Known issues with the new Beetle

[JDB001]

Wheel bearings on a brand new car??? Sounds like a QA problem in Mexico. It is depressing. I have two Dubs both made in the Old country in 2009 with almost no problems.

[noshine]

Just got a call back from the dealer about my wife's Launch Beetle. I took it in last week for a list of issues.

1. Windows not rolling up after closing doors.
2. Passenger window switch fell back into the door card
3. Fog lights come on and off when they want
4. Cloudiness in the paint

They had the car for 8 hours and fixed 1 issue, the Window switch. So the dealer called this morning and sid they needed the beetle on the 24th, they have an engineer from vw coming in to fix the problem with the window.

We will see what happens....

Sinc VW has 'specialists' that handle ' individual specific tasks ', I'm sure you'll have to
wait for three of them to address all three of your problem areas. If you're lucky they
should arrive in Puebla no longer than 4 months apart (Jan., May, September) with your car
being problem free sometime shortly thereafter . This will insure that the last of the three will
be back in Germany in time for Oktoberfest.

Do you have any info that might help my local dealer get a hold of the right person regarding the windows?

So just an update on the beetle after getting it back from the dealerfor the second time. They had the car for almost 10 hours to fix just the window issue while the vw "engineers" were there and 2 days later the windows are messing up again. Trying to schedule a time to get it back to the dealer.

[c2tjmc]

So just an update on the beetle after getting it back from the dealerfor the second time. They had the car for almost 10 hours to fix just the window issue while the vw "engineers" were there and 2 days later the windows are messing up again. Trying to schedule a time to get it back to the dealer.

Sorry to hear you are still having window issues. I had my car in the shop two weeks ago for the window issue (second time). This time they replaced the regulator (that's what the tech told me), and thus far, knock on wood, the issue has NOT returned. However, that seems to be different than what some others have had their shops to do fix the issue.

[linewar]

So after keeping my bug for a week, the dealership brought in a VW engineer who identified the problem and had it fixed in roughly 2 hours from diagnosis to repair. A power steering line was routed too close to the frame. Apparently, it was what was making the rubbing sound because it was vibrating against the frame. The way they explained it to me, it wouldn't vibrate just when turning, only under load, because the resistance against the pump is greater under load and would cause vibration. They re-routed the line, and no more sound when I turn.

I still miss the Golf, though. . . .

[Steamboat]

Can you give me a few details on what it would take to install a NAV on my 2012 Launch?

What is the total cost?

Thanks!

Check out this site: http://stores.ebay.com/Concept-R-Ele...id=p4340.l2563
Be careful, there are a lot of "VW Nav,new"... but not OEM. I found several between eBay and Amazon.com. The best guys have warranties. Make sure it comes with everything you need. If you go through VW it is almost $3K (cost them about $1.5) not worth it...
Can do it under a grand, especially if you don't require a VW nav unit.

[Steamboat]

You guys are going to love this one.
Twice now I have been temporarily locked IN my Beetle.
I turn off the engine, remove the key, go to open the door, and find it is still locked. The switch on the door will not over-ride it. I have to restart car, open door, then shut off. Definitely not good should an accident occur.
Anyone else with this problem?

[plex03]

That's odd.

I was puzzled by this part in your post though:

...remove the key...

Remove the key form where?

[vdub10golf]

I had my fuel gauge issue fixed for a little bit, they replaced the fuel pump sensor...but now it's doing it again. Obviously something else...gonna wait awhile before taking it back because I know I'll just get blank stares. Not a huge issue, just doesn't allow me to fill up all the way

[a6m5zerosen]

If I understand correctly, not all the new Beetles have the keyless ignition. I assume the ones that do not have the standard key and ignition switch in the steering column? I haven't seen one yet that did not have the keyless ignition, but my dealer tells me it is just an option.

[kirk1015]

I had my fuel gauge issue fixed for a little bit, they replaced the fuel pump sensor...but now it's doing it again. Obviously something else...gonna wait awhile before taking it back because I know I'll just get blank stares. Not a huge issue, just doesn't allow me to fill up all the way

I was wondering if you had your fuel gauge fixed again. Mine just started doing it last night when I filled up. Still haven't gotten the registration for the car yet. So I will have to go to the dealer soon anyway. Though I've only had it two weeks, I live in New Jersey so I'm used to things taking forever when it come the DMV. Also,
The dreaded window issue has also begun happening. Other then these two issues, I really like this car. It's fun to drive and IT IS an attention grabber.

[katie78]

My windows have started with the auto up problem. They go 1/4 of the way up, then back down. It seems to do it about every 10th time I put the window all the way down. I wonder if they can just turn off the auto-up feature.

[vdub10golf]

I was wondering if you had your fuel gauge fixed again. Mine just started doing it last night when I filled up. Still haven't gotten the registration for the car yet. So I will have to go to the dealer soon anyway. Though I've only had it two weeks, I live in New Jersey so I'm used to things taking forever when it come the DMV. Also,
The dreaded window issue has also begun happening. Other then these two issues, I really like this car. It's fun to drive and IT IS an attention grabber.

It seems to come and go. It worked right after that, then didn't, and (so far) it's been working...still having the window issue though.

As for turning off the auto-up feature, it might be possible with a VAG-COM, but I'm not certain.

[moodylucy]

My windows have started with the auto up problem. They go 1/4 of the way up, then back down. It seems to do it about every 10th time I put the window all the way down. I wonder if they can just turn off the auto-up feature.

It happened for the first time today, and I did the same thing, and it seemed to reset it.... for now.
When I got my car, I was told that it had that it had the new window "motor", so supposedly, I shouldn't be having this problem.

[vdub10golf]

Got my 10k service done yesterday, waiting to see if the auto window problem is gone or not (so far so good *crosses fingers*) I was also told there was a recall for an ECU reflash...anyone know why? Good thing I never got that APR flash...haha

[plex03]

Got my 10k service done yesterday, waiting to see if the auto window problem is gone or not (so far so good *crosses fingers*) I was also told there was a recall for an ECU reflash...anyone know why? Good thing I never got that APR flash...haha

You are correct on the ECU flash. I declined it for now but will probably do it when the parts for my windows come in.

APR will re-flash their programs back in for free. I believe that if you have the additional program to set back to stock it will reflect the current VW ECU flash.

[ridgemanron]

You are correct on the ECU flash. I declined it for now but will probably do it when the parts for my windows come in.

APR will re-flash their programs back in for free. I believe that if you have the additional program to set back to stock it will reflect the current VW ECU flash.

First APR installer told me a month or two of waiting would be required before I could be
flashed. Went to a second installer and they were able to remove my ECU, download the
needed info for APR, forward it to them, and return my ECU to my car. Was told as soon as
APR gets back to them, they will tell me to come in and complete the flash. Don't know why
the first installer wasn't able to do the same procedure but it seems that to do it requires
additional cost items that not all APR installers want to 'spring' for. Hoping I get the call to
return soon.

[BigfoxPye]

I had the window issue where the windows would not go up with my Beetle but it has since been fixed. it's funny though cause I had the same problem with my 98 beetle and I get a brand new beetle and have the same problem. Its like I am being haunted LOL My fuel gauge also reads incorrectly at times after fill up.

[vdub10golf]

Soo...I had taken it in for my 10k service a week or 2 ago and had them look at the window issue, they didn't say anything when I got the car back but it seemed to be fixed, until yesterday. The pinch protection always sends it back down twice, then the third time you have to hold the button down, normally until next time you start the car. But today, the auto feature still wasn't working. I also have been noticing I have to double-check to make sure the windows are all the way up, because when you open the door the windows go down a tiny bit. Lately, it hasn't been going back up when I close the door. So for about the 7th or 8th time now my car is in service. It's such a small issue, but I'm almost starting to get buyers remorse, it's just getting old. My 2010 Golf I traded in made in Germany had ZERO issues. Fix it already VW!!!!!!!

[plex03]

vDub,

The windows are now a "known issue" and there is a TSB for it. VW has made the replacement parts available. Have your service guy look it up.

Here's info taken from another thread:

A C/S Drivers window does not respond to switch at times SOP
Cause: F

R 64540199
417 WVW 0.10
1 5CO-957-821 GEAR

70591900 Front Door Trim Panel Remove and Reinstall
417 WVW 0.40

64541950 WINDOW MOTOR REIMOVE +REINSTALL
417 WVW 0.10

R 64531599
417 WVW 0.40

I printed that out and took it into my dealer who confirmed it and ordered the parts.

[Cadenza_7o]

You guys are going to love this one.
Twice now I have been temporarily locked IN my Beetle.
I turn off the engine, remove the key, go to open the door, and find it is still locked. The switch on the door will not over-ride it. I have to restart car, open door, then shut off. Definitely not good should an accident occur.
Anyone else with this problem?

Your Bug has separation issues and needs psycho-therapy.

[moodylucy]

The fuel gauge sensor is annoying. It's on my list for my 30 day. So is the window issue.
That said, I LOVE my car! Wouldn't trade him!

[vdub10golf]

They ordered the parts, so hopefully by Friday they'll have it and I'll see if that does anything. *crosses fingers*

[zsqure]

Just picked up my Beetle last night. Had the window on the passenger side go down after going up about 1/2 way or so. I hope the seals are just stiff. It goes in for tint next week, H&R springs when I can sneak them past the wife. Love the car, have to get used to the turbo lag, only 20 miles so it needs to get broken in. Silver on black/blue int. sun sound nav w/dsg. The flappy paddles are a joke.

[vdub10golf]

Completely unsurprisingly to me at this point, my car is back in service for the umpteenth time. Same fuel issue again. They had already replaced the part and for the past month or two it was working fine, but now isn't showing "Full" when I fill up/try to top off.

They also got the window regulator motors in and will replace those, so I'll see if that solves that issue too.

[ridgemanron]

Dealer just informed me that two customers complained about water getting into the
spare-tire rear well area. Haven't heard that from anyone else.

[St1300]

I have a noise just behind and above were the passenger sits above the head liner, makes a rattling sound like a loose wire connecter, It's on a 2012 turbo beetle with sunroof, any one else have this noise???

[moodylucy]

I haven't heard about the water issue.
I have a S/S/N, and no noises for me. I have a little over 1000 miles already!

[vdub10golf]

I've noticed a different issue related to the water one...if its recently rained (or you wash your car) and open the trunk, water gets on the rear seat. Is that happening to anyone else?

Also, my armrest isn't "locking" in place like it should and seems real loose and just hangs facing downward. If I put my weight on it, it makes a loud snapping noise and pops back up into place.

[katie78]

I have had it with these windows. Now the damn thing won't go up 1/3 of the time when I close the door if I had the window all the way down previously and it does that won't auto up crap. I have to get in and out of the car, fighting with the window until finally it will close. Guess I can't wait anymore to take it in.

[ridgemanron]

I have had it with these windows. Now the damn thing won't go up 1/3 of the time when I close the door if I had the window all the way down previously and it does that won't auto up crap. I have to get in and out of the car, fighting with the window until finally it will close. Guess I can't wait anymore to take it in.

My driver's side window only does that 'half-way up' before 'going back down' once in a week or
so but I can hear a rubbing sound when it heads upward and am going in to the service department tmorrow morning. If it is determined that the glass is coming in contact (rubbing) with something on
the side of the glass, I should know tomorrow. Clear silicone sprayed down into the 'well' area did
end the rubbing sound but only temporarily. Bill offered to get me a good price on a '144' Gross
supply of the silicone spray cans to get me through until winter but the fact he's got a family
member in the silicone business had me a bit uncomfortable with going this route.

[silverspeedbuggy]

I have had it with these windows. Now the damn thing won't go up 1/3 of the time when I close the door if I had the window all the way down previously and it does that won't auto up crap. I have to get in and out of the car, fighting with the window until finally it will close. Guess I can't wait anymore to take it in.

1. Since the windows are frameless, can you open the door, roll them up, then close the door?
2. Where are you getting the car serviced in Cleveland? Years ago I stopped going to the closest dealer to me since they could never fix problems on the first visit. I now take my cars to another dealership who manages to fix the car the first time.

[vdub10golf]

I don't want to jinx myself, but after getting the window regulators replaced, *SO FAR* It's working perfect...lol

[katie78]

I'm taking it to the dealership that I bought the car at (was not in Cleveland). You cannot roll up the windows and close the door. The window won't go inside the weather striping that way.

[moodylucy]

I knew I forgot to tell them about something... the armrest! It does just kind of hang there.
The only way I can get it to stay is to release the parking BRAKE, then move it up to a specific position.... Oh well, maybe next time....

[ridgemanron]

Went in for my service appointment at 7 A.M. and was out by 8:30 A.M.. They removed
the driver's side door panel and lubricated the window regulator. So far, so good, since
my numerous attempts to get the 'pinch' regulator to falter have been thwarted by the
famous VW Lube......I guess.