2004 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible from North America - Comments

Airbag light

Vents coming off

Convertible top getting stuck.

Ok, I have a 04 turbo conv. beetle, OH GOD!! I hate VW now! I have a brand new car. Why is this happening to me??? My convertible top is stuck. It's been at the dealer for 1 1/2 weeks and they still don't know how to fix it. Parts have been overnighted. The thing has been taken apart!! What do I do?? I didn't even finance the thing, I gave them $30,000 cash.

Did you read anything about newer vw's on this site before you bought it? Dump it as soon as it is fixed and stay away from newer vw's. buy an old bug, I have had 3 in the past, all very reliable, just not fun in winter with little or no heat.

I wrote the first comment. I also must add that I have to wonder what kind of "rich" kid/person can walk in and slap down $30,000 cash for a car. Maybe just angry for being poor.

Look into the lemon law which is applicable in the United States. If you have too many problems with a new car the manufacturer is required to return your money. I think it is 30 problems in 2 years and the same problem not being fixed after 4 tries. I took VW to the better business bureau for my new Jetta and got my money back after a year. It is a real pain and you have to keep taking the car in to the dealer. You also have to keep track of all problems and dates you took the car in. There is a special division of the BBB for cars, I don't remember the name of it now. This was in 2000. But check into it. Good luck.

$30k for a new Beetle 1.8t? Someone got ripped off!

Bitter party of one... Your table is ready.

VW Beetle Convertible 2004- I had the same problems. My top would get stuck. The "wings", which open up prior to the top folding down and up, would also get stuck. When the dealer finally (several tries) fixed the problem, the interior layer of my top, falls off. No recourse. Several pieces of the interior car have simply snapped off -- the clip for the sunvisor, the clip for the back drink holder, a clip for the back floor mat, a vent screen... I told the dealer that if this car was a child's toy, than the Consumer protection agency would be after VW for choking hazards.

My airbag/seatbelt light came on and I was charged a bit to replace the seatbelt sensor. A week later (this month), a recall has be placed on the airbag sensor because the 2nd stage has been known to deploy during a 1st stage crash. Frankly, I think they made that one up to cover the fact that everyone's airbag/seatbelt light was probably coming on and everyone replaced the seatbelt sensor and now cannot be reimbursed for it, Because VW is saying it's actually a 1st/2nd stage issue?

Anyone replace the seatbelt sensor, please comment?

I just bought my '04 VW convertible 4 months ago from a friend. I was so excited because I knew it had been well taken care of and I was sure to have a terrific experience with my first non-Honda purchase.

However, right after purchase I paid nearly $600 for a new charging harness the dealer said was melting into the fuse box. The car had about 68,000 miles on it at the time.

Now, it is in the shop for getting stuck in 3rd gear (70,000 miles). Estimated new transmission cost is $2000-4,000.

Both window sensors are out, so the window will not automatically lower and raise when the door is opened (about $500 each to repair).

Sensor on my door is out, so my keyless entry will not lock the door.

My best friend leases an '06 and says she has also had the electrical problems with her bug.

I absolutely cannot believe this car, that has been very well taken care of, can have all of these problems. My Hondas have NEVER had anything close to these problems, and I have owned about 6 of them over 30 years.

This car is so darn cute, but I am afraid the maintenance is too costly!