One problem related to transmission fluid leaking has been reported for the 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I am the original owner of a 2005 new beetle conv. In 12/08 I took my vehicle in for 40k mile service at which time the transmission was checked for leaks and fluid level. In 2/10 my transmission had to be replaced because it was no good. My problems started about late November 2009 to December 2009. I started to have hesitation problems from take off and coming to a stop after about 15 minutes of driving. I first thought the problem was bad gasoline, however that was not the case. I would be going along just fine and then the transmission would jerk hard sometimes to change gears when coming to a stop. And would whine and hesitate and jerk to change gears when taking off. This problem got progressively worse and when I took my car in I was told @ 55,000 miles I would need a new transmission. So a new transmission was installed to the tune of $5,700. This is not was I bargained for.