Nine problems related to visibility have been reported for the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Well it has been nothing but trouble. First thing, the transmission went bad and then right after that there was no brake lights. The top will not come down by it self. The dash lights come on ( air bag, brakes, check engine, emissions). Sounds like there are holes in the muffler. Last but not least the right rear window fell down and they won't 800 to fix, there are several complaints about this and nothing is being done.
Driver side window failed in the down position on my 2004 New Beetle Convertible. The regulator has failed on many new beetles. The window regulator has been covered for 2003 - 2005 new beetle sedans but not convertibles. I want to document that the problem exists on the convertibles as well.
Right rear passenger window made a grinding noise and window became inoperable. Vw acknowledges that this is a known problem, but not a recall. Repair is $1200 for one window regulator.
Rear windows regulators are out of order. It seems to happen quite often on these cars.
The rear windows on my vw convertible keep breaking and the dealer wants to charge me $600 for the part that includes the motor and will not sell the regulator separately for $70. This will be the second one broken in less than 1 year.
Left rear window is stuck in down position. The component part is unavailable in the united states and has to be ordered from the factory in mexico. It will take 2-3 weeks for it to arrive. Cost of repair is $800 for one side. Complaints to manufacturer who will not stand behind their product as there are no recalls filed even though this is an on-going problem with many of their vehicles. Additionally, the vehicle is a convertible. The hydraulic top has malfunctioned since the date it was purchased. It finally snapped off portions of the hydraulic mechanisms and portions of the interior flaps which are now all over the back seat. The top had to be manually raised and secured and does not function at all. Although they repaired it previously, manufacturer will not repair because vehicle is no longer under warranty. Driver's seat spring poked through the upholstery a month after purchase. Additionally, there is a terrible blind spot while backing out. The rag top completely blocks vision on the right rear. I have complained numerous times to the manufacturer who offers nothing. I believe the entire vehicle should be recalled. I feel ripped off by the manufacturer.
Rear passenger side window will no longer come up. The regulator is broken and needs to be replaced.
Passenger front window does not retract when closing the door. It stays up and gets caught on the top.
Window regulators are made with cheap plastic clips that break in about 3 to 4 years. Some multiple times once warranty is up, cost consumer many dollars to fix and some don't fix and leave the windows broken.