general problems of the 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible

Four problems related to power train have been reported for the 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2012

I've been having shifting problems between 2n and 3rd gears. The car dramatically jerks to get into gears and throws the gear to first when breaking. I took it to Volkswagen to get it checked and they said I had two options to fix the problem. 1. Replace the valve body at a cost of $1950 (and it might fix the problem) 2. Replace the transmission at a cost of $6900. There is a warranty extension on the valve body but, since my car is over 100,000 miles they will not repair my car. I contacted Volkswagen of America in hopes to get some assistance on the repair since this is an ongoing problem with this car, but was told that they already made on extension on the warranty and could not assist me in any way other than a $500 voucher to buy one of there new cars. Really??? with the kind of problems Volkswagen cars are having I wouldn't even consider buying a Volkswagen again!!! also they have numerous complains on this matter and should repair all of their faulty cars. It is very dangerous to drive a car in this condition.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2011

I currently own a 2005 vw beetle with 72,000 miles. About one year ago, it began to violently jerk between first and second gear after about 20 minutes of city driving. When accelerating from a stop light or stop sign, the car would stall, then buck forward as if I was being rear-ended. The level of unreliability is really dangerous, because I never know if it's going to speed up like it's supposed to. I'm in constant fear that I will get rear ended or stuck in the middle of an intersection. I've taken it to two mechanics and talked to two transmission specialists and all of them have said that they won't work on a vw beetle's transmission and that I need to take it to the dealer. I've tried aiding the problem with a new battery, but that hasn't helped. Other complaints online (300 on townhall-talk. Edmunds. Com) have stated that repairs for this problem are $5,000-$7,000 and that it hasn't always fixed the problem.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2011

Transmission is jumping when shifting gears and slowing down. Volkswagen has issued an extended warranty for this transmission problem but not if the vehicle is older that 7 years from the inservice date. I reported my problem Jan. 2012 after I had learned of the extended warranty for this problem. I had been having this problem for many months earlier. I was told that the inservice date was Nov. 2004 therefore I was ineligible by about 6 weeks.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/13/2008

While driving the car stop and go-when I stepped on the gas, the transmission would not shift to the next gear-the rpms would rev and finally the next gear would "catch" really slam into gear and the car would shift. I had many near miss accidents due to my car failing to move forward in traffic. I took it to the dealer several times and each time they could not duplicate the problem. No repairs were made. I finally drove it directly to the dealer while the problem happened and the mechanic was able to "witness" the problem, the repair was made-replaced transmission parts at 62,000 miles. Now at 80,000 miles, the car does 2 things-while driving on the freeway, the car feels as if it has lost power-the car stays on, but there is no power to the engine-step on the gas and nothing happens-no rpms, nothing, the car slows down immediately, but because it happens so suddenly, cars that are following me don't always react in time and I have almost been rear ended-after a few seconds all of a sudden the car will regain power. The 2nd problem happens randomly-as I am driving, the car just shuts off. All of the dash lights flash on and the car dies-no power stearing, nothing, just a dead car. I have to put the car in gear, turn everything off (radio, air etc), and turn the car back on. This has happened during a left turn, at a stop sign, while driving on the street. Again vw mechanic finds nothing on the computer. This car is a lemon-I have had to replace 2 batteries, several headlights, tail and turn lights, air bag sensors, all 4 window regulators, plus 2 of the same window regulators twice, trunk latch, rear ashtray holder, convertible straps, rear convertable window clips, and now whenever it rains my car leaks. I am terrified to drive the car in it's current condition, afraid to cause or be involved in an accident. This car is not safe, please help.




New Beetle Convertible Service Bulletins
New Beetle Convertible Safety Recalls