One problem related to power assist brake vacuum has been reported for the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle is seven years old with 59,100 miles and already needs a new transmission due to incorrect gear ratio fault 17114, and po330. Also, needs a catalytic converter, has air leak from brake booster vacuum pipe. Vw corporation advised converter under warranty and offered $1,000 toward a new or used vw. The transmission is approximately $4,000. I declined their offer. I also had to replace three window regulators. . . . Updated 01/30/12.