Cracking windshield and annoying rattle on 2012 Beetle

[a6m5zerosen]

I have a 2012 Beetle with a 2.5 liter automatic. The windshield cracked today when I hit a pothole-this happen to anyone else? Also, I have an insanely annoying metallic rattle coming from the right rear of the car-any ideas?

[KNEWBUG]

I think there was an earlier post where under the spare tire one of the tools fell out and was rattling around in the spare tire well???? Hope this helps????




KNEWBUG

[UTE]

Welcome to the forum, Patrick.

That's the first windshield casualty I've heard of on the 2012 Beetle.

Our friend KNEWBUG may be right. Check your tools first.

That sound coming from the rear may be from the hatch rattling. The problem has been mentioned here and is an issue I've experienced. I initially thought I had loose tools, but that idea did not pan out. The DIY solution seems to be inserting bumper/cushioning material around the area where the latch is.

Bill

[c2tjmc]

Welcome to the forum, Patrick.

That's the first windshield casualty I've heard of on the 2012 Beetle.

Our friend KNEWBUG may be right. Check your tools first.

That sound coming from the rear may be from the hatch rattling. The problem has been mentioned here and is an issue I've experienced. I initially thought I had loose tools, but that idea did not pan out. The DIY solution seems to be inserting bumper/cushioning material around the area where the latch is.

Bill

Cracked my windshield the day after delivery. Not from a pothole though, a rock while I was traveling on the highway.

[plex03]

...The DIY solution seems to be inserting bumper/cushioning material around the area where the latch is.

Bill

Bill,

If at all possible could you post a pic of this?

[UTE]

If at all possible could you post a pic of this?

No.

Not being a jerk (but, then again, I have not checked in with the wives today for their opinion). I have not fixed my rattle. I'm saving it for the next time I visit the dealer (in Feb). It's another member who did a DIY fix. He talked about it in one of the complaint threads.

Bill

[plex03]

No.

Not being a jerk (but, then again, I have not checked in with the wives today for their opinion). I have not fixed my rattle. I'm saving it for the next time I visit the dealer (in Feb). It's another member who did a DIY fix. He talked about it in one of the complaint threads.

Bill

Gotcha....LOL

Actually, I thought I had the problem pegged although it's not super bad on mine.

What I did discover however is that the foam piece that the spare tools go into also holds the jack. Well when you lift that out there is no foam underneath the jack itself separating it from the metal wheel of the spare. I did stuff a rag between the jack and the wheel on the spare but I'm not so sure it made any difference.

[JR Martinez]

Rear Rattle!!! Maybe your rattle is on mechanics explanation

Just dropped my 2012 2.5 for the 90 days courtesy warranty check, totld them about Wind Noise, mechanic told me that there are two flats in the rear cabin by rear fenders that work to equalize cabin preasure when closing doors
Mechanics explanation was that flats sometimes get stuck open creating or allowing air to come in cabin creating that annoying wind noise at high speeds, SOLUTION? Attaching some weights to flaps so they stay close more often

[OTAMYWY]

I have a 2012 Beetle with a 2.5 liter automatic. The windshield cracked today when I hit a pothole-this happen to anyone else? Also, I have an insanely annoying metallic rattle coming from the right rear of the car-any ideas?

Mine is in today getting the windshield replaced due to it cracking at the top center. The dealer is covering it under warranty since there was no visable sign of a rock chip or anything.

[a6m5zerosen]

The dealer replaced mine also, but I had to contact VW Customer Care to get them to do it. Mine cracked at the top center also.

[Throttlechop]

I've had my turbo Beetle one month and yesterday my windshield randomly cracked from the top middle down about 8 inches- while it was parked in a protected place. I'm also having an issue with the driver's side window going berserk- which the dealership has told me is an issue they've already seen several times on other 2012 Beetles. The dealership that I bought it from (desert vw in Vegas)gave me attitude so I called VW customer care and they sent me to a much better dealership that's at least willing to consider that this is obviously some sort of manufacturer defect.

[plex03]

Throttlechop,

The drivers side and passenger side window problem is a known issue with VW now and replacement parts are now available that address the issue.

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.

[Stingme1975]

Plex, when they did the parts swap for your window, did it correct the problem completely? I have my 3 month appointment comming up next month and want to get mine fixed... drives me crazy.. What did they say was the exact problem with the windows anyway.

[plex03]

Plex, when they did the parts swap for your window, did it correct the problem completely? I have my 3 month appointment comming up next month and want to get mine fixed... drives me crazy.. What did they say was the exact problem with the windows anyway.

I haven't had it in yet to get fixed due to being out of town for work. Probably get it in late next week.

[ODIS]

Yeah there were some windshields installed improperly and it leads to stress fractures. The windows issue can be one of several things. The seal, the motor, the gear the motor turns, or the alignment of the window.

[the beet]

Interesting... If I'm reading this thread correctly, at least 4 members here experienced a cracked windshield near the top, without having anything hit the windshield.

Well, I just got mine back from the shop for the very same thing, however, the glass installer suggested that the crack seemed as if something pulled on the rear view mirror or hit it, or something to that effect (which did not happen). So, I believe they will be billing my insurance.

I will see if I can contact VW and look into this further.

[the beet]

OK, I just got off the phone w/VW Owner's Customer CARE and mentioned my experience w/the windshield cracking and also mentioned that it has been reported by a number of other 2012 Beetle owners.

I suggest that in order to get this issue on VW's radar, anyone who has experienced this issue call VW Owner's Customer Care at:

1-800-822-8987

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time in the contiguous United States

Additionally, you can file a report on NHTSA's Web site at:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/Vehicl...nt/index.xhtml


This should get the ball rolling so issues like this will be taken care of through VW.

[mediumbluemetalic]

OK, I just got off the phone w/VW Owner's Customer CARE and mentioned my experience w/the windshield cracking and also mentioned that it has been reported by a number of other 2012 Beetle owners.

I suggest that in order to get this issue on VW's radar, anyone who has experienced this issue call VW Owner's Customer Care at:

1-800-822-8987

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time in the contiguous United States

Additionally, you can file a report on NHTSA's Web site at:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/Vehicl...nt/index.xhtml


This should get the ball rolling so issues like this will be taken care of through VW.

Customer Care is a completely appropriate number to call, even if VW is doing a good job replacing the windshields, which is seems like they are. Customer Care is responsible for making sure you're satisfied with the outcome.

NHTSA is really for safety issues... things that cause accidents and/or fires with a likelihood of injury or death. A crack in a new windshield shouldn't happen, but it's an annoyance more than anything; cracks don't cause injury or death, unless you're saying that the windshields are breaking into pieces in the driver's face. The Toyota gas pedal problem... that was something worth reporting to NHTSA, but I'm not sure that this is. If your stereo stops working, you don't call NHTSA. If your door handle breaks off, you don't call NHTSA. You utilize the bumper-to-bumper warranty in situations like these, call Customer Care, and go on your way. My $0.02.

[the beet]

Medium,

The woman I spoke to at VW Owner's Customer Care suggested I (we) report it on NHTSA'a Web site. I was conserned that this information was not "out there". I do not believe VW has recognized this as a defect as yet. As she mentioned, they do not have time to review all of the forums to check for these reports.

I personally would not report something like a broken radio to NHTSA, however, a cracked windshield can pose a safety issue. It begins with a crack...

[the beet]

This is a copy of the report I just filed on NHTSA's Web site. I suggest others who have experienced the same or similar issue make a report. It can only benefit the VW Beetle community. Thanks.:

I noticed a set of cracks near the top of my windshield, approximately at the point where the rear view mirror attaches and extending up to the roof line edge. The cracks were approximately 6" - 8" in length. I have no idea when or how it occurred as I do not recall any stone or other road debris hitting the windshield, there was no sound of anything hitting the windshield or small chip in the glass where the impact would have occurred. I did not park it under a tree and nothing fell on or hit the glass to my knowledge. I have heard similar reports from other 2012 VW Beetle owners, and it was suggested that some windshields were installed improperly and could lead to stress fractures. There are a list of similar complaints found at: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...on-2012-Beetle

[2012Turbo-B]

I've had my turbo Beetle one month and yesterday my windshield randomly cracked from the top middle down about 8 inches- while it was parked in a protected place. I'm also having an issue with the driver's side window going berserk- which the dealership has told me is an issue they've already seen several times on other 2012 Beetles. The dealership that I bought it from (desert vw in Vegas)gave me attitude so I called VW customer care and they sent me to a much better dealership that's at least willing to consider that this is obviously some sort of manufacturer defect.

I also had the same window issue and after many trips they finally admitted it's an issue when I pointed out there is a service bulletin out on it.

[2012Turbo-B]

[QUOTE=2012Turbo-B;77359928]I also had the same window issue and after many trips they finally admitted it's an issue when I pointed out there is a service bulletin out on it. This would be the drivers window having a mind of it's own

[the beet]

a6m5zerosen, OTAMYWY, a6m5zerosen, Throttlechop and anyone else who has experienced the windshield crack should file a report on the NHTSA Web site and also call VW Customer Care so we can get this on the radar.

As far as the side window(s), that has been a known issue for some time now and VW has a fix for it. I also still experience the issue w/my 2006 New Beetle. The whole "pinch protection" is nice in theory but can still be buggy and when added to the gapping is just annoying. I wish that manual "crank" style windows were still available.

[the beet]

Here's how it appeared on my windshield. Look familiar?

[the beet]

Here's a little closer up. See, no impact chip...

[js1818]

Yes I too have experienced the windshield cracking right down the center from the top behind the rearview mirror. The dealer told me that it must have been a rock but there was definitely no point of impact and it cracked while parked in a parking lot at work. I took pictures of it and showed the dealer who in turn replaced the glass for free but charged me for installation. I told them I didn't think I should have to pay over $100 for a repair that was not my fault but they said there was no clear evidence that it was not caused by a rock so they were paying for the glass as a courtesy because my Beetle has less than 5,000 miles on it. So I agreed, begrudgingly but it just happened AGAIN. This time I had to pay for it. I am considering trading the car in after this issue plus the window issue that everyone is having and also my issue with the smart key detector not recognizing my keys and making it impossible to unlock the doors without pressing the button on the key fob. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I have already had that "repaired" once and it keeps doing it intermittently, which is really annoying. I am unsatisfied with this car for the most part.

[js1818]

Also, that is EXACTLY what my crack looked like. Coincidence? I don't think so

[the beet]

[QUOTE=js1818;78300177]I told them I didn't think I should have to pay over $100 for a repair that was not my fault but they said there was no clear evidence that it was not caused by a rock so they were paying for the glass as a courtesy because my Beetle has less than 5,000 miles on it. So I agreed, begrudgingly but it just happened AGAIN. This time I had to pay for it. /QUOTE]

Either way, you shouldn't have to pay. That's what insurance is for. I just felt bad for that my insurance took care of it as I felt the the problem was not caused by an object hitting the windshield.

Additionally, if you are experiencing this issue, you should report it on the NHTSA Web site and also call VW Customer Care so we can get this on the radar.

[ridgemanron]

I'm curious to know if the cracking windshield is in a car with the sunroof? There was such
a long delay concerning cars ordered with sunroofs and I'm wondering if there are inherent
structural roof problems associated with the early installed ones that could affect the
windshield glass?

[Babie]

My brother has something called chassis ears, can find rattles fast. He has has used stethoscopes as well.

[the beet]

My Beetle has no rattling/noise issues and has no sun roof.

[MrsDave]

My Beetle has no rattling/noise issues and has no sun roof.

Mine sounds like a bowling ball in the back, the dealer didn't find anything. Going back for round 2 soon.

[VR6Now]

Yes I too have experienced the windshield cracking right down the center from the top behind the rearview mirror. The dealer told me that it must have been a rock but there was definitely no point of impact and it cracked while parked in a parking lot at work...

...So I agreed, begrudgingly but it just happened AGAIN. This time I had to pay for it...

Your dealer doesn't know what they are doing. Obviously there is a problem that they did not properly address in the first repair or both the original and the replacement laminated glass had flaws. Two windshields cracking the same way in a short period of time with no signs of impact is not likely. Trade the car in if you think its necessary but regardless it time to go over their heads and contact VW directly.

[the beet]

Mine sounds like a bowling ball in the back, the dealer didn't find anything. Going back for round 2 soon.

Bowling ball in the back sounds like the spare isn't fastened. Either that, or you have a dead body in the trunk.

[redbeetle12]

I bought the 2012 beetle one month ago and had the same thing happen to my windshield. I took it to the dealer and called customer care. I was told by both by both the dealer and customer care that I was responsible for the windshield.