Two problems related to manual transmission have been reported for the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle based on all problems reported for the 2004 New Beetle.
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. The contact was traveling 45 mph uphill when the vehicle exhibited an unusual increase in engine rpms. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the fly wheel and clutch were replaced. The current and failure mileage was 37,000. Updated 12/15/10. Updated 12/27/10.
Car was in for a recall on September 13, 2006 for the egr cooler. The dealer informed me that the flywheel was going bad. I told them that I thought it might be the master cylinder. They said that it was the flywheel and not the master cylinder. A month later the flywheel went bad causing the clutch to go bad. This was in the middle of traffic and made the car impossible to drive. Dealer was aware the flywheel was going bad but did not offer to repair it for me or inform me it was a warranty item. When the car was repaired the flywheel and the clutch were replaced. The dealer said they would cover the cost of the flywheel (parts only) because they had noticed it was going bad before this incident. But they did not cover the labor. In order to get to the flywheel, you have to get to the clutch. They should have been responsible for the labor and the flywheel. I have seen numerous complaints online in regards to this flywheel problem. I don't know if the old part is available. The dealer would probably know this.