1998 Volkswagen Beetle from North America - Comments

The battery exploded when I started the car.

The motor in the passenger side window broke twice and the motor in the driver side window broke once.

A few parts in the engine having to do with emissions had to be replaced.

Twice the hose that brings the engine coolant to the engine got a kink in it.

I have had nothing but problems with this car since I got it. The first problem started about three months after I leased the car.

I am happy that I only leased the car and did not buy it.

I am looking forward to when my lease is up.

I've recently met another 1998 Beetle owner who has had similar problems.

Maybe it's because we got the car in the first year it was released?

I love my 1998 VW Bug. She runs beautifully, and is a pleasure to drive. I did have a problem with the cassette player, which the dealer fixed, and the plastic shield under the engine broke when I was changing oil. Otherwise, she's been wonderful! If you treat a car with respect, you'll get many years of service out of it. Maybe you should try buying a car instead of leasing it. When you buy you treat the car well because it's yours! When you lease it's not yours so who cares how it ends up!

I have a 1998 New Beetle, also. Nothing but problems. I've had approximately 40 items repaired. I've talked to several New Beetle owners who have had similar problems. I think Volkswagen cut costs in the beginning and we, the 1998 owners, are paying for their success.

In my opinion, they should issue new cars to us or refund our money.

I have a web-site showing my problems with my New Beetle.

Please visit. http://www.geocities.com/bugsinvwbugs

Well my beetle is an 01, and I've had numerous problems with it, the check engine light is ALWAYS on, and the car jerks every time it changes gears, and not to mention my car reeks of crayon smell.. :-( The smell stays in my hair and clothes for the rest of the day, ugh.