Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Volkswagen Beetle owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: Volkswagen Beetle 1999. The consumer is not satisfied with mirrors on the left driver's side. They have too much of a blind spot for oncoming vehicles. Also, the post between the windshield and the left and right sides, before getting to the doors, are also giving the consumer trouble, as being a blind spot. The consumer pulled out onto the highway in front of oncoming traffic, and didn't see another vehicle because of the blind spots from the car.
The first occurrence (driver's side window) occurred within 6,000 miles of driving off the dealer's lot -- the second occurrence (passenger side window) occurred today, 7/24/2006. The events leading up to today's incident, albeit identical to the first occurrence 3 years ago, goes something like this: I hit the 'down' button to lower the window; the window lowers itself and stays in the down position -- thereby subjecting the driver and passengers to the possibility of: a: exposure to the elements including the possibility of dust/debris causing temporary blindness. B: exposure to noxious air fumes from inner-city driving. C: making the occupants of the vehicle more-likely subjects of violent crimes up to and including car-jacking, rape, armed robbery.
Purchased 1999 vw Beetle 20 months ago. Car has only 54,000 miles. Since owning the car have already over $3,500 in repairs. All of the repairs were done at my local darcar vw repair shop. I believe some of these repairs were recalls and have all receipt. Is there someone I can sent my repair receipts to to see if I can be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses which should have been recall services? I can forward receipts. Also seven days ago the passenger side window regulator broke and it appears it had been recalled per two vw owner who had same problems but I can't find the recall information on it. Can you suggest how I can view all recalls for 1999 vw Beetle gls?
1999 Volkswagen Beetle having problems with tie rod equipment. The vehicle was hard to steer and noisy on turns. The dealer replaced the rack and pinion gear and tie rod ends. The vehicle was taken bake to the dealer for front end vibration and it was determined that the tire rod ends were worn. The windows would not close due to defective regulators. The ABS light illuminated. The dealer replaced the left rear speed sensor and rest the readiness codes.
Drivers side window regulator failed - cable 'shredded' and automatic window no longer works to 'roll up' the window. Found many results online for other vw owners experiencing the exact same problem with their oe regulators.
Shortly after I bought the vehicle, engine"check light came on and stayed on. Also, cd player was not operating correctly and temperature display (by rear view mirror) did not work. Took in to dealer's svc dept. Many times, but problems persited . Dealer svc. Dept. Claimed everything working fine. Recently, the window on the driver side failed and it would not go up. Took car in to dealer svc. Dept. And got repaired. Shortly after that, car died. It was not the battery, so car was towed to dealer service dept. On 8-14-02. Dealer examined car and said it was the tri-lock system and didn't know how to fix it. Tri-lock system removed by dealer but car still not working. Problem: power windows did not work, push window button and trunk would pop open, air bag light stayed on, etc. Etc. Etc. …
I purchased this vehicle because I was looking for a reliable and economical car. I have been very disappointed. This car burns oil at an unbelievable rate. I cannot rely on it and do not want to drive it out of town. I am now keeping jumper cables in the hatch because of constant battery problems. The radio is not working. I have already replaced a regulator (window) on the driver's side and it has broken again. Less than a year after it was replaced. Several dealerships told me that they couldn't get me in to fix the problem for 2 weeks - my window was stuck down inside of the door and would not roll up. The waiting time for an appt at a dealer should be an indication that the are not producing quality vehicles. The warranty period is too short. The problems seem to all happen after the warranty is up. Is that how long they expected to last - 2 years?I have been very disapointed.
All of the electrical problems occur periodicaly. One day the gas gauge will show empty when the tank is full. The electric window went down and never came back up, they had to replace a switch in side the door. The right side door handle has to be pulled on twice to open from the outside. The rear hatch will not always open when released, you must push the buttom again to open it. And the reason I am filling out this questionnaire is because the car tonight would not start. The lights would come on, then off, then dim, then go bright. (the radio shows on its small window the word safe) the ignition switch does not seem to be working. So I decided to check out your web site for any recalls or service bulletins. The car will be heading to the dealership in the morning. Thank you for your time and consideration.
On 2 occasions when my car has been facing down on a slope it will not start and I have to put it in neutral and roll to level ground to get it to start. On one other occation my car did have a problem when I pulled into my parents driveway and I put my car in reverse , it did not go into gear and I rolled over my mom's flowers. The deal has checked in their database and with Volkswagen of America and noone has reported a problem similar to mine. They tried to recreate what I described, but to no avail. To date I have not had any incident repeat and I have gone to my parents house to try to recreate it myself, but again to no avail. The dealer has been very helpful with any problem I have encounted with my new car.
Dt:consumer complained about problems with unlocking vehicle. When she turned the key the windows roll down on their own. It might not happen right at that time, but some time after the vehicle was turned on and off the windows rolled down. Sometimes the keyless entry remote will work and sometimes it will not work. Consumer knew of other people with the same type of vehicle having the same problem. Dealer was repairing the problem . Dealer told consumer that repairs were not covered under warranty. Repairs were done at consumer's expense. Dealer replaced the cylinder lock switch.consumer had this problem since she owned the vehicle.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Beetle years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, 13% of the model year's 174 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Volkswagen Beetle window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Volkswagen Beetle window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.