Volkswagen Beetle Common Problems and Solutions
Engine Rattle
Problem:
While driving or idling, you can hear a rattling sound coming from the engine. This is often accompanied by the occasional misfire and trouble starting the car.
Solution:
You have a loose timing chain. The vibration is being caused by that loose chain shaking inside the car. In some cases, you will be able to simply replace the timing chain itself if it has simply become stretched. However, you may instead have to buy a replacement tensioner from our parts list and replace a failed one yourself, which is doable but very fiddly.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Engine Oil Leaks
Problem:
Your Beetle is leaking oil.
Solution:
In most cases, this will be caused by a faulty valve cover gasket or a damaged/worn camshaft chain tensioner gasket. These can be fiddly to replace yourself, but it's much more budget-friendly to order the replacement parts from us and do the job yourself than get a mechanic to do it for you.
Difficulty level
Window Failure
Problem:
The electric windows have stopped moving up or down.
Solution:
This is very common in new Beetles and is caused by a failed window regulator. Order yours today and have the replacement delivered straight to you. You can then replace the window regulator, and this will resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Window Regulator Mechanism
Check Engine Light
Problem:
There are no obvious problems when driving, but the Check Engine light is illuminated.
Solution:
While there are a few potential causes for this, the most likely is a problem with your coolant temperature sensor or your ignition. Your first step should be to replace the coolant temperature sensor, as this is very low-cost when you buy from us and easy to install. If that fails to get rid of the Check Engine light, then you're going to need to replace the ignition mechanism. Although this is slightly more difficult, it's not as challenging as you might think.
Difficulty level
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating even during short drives.
Solution:
It's very likely that this is being caused by a damaged water pump impeller. When this fails, it will affect the entire cooling system. You're going to have to flush the entire system and buy a replacement water pump and thermostat, which you can order from us and have delivered.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
Engine Rattle
Problem:
While driving or idling, you can hear a rattling sound coming from the engine. This is often accompanied by the occasional misfire and trouble starting the car.
Solution:
You have a loose timing chain. The vibration is being caused by that loose chain shaking inside the car. In some cases, you will be able to simply replace the timing chain itself if it has simply become stretched. However, you may instead have to buy a replacement tensioner from our parts list and replace a failed one yourself, which is doable but very fiddly.
Difficulty level
Engine Oil Leaks
Problem:
Your Beetle is leaking oil.
Solution:
In most cases, this will be caused by a faulty valve cover gasket or a damaged/worn camshaft chain tensioner gasket. These can be fiddly to replace yourself, but it's much more budget-friendly to order the replacement parts from us and do the job yourself than get a mechanic to do it for you.
Difficulty level
Window Failure
Problem:
The electric windows have stopped moving up or down.
Solution:
This is very common in new Beetles and is caused by a failed window regulator. Order yours today and have the replacement delivered straight to you. You can then replace the window regulator, and this will resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Window Regulator Mechanism
Check Engine Light
Problem:
There are no obvious problems when driving, but the Check Engine light is illuminated.
Solution:
While there are a few potential causes for this, the most likely is a problem with your coolant temperature sensor or your ignition. Your first step should be to replace the coolant temperature sensor, as this is very low-cost when you buy from us and easy to install. If that fails to get rid of the Check Engine light, then you're going to need to replace the ignition mechanism. Although this is slightly more difficult, it's not as challenging as you might think.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating even during short drives.
Solution:
It's very likely that this is being caused by a damaged water pump impeller. When this fails, it will affect the entire cooling system. You're going to have to flush the entire system and buy a replacement water pump and thermostat, which you can order from us and have delivered.
Difficulty level
Excessive tyre wear - New Beetle
Problem:
These cars have a known issue with excessive tyre wear, which you need to keep an eye on, as it is illegal to have tyres on the road below a certain level.
Solution:
Keep checking the tyre wear, as you will need to replace the tyres when they get to a certain level, which in the UK is 1.6mm.
Difficulty level
Problem with the mass airflow sensor
Problem:
This problem is very common on any Mark 4 Beetle. You may notice that your car is becoming very sluggish and possibly even problems with the car starting. This is caused by a faulty mass airflow sensor.
Solution:
You will need to replace the mass airflow sensor to resolve this problem.
Difficulty level
Engine sensor
Window problem on New Beetle
Problem:
Problems with the windows not working properly has been an issue on these vehicles. You may have noticed that the windows are not winding down properly or are being very sluggish. This can either be caused by a fault with the window regulator, or the motor.
Solution:
You will need to identify exactly which part is causing the failure and you will need to replace the faulty part to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Convertible roof problems on New Beetle
Problem:
Many people have come across the problem of putting the roof down. When they try to put down the convertible roof by manually unlocking it and then pressing the button, it goes down but doesn't lock in place. This problem is caused by the micro switches on the piston rams and also by the flap actuators.
Solution:
To fix this problem you will need to have someone who understand how it works. The micro switches are not expensive to replace but it will be the labour which would be expensive if you took it to a dealer.
Difficulty level
Window and Windscreen Damage
Problem:
There is excessive damage to the side windows and windscreens.
Solution:
By far, the most consistent issue for Beetles is damage caused by wear and tear on the windows. It's a lot more likely to be visible on those models released in 2004, 2005, and 2009, and the only solution is a replacement. We always have Beetle windows and windscreen in stock, so you can order yours today and replace them yourself.
Difficulty level
Windscreen
Window and Windscreen Damage
Problem:
There is excessive damage to the side windows and windscreens.
Solution:
By far, the most consistent issue for Beetles is damage caused by wear and tear on the windows. It's a lot more likely to be visible on those models released in 2004, 2005, and 2009, and the only solution is a replacement. We always have Beetle windows and windscreen in stock, so you can order yours today and replace them yourself.
Difficulty level
Overheating Starter Motor
Problem:
Your starter motor is overheating, which can lead to scorched components or even a fire.
Solution:
This was the cause of a VW recall in 2001 and is the result of the starter motor being permanently activated. The problem is a broken or bent spring in the solenoid switch. The good news is that you can get a replacement from us very quickly, and it's very easy to replace yourself.
Difficulty level
Overheating Starter Motor
Problem:
Your starter motor is overheating, which can lead to scorched components or even a fire.
Solution:
This was the cause of a VW recall in 2001 and is the result of the starter motor being permanently activated. The problem is a broken or bent spring in the solenoid switch. The good news is that you can get a replacement from us very quickly, and it's very easy to replace yourself.
Difficulty level
