on the electric windows.

Rear right side window regulator malfunction.

Today, 12/3/13, I had my 3rd window regulator go out in the past 12 months. Each occurrence has been on a different window, and each repair has cost from $400 - $600. The service advisors I've spoken to have all said this is a common problem in Volkswagen Beetle convertibles because the part is poorly engineered and they're surprised a recall has not been made. This poorly engineered part is not only a financial abuse to the consumer, but also a safety issue. If this happens when the convertible is down, then one is not able to put the top back up, which now does not only cost you a new window, but the loss of the car if it's stolen while unattended. Additionally what could happen, as it did in my case. The window made a noise on Sunday, this morning (Tuesday) I took my car in, the part won't be in until tomorrow or potentially Thursday. In the mean time, it's raining in my city and I live in apartments and have to park on the street. Therefore, my car runs the risk of not only getting stolen, but the interior being damaged if the plastic on the outside comes off during the heavy rain. Again, major inconvenience to the consumer, while the manufacturer not only pockets the customers car payment on a monthly basis, but is also making money in the service department with a vehicle that was produced by them with faulty parts in the first place. Finally, the window at any moment can fall into the door and shatter, which would make the broken window a health risk if the individual is in the vehicle when the window shatters; the driver or passenger could be injured by the glass. In conclusion, there seems to be multiple risk and consumer complaints on the same issue, it is ludicrous that a recall or permanent solution has not yet been determined.

Rear window regularor bad - replace $639. 00 front regulator bad - $338. 23 radio went bad - drains battery - replacement $419. 62 airconditioner making loud noice not replacement yet dash ligh bulb - 100. 62 replace crank seal,water pump,thermostat,drive belt $1,094. 16 outside temp gage replace $49. 70.

Car would on again off again lose lights radio speedometer and eventually died in a not nice section of town. Replaced alternator, battery prior to the breakdown. Due to a web search found out the problem. Fuse box melted, smoked. Dangerous. Vw will not recall or fix. Did an internet search and found out that many people had this problem. Fixed with parts suggested. Now again today. . . . . . . . 12-6-2013 the fuse box is melted again. I have spent over $1000. 00 and done my own repairs as vw does not have a fix for this. If they would just do a recall. I love the car but it is not reliable and somewhat dangerous. The car is great otherwise. I just spent$2000. 00 to replace the convertible top and now I feel like I have a lemon!.

Driver side rear window fell down. I'm told the rear window regulator snapped and they have to repair it. For $600! from what I've read online, it seems to be a common problem in the 05 model. It's a shame that Volkswagen doesn't stand behind this and put out a recall.

The airbag light remains on the dashboard, mechanics have said they cannot fix it, makes me concerned there is an issue with the passenger airbag. Both the passenger window and the driver's side window regulators are both broken. The driver's side window will not go down when you press the window button, and the passenger door/ window rattles when driving and when you shut the door.

Both rear window regulators have become defective. Do not work.

Both rear windows have stopped working. (second one is completely down and does not go up) vw dealer advises that the regulators have to be replaced and due to the "design" of the car to have this done would require taking out the back seat for a total of $1085 with parts & labor. I have searched the issue online and have read numerous articles where other vw Beetle owners have had the same issue. A recall for this costly and repeated issue should be passed. Please help.

The window regulators on the vehicle are predictably failing approximately every 2 years without much use at all. The part is poorly engineered and expensive to replace. It is a known issue that vw refuses to fix. I have had my window regulators replaced on each of my 4 windows twice: September 30, 2006right rear window regulator replacement July 18, 2007left rear window regulator replacement April 29, 2009left front regulator replacement August 15, 2009right front window replaced (shattered when a friend closed, not slammed, the door) July 21, 2010left rear window regulator ? repaired by vw October 31, 2010right rear window regulator July 20, 2012 left rear window regulator failed (not yet repaired) this is unacceptable for a company that claims to have exceptional engineering. Web searches have revealed that countless customers have this same complaint and that the issue is also with jetta, passat and other vw vehicles. They should be made to manufacture a better part and fix the issue free of charge for all customers.