One problem related to brake light switch has been reported for the 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle based on all problems reported for the 2001 New Beetle.
Problems with the brake pedal switch. It malfunctioned leaving me stranded by not being able to shift out of park. Called Volkswagen roadside but no help due to stingy warranty period(2yrs&24k) for 2001 and older vw's. Finally repaired, but still problematic. The brake pedal will no longer retract 100%. The brakes actually overheated! I don't feel comfortable driving it now, so I have gotten accustomed to manually pulling it back with my left foot. I took it back to the dealer and they said that it was normal & that it was impossible for the brakes being applied in the retracted position. Upon further discovery on the internet, I found a guy whose brakes actually caught on fire from this problem!! what should I do?????.