2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLX review from North America

I have the special edition 2002 Turbo Beetle - color package, "snap orange". They only made 2000 worldwide. I wanted it for the color only. I didn't care about the turbo, monsoon sound system or leather, etc. I have owned it exactly one year and have 10,000 miles on it.

In that time, the passenger window has stuck or not closed all the way. I flipped the window switch so many times, it broke. Fixed by dealership, turns out it was a recall issue.

The armrest broke with quite a 'snap'. I was merely leaning on it to pull the door closed and the armrest snapped and went limp. Fixed by dealership, mechanism came apart inside.

The rear hatch lifts lost pressure somehow and the hatch came crashing down on my head while I was loading groceries. Fixed by dealership... they claim it was a change in altitude driving from California to Colorado.

The front turn signal lights and fog lights all have condensation in them. It doesn't seem to matter what time of year, day or season it is - or what the temperature or weather is. There is constant condensation in the lights. NOT fixed by dealership. They claim it's from using the high pressure wand to wash my car.

I had a flat tire and when I got a new one, the tire store said that my wheel was so far out of alignment that they couldn't align the wheel at all. Fixed by dealership, with no clear explanation and tried to accuse me of being in an unreported accident!

My monsoon sound-system shorts out and only plays out of two or three speakers at a time, it has eight! I also have the after market CD changer in the trunk which, at least once a week, will shut off and say "CD ERROR". NOT fixed by dealership, the problem will never reveal itself when it's checked (of course not).

The coating on the door handle seems to be wearing off, kind of flaking. I've haven't complained about it... YET!

The leather driver's seat looks too worn for a one year old car. I faithfully moisturize it with leather dressing, but the point of entry (where my body rubs on the side) seems to be worn and faded like an old bomber jacket.

The blue "cold engine" light came on while I was driving through the Mojave Desert in July. And only when I was on and incline or decline. It would go off on flat pavement. Fixed by dealership, faulty sensor of some kind.

The check engine light came on, another faulty sensor.

What led me to this website? I was searching for information on my current problem. Both the EPC (Electronic Power Control) and the ASR (Anti-Slip Regulator) lights came on tonight while I was on the freeway doing 80 mph. The car slowed down to 60 and never got above it again. Then when I parked it and restarted it, the EPC light went out and the oil pressure light came on blinking and beeping! It's going to the dealership tomorrow.

This is the second New Beetle I've owned. I sold my 2000 GLS to get this one. I really do love these cars, but I am just astonished by the problems.

I think they are solid and safe, fast and fun! I love the heated rally style seats and the lumbar adjustment. I love the car more than hate it and I am VERY tempted to buy the new convertible. But all these nit-picky problems are beyond bothersome!! I have yet to pay a dime to have anything repaired, but I am an hourly employee and have lost plenty of wages taking the car to the shop. I even used a vacation day to dedicate to car repair, that's ridiculous!