Three problems related to underhood wiring have 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.
1. Attempted to start vehicle; 2. Engine then "exploded" resulting in engine fire and destruction of engine and all underhood components.
The coil pack on my 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle burned out causing me to practically stall on a very busy freeway. So far, vw doesn't seem to think this a saftey issue yet and will not require a recall on these parts. These coils will burn out. Not if, but when. I would hate to be going up a hill when one of these coil packs go out.
Headlights started browning out on deceleration at 100 miles. Dealer could not verify. At 35,000 miles, headlights flashed all the time. At cold start engine fan would come on, then headlights would dim and fan would run, then headlights would come back normal and fan would stop. This happens at 3 second intervals. Dealer replased grounds and harness. Fan stopped cycling but headlights still dimmed, until one morning the cold light went out and also blew a headlight. Now no dimming and no fan trouble. Dealer replaced headlight bulb and the problem started again. This is a very dangerous situation as the flashing lights mezmorize you when you drive. Problem 2: car will start and die three times , running rough before it will stay running. Dealer says to use 87 octane fuel. Car manual says 93 octane and has used 93 since new. Dealer suggested additives at my cost!!! seems to happen in low temps and at high temps, 70 degrees is ok!. I live in maine, no such luck.