The VW Beetle hit America in 1949 and quickly became a cultural icon. Nearly seven decades later, the 2019 model marked the end of an era as VW said goodbye to the Bug. We review its best years, and those to avoid.
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most recognizable cars of all time, and its iconic rounded shape is deep-rooted in pop culture right up there with the likes of the Coca-Cola bottle and the Vespa.
The Beetle was initially designed by German automaker Volkswagen in 1938 as a basic means of transportation marketed to the masses. VW went on to manufacture three versions of the model that would reportedly sell over 22.5 million units before its final production year in America in 2019.
During this time, the Bug amassed countless industry awards, including being named Motor Trend‘s “Import Car of the Year” in 1999 and racking up a Vincentric Best Value in America Award in 2019.
However, VW’s history is not without a few faults that any curious car shopper eyeing a pre-owned VW Bug should know. In this article, we’ll go over the various flaws and problems that plagued all three generations, and we’ll reveal what years to avoid on the used-car market.
First-generation VW Beetles Faced Rust & Rubber Seal Problems
Classic VW Beetles were sold in the United States from 1950 to 1979, then resurfaced in the American marketplace in 1998. Early models were fairly easy to maintain and fix thanks to their simple 1.1-liter air-cooled VW Beetle engine.
Regardless of the year, one of the most important things to look for when buying a classic Beetle is corrosion. Old VW Bugs are rust buckets. Typical places to look for rust on a classic Bug include the wheel wells, the tub upfront, the running boards, the bumper bracket mounts, and any dents on the bodywork that might eventually lead to corrosion.
The rubber seals around the windscreen and windows do wear out with time and can allow water to seep through. The moisture remains under the panel and the metal underneath can rot away. Another area prone to rusting is under the rear seat, where the battery is located. The acid tends to leak.
The heater channels that run in the sills are another area prone to rusting. If overlooked, it can be an expensive fix. Get a flashlight and inspect the undercarriage of the car. If you can, try and get the car on a ramp at a local shop to thoroughly inspect the undercarriage and floor pan of the vehicle.
The website Classic VW Bugs covers many of these issues in its video tips covering what to look for when buying a classic Beetle.
First-generation VW Beetle Years to Avoid
Classic Volkswagen Beetles made after 1968, which includes the 1974 Super Beetle, are yet to reach a point where they are desirable as collectible cars.
So, keep in mind that if you later intend to resell your classic VW Bug, get yourself a Type 1 Beetle made before 1967. The car’s originality will define its ability to further appreciate in value. Also, classic Beetle parts are easy to come by, and these cars are fairly inexpensive to maintain.
Second-generation VW Beetles Marred by Transmission & Electrical Issues
In general, cars get better with every subsequent generation. The VW New Beetle however went the other way.
The car was first shown as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 1994, and once the initial buzz faded, it was apparent that the retro styling wasn’t to everyone’s liking. The biggest change though was under the skin, because the VW engine was now moved to the front.
The New Beetle was essentially a Volkswagen Golf Mark 4 underneath. The car was manufactured in Mexico and it doesn’t have the familiar German durability that one expects from a Volkswagen.
This generation of the Beetle was plagued by a myriad of issues. They range from problems with the engine and transmission to the electronics and interior trim.
The auto site Repair Pal provides a comprehensive overview of the new generation of Beetles, including warning of the possibility that the engine may overheat due to a damaged water pump impeller on the Beetle. This issue reportedly affects nine Beetle years, from 1998 through 2007.
The 2004 VW Beetle had some power train issues, with Car Complaints reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded that the 2004 model year has automatic transmission problems.
One 2004 VW Bug owner noted on the Car Complaints website: “My vehicle has 75,000 miles on it and is a 2004 new Beetle. It is no longer drivable and the car needs a new transmission. I took it to AAMCO and they told me it is an unsafe vehicle and will cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 to repair. After much research, I see that this seems to be an ongoing problem with the 2004 new Beetles.”
The 2001, 2004, and 2005 Beetle models suffered from electrical problems, according to the auto site Car Problems, including the battery failing to hold a charge, the fusebox melting, and a faulty ignition switch. Another common electrical issue, according to Car Problems, is faulty window regulators, which affected several models from 2001 to 2009.
Apart from the flower vase, the interior is a low point of the new Beetle. It is mostly cheap plastic and the headlining has a tendency to peel. Models equipped with a ragtop from 2005 to 2007 will most likely now require a new canvas. According to J.D. Power, the estimated price for replacing a convertible top in general ranges from $900 to $1,500.
Second-generation VW Beetle Years to Avoid
The new Beetle doesn’t have a stellar record when it comes to reliability. According to Car Complaints, the 2000 model year had the highest number of complaints, however, they recommend that you stay clear of the 2004 model year purely based on the higher repair costs, especially with fixing that faulty transmission.
Third-generation VW Beetle Was Part of Takata Airbags Recall
In 2011, the successor to the new Beetle was launched. The retro design of the A5 VW Beetle is coherent and far less quirky than its predecessor. A year later, a convertible version with a fabric roof was added.
VW learned from the mistakes of the A5 bug’s predecessor. The automaker made several improvements to the production processes at Volkswagen’s Mexican facility.
Despite this, some issues did persist in this newer generation. Earlier models from 2012 and 2013 suffered from engine issues, particularly on the 2.o TSI. VW Tuning has listed out a range of problems that you might encounter with the 2.0 TSI engine which range from excessive oil consumption to misfiring on the motor. You can find the list here.
One of the biggest electronic issues that weren’t rectified in the newer generation until 2013 was the bad window regulators. This generation of the VW A5 Beetle also received an NHTSA recall for the replacement of the faulty Takata airbags which affected over 370,000 VW bugs manufactured between 2012 & 2019.
From 2016 onwards, Volkswagen made several improvements to the A5 Beetle. Here is Consumer Reports on the A5 Beetle. However, the Beetle’s life was short-lived, and with a recent surge in demand for SUVs and trucks, Volkswagen axed the Beetle altogether in 2019.
Third-generation VW Beetle Years to Avoid
As highlighted above, earlier models from 2012 & 2013 suffered from a range of problems, and these cars are best avoided.
Conclusion: VW Beetle is a Reliable Road Legend
VW made three generations of the Beetle over its 80-year-plus life span, and if you want a piece of this automotive legacy that traces its roots back to Ferdinand Porsche, you‘ll, unfortunately, have to resort to the used car market.
If you like the retro design of the Beetle and want a car that is compact, you can go ahead with the Beetle, but you should allow time for your search on the used car market before you commit to your next Bug. To ease your search, here is our guide on the Best Volkswagen Beetle Year.
Photos: Volkswagen
