2002 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls and problems

The 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has 1 recall and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is power train.

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
Photo: 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle by OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2002 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Average complaint count among 6 New Beetle model years — 4th most.

1recalls
15complaints
0crashes
0fires
2injuries
23,500median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

1 recall

Service Brakes

Jan 31, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V031000 · 55,000 vehicles

Problem: On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Original NHTSA wording

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).

Risk: This can result in a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began March 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Power Train8
Electrical System3
Engine3
Exterior Lighting3
Visibility3
Latches/locks/linkages2
Parking Brake2
Unknown or other2
Air Bags1
Interior Lighting1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2002: 4 complaints20022003: 5 complaints20032004: 6 complaints20046

2002 vs. other Volkswagen New Beetle years

2000: 40 complaints2000402001: 39 complaints20012002: 15 complaints20022003: 20 complaints20032004: 12 complaints20042006: 1 complaints20061

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2002. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, the latest from Jan 31, 2002 (service brakes). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention power train (8), electrical system (3), engine (3). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.