1998 Volkswagen Beetle
3VWBF61C5WM022663
Vehicle record for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (VIN 3VWBF61C5WM022663). Blue, hatchback, diesel. Registered in Cherkasy. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1998 Volkswagen Beetle · Blue on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 8 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report electrical system trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 3VWBF61C5WM022663, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 8 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1998 Volkswagen Beetle data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE Closed
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL. VOLKSWAGEN¿S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES. PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265…
NHTSA #RQ06004 · Exterior Lighting · opened Feb 2006 · closed Aug 2006BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH Closed
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED MY 1998-1999 AND ALL MY 2000 AND LATER MODELS HAS UNDERGONE MULTIPLE REVISIONS. ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES HIGH REPLACEMENT RATES OCCURRED IN VEHICLES BUILT WITH BRAKE SWITCH PART NUMBERS 1J0 945 511A AND 1J0 945 511B, THE ORIGINAL AND FIRST REVISION LEVELS, RESPECTIVELY. THE FAILURE OF THE SWITCH COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS…
NHTSA #EA03002 · Exterior Lighting · opened Apr 2003 · closed Aug 2003BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH OPERATION Closed
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN NEW BEETLE IS ALSO SPECIFIED IN GOLF AND JETTA MODELS. ONE TYPE OF SWITCH IS USED ON CRUISE EQUIPPED MODELS, A SECOND TYPE IS USED ON NON-CRUISE MODELS. VW REPORTS 86 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND 2575 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH ARE RELATED TO THE BRAKE SWITCH. TWO OF THE VW COMPLAINTS INVOLVE FAILURES THAT WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI. ADDITIONALLY, OVER…
NHTSA #PE02084 · Exterior Lighting · opened Nov 2002 · closed Apr 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 82
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 82.
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
Bulletin V171901201285565 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285562 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285560 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2023Update model year applicability to include 2023.
Bulletin V941901201152119 · Equipment · Dec 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
Bulletin V271901201189422 · Electrical System · Dec 2022Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
Bulletin V171901201285534 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2021Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
Bulletin V871806201994714 · Equipment · May 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
Bulletin V941901201152115 · Equipment · Apr 2020Software Version Update, Enhancements and Fixes. Also includes 1998 Beetle.
Bulletin VOS-19-09 · Electrical System · May 2019The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
Bulletin SM 33-2019 · Equipment · Mar 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the BEETLE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Lights And Instruments
On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles…
Transport Canada #2006122 · May 2006Electrical
On certain vehicle, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switch.
Transport Canada #2003184 · Aug 2003Electrical
ELECTRICAL WIRING MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE BATTERY TRAY DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE FUEL PUMP COULD MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. IN SOME INSTANCES CHAFING COULD ALSO RESULT IN A WIRING FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CORRECTION: A MODIFIED BATTERY TRAY WILL BE INSTALLED AND WIRING WILL BE PROPERLY ROUTED AND SECURED.
Transport Canada #1998101 · May 1998Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle, officially the Volkswagen Type 1, is a small family car produced by the German company Volkswagen from 1938 to 2003. A global cultural icon known for its bug-like design, the Beetle is widely regarded as one of the most influential cars of the 20th century. Its production period of 65 years is the longest for any single generation of automobile. With 21.5 million units produced over twenty locations worldwide, the Beetle is the best-selling car of a single platform in history and the second best-selling car nameplate of the 20th century.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts w…
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
NHTSA Campaign #14E007000 · 07/03/2014EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
NHTSA Campaign #08E050000 · 11/08/2008EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
NHTSA Campaign #06E060000 · 29/06/2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEAL
NHTSA Campaign #06V183000 · manufacturer #N4 · 24/05/2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE ENDGE OF THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY TRAY. THE WIRING CAN BECOME DAMAGED OVER TIME BY CHAFING AND THE AIR-CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND/OR THE FUEL PUMP CAN MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED BATTERY TRAY AND INSPECT, PROPERLY ROUTE, AND SECURING THE WIRING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECALL REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS.
NHTSA Campaign #98V100000 · 13/05/1998Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 14 involved a crash 🔥 16 involved a fire 🚑 9 reported injuries
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 195
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
TIRES
Separation between belts near the sidewall Cooper cs5 grand touring 205/65 r16. I have had 4 tires that this has happened to. Replaced both front tires twice. This seems to be a recurring problem with these tires.
NHTSA ODI #11534186AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
The driver was driving the speed limit (55 mph) and tried to slow down as they approached a red light. The brakes failed to work, and the driver rear-ended the vehicle waiting at the stoplight. The airbags did not deploy.
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11438206SERVICE BRAKES
DON'T WORK
NHTSA ODI #11210057ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL, CAR STALLED, RESTARTED CAR THEN SAW SMOKE AND FIRE UNDER PASSENGER SIDE DASH. CAR BURNT COMPLETELY, TOTALED. HAVE BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES. ..UPDATED 11/12/14 *BF
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10651743ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10604323ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
OWNER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON A/C. WHEN A/C WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY, SHE PULLED OFF ROADWAY AND STOPPED. SMOKE AND BURNING ODOR CAME OUT OF VENTS, WITH FIRE EVENTUALLY SHOWING FROM CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL. INTERIOR OF VEHICLE WAS FULLY INVOLVED IN FIRE WHEN FD ARRIVED. ENGINE COMPARTMENT NOT INVOLVED. RADIO OPERATING PROPERLY PRIOR TO…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10533699SEATS
TWO SMALL BOLTS THAT HOLD DOWN THE FRONT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BECAME LOOSE AND OVER TIME THEY EVENTUALLY BROKE COMPLETELY FREE ALLOWING THE SEAT TO ROLL AND TIP BACKWARD AND SIDEWAYS. THIS WAS A COMPLETE SHOCK WHEN IT OCCURED, I HAD NOTICED THE SEAT BECOMING LOOSE BUT THEN TO HAVE IT BREAK FREE WAS A SCARE. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NOT A CRASH AND INJURY AS A R…
NHTSA ODI #10503645ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WINDOWS STARTED GOING UP AND DOWN RANDOMLY AND DOORS LOCKING/UNLOCKING RANDOMLY. AS I WAS REACHING THROUGH MY WINDOW TO GRAM MY KEYS FROM THE IGNITION MY ARM GOT PINCHED, AND LODGED IN THE WINDOW THAT WAS GOING UP, (I WAS TRYING TO GET MY KEYS BEFORE GETTING LOCKED OUT OF THE CAR (AGAIN) DUE TO THE RANDOM LOCKING AND UNLOCKING). AUTO REVERSAL OF THE WINDO…
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10472723+ 187 more complaints on record.
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