Four problems related to transmission not go into gear have been reported for the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Transmission has mechanical problems, wont shift smoothly from 1st to 2nd initially, then when in traffic the transmission kicks in like I was rear-ended causing my head to snap. I cannot make it through the intersection without the vehicle not shifting into gear causing a delay driving through an intersection. I almost have been rear-ended many times because of this. I had the transmission flushed and fluid replaced but to no avail. This is very alarming because I never know when the transmission is not going to shift, the rpms rev to 6 and 7 before the shift takes place. There have been times when I have been driving on the freeway when the transmission has suddenly revved into the 7 and 8. Also the airbag light came on, the recall covered the defect in 2008 but, the light came back on and is not covered unless I get a diagnostic from the dealership which they want me to pay 150. 00 then they will consider on a case bases.
While driving the car it will not shift out and then jerk real bad. Downshifts extremely hard and sometimes will not come out of gear when slowing down to a stop. It has been to the dealership and several other people are having the same problem. When taking off the car will stall and then engage in gear almost causing me to be rear ended several times.
My vw beetle will not shift out of gear and gets stuck in 3rd gear. It shifts hard and surges at take off . Has almost caused me to get hit several times when leaving a redlight. The latest was today when trying to turn and it was stuck in 6th gear. I have to stop the car and turn it off it reset the computer to get it back in first gear. This occurs once the car heats up and sometimes will not show you what gear it is in and will not shift down. Have taken it to the vw dealership and they want a new transmission. Have looked at edmonds. Com and my vw is not the only one having this problem.
2004 vw new beetle: the car would shift to "no" gear while driving, which would make it in "neutral. " when after a stop the car would not go right into a gear. . . . Cars behind would have to slam on brakes because my car would not move into gear. Had the car checked by at least two mechanics - one who works with european cars; and my vw dealership. After a mis-diagnosing by vw - I am told indeed a new transmission!! 88,000 miles! I need a car - couldn't afford the $6000 + that vw was going to charge, so brought it to a aamco and had it fixed for just over $4000. 00. . . This is a recall problem. . . I really can't afford to put all this money into the car, especially since it cannot be traded in for any other car. It was certainly a scary ride when the car would go out of gear(automatic transmission). Please help.