Power Window problems of the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle

The first occurrence (driver's side window) occurred within 6,000 miles of driving off the dealer's lot -- the second occurrence (passenger side window) occurred today, 7/24/2006. The events leading up to today's incident, albeit identical to the first occurrence 3 years ago, goes something like this: I hit the 'down' button to lower the window; the window lowers itself and stays in the down position -- thereby subjecting the driver and passengers to the possibility of: a: exposure to the elements including the possibility of dust/debris causing temporary blindness. B: exposure to noxious air fumes from inner-city driving. C: making the occupants of the vehicle more-likely subjects of violent crimes up to and including car-jacking, rape, armed robbery.

This appears to be a very common problem. The window regulator system is clearly defective and is expensive to fix. Time-consuming and expensive even for a do-it-yourselfer.

Power window switch breaks and must be replaced often. We know many New Beetle ownwers - nearly all have had the problem. Window can stick down and not be closeable, in any weather, in any area - definite security problem in the wrong neighborhood. Ours was fixed on warranty less than 10,000 miles ago - problem is so common that we are buying extras to carry with us. Vw is definitely aware of the problem and is silent. Four years worth of cars have been produced with the same defective switch, and current production is unchanged, to my knowledge. Thanks for your time. No summary listed for above vehicle.