Radiator Problems of Volkswagen Beetle

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact was traveling 60 mph when the vehicle caught on fire. The check engine warning light illuminated seconds prior to the fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and checked under the hood to inspect the failure. The engine blew shortly after the hood was opened. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. The contact stated that the water pump, radiator and vehicle regulator sensor was replaced. In addition, the head gaskets were leaking but the dealer advised that the vehicle could still be driven. Eight months later, the vehicle caught on fire a second time. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was advised that the fire was caused by the leak from the head gasket seals. The failure and current mileages were 28,000. Updated 5/16/12 the consumer stated there was oil in the anti-freeze and the seal on the overflow tank was leaking. Updated 05/23/12.

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When driving vehicle more than 10 minutes thermostat would overheat. While at a dealership, thermostat sensor that was replaced failed to correct the problem. Also, mechanic indicated that water pump would need to be replaced if the thermostat still overheated.

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Car overheats routinely. Initially in for repair on 1/25/01 when dealer claimed to have replaced the water pump and thermostat. Since then, car has overheated on three occasions, and water leakage has been observed. Dealer says they can not replicate the issue. Driver's side door does not lock and unlock reliably, forcing me to enter and exit car through passenger door. Reported to dealer three times (initially 5/31/00). One time dealer lubricated lock; currently they say they can not replicate the issue and will not fix. After water pump repair in 1/01, car exhibited a whining noise and power steering stiffness at low rpms -- likely due to improper workmanship during that repair. Dealer claims power steering fluid was low, and has been "topped off" to alleviate problem. However, I recently had rountine maintenance at another establishment just 4 days prior to taking into shop; during that service, power steering fluids were indicated as "ok. " oil consumption is excessive. Despite repeated reports to vw (initially 5/00), have received no resoluion or investigation into this issue. Through research, I have learned that this is a common Beetle problem, and some Beetle owners are receiving new engines or valve stem repairs to remedy. Transmission jerks severly when shifting from reverse to drive. Initially reported 9/29/98 at 9596 miles and not addressed by dealer. Recurring problems with headlight sealant leakage and water getting into headlight assembly, causing headlights to be unreliable and potential electrical/fire hazard. Have researched vw and learned during initial Beetle production in puebla, mexico, they experience an abominal 40% defect rate. From research into other consumer issues with 1998 Beetles, I am certain that vw passed these defective vehicles on to consumers. Please contact me for further details. I have also experienced window reglator failures, dead battery, interior pieces falling apart and other issues. Thank you!.

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Vehicle has high oil consumption, radio/cassette failure which resulted in fire, previous incident radiator failure, computer failure, defective control switches and defectice engine.