2001 Volkswagen Beetle electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 45 complaints for the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle, 15% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 45 16% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 70,000 miles 30 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 5
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 1
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 13 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 30 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 70,000 miles, and 23% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 fires, 1 death.
What owners wrote
I bought a VW new beetle in feb 2001. After a year and half, the car began to start roughly and shaky, and with the check engine light flashing at the same time. This phenomenon happened more requently and was getting worse later. The car lost most of it power while driving. So I drove to vw/audi bernadi dealer in natick, ma in september 2002 to have it fixed. It was found out it was caused by an ignition coil failure and it is a known defect. They replaced the bad coil but left the other three untouched.
Hazard warning light switch, p/n 1co 953 235 failed causing turn signals to work erratically or not at all. Replacement of switch with p/n 1co 953 235 b restored proper operation. Communications/letter dated june 25, 2007 with supporting documentation) to volkswagen of america setting forth this condition as an expansion of the current recall of jettas and golf models , recall 04v584000) with same symptons and cure, with request for reimbursement, has been ignored.
Other problems reported for the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
- Engine 54 complaints
- Air bags 40 complaints
- Lighting 32 complaints
- Brakes 26 complaints
- Transmission 15 complaints