2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle
3VWCK31CX4M415683
Vehicle record for the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle (VIN 3VWCK31CX4M415683). Green, coupe, gasoline / lpg. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle · Green on the registration record
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 3VWCK31CX4M415683, 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 2 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 2004 Volkswagen NEW 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.
What's a 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle worth?
What comparable 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
Exact-VIN valuations are part of the history report, available for US-titled vehicles.MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 7 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,028) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,435), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILURE Closed
CERTAIN SUBJECT VEHICLES, MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CONVERTIBLE AND MY 2004 SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED DUAL-STAGE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE AIR BAG CRASH SENSORS (#1F0 909 606) CONTAIN A SOLDER JOINT ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS. IF THIS OCCURS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE CONTROL MODULE WILL ENABLE A FALLBACK ALGORITHM TH…
NHTSA #PE08012 · Air Bags · opened Feb 2008 · closed Apr 2008An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 232
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 232.
Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
Bulletin V691901201047916 · Jan 2024Update 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 2022This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
Bulletin A002155201173212 · Electrical System · Dec 2021Update 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 2020Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the NEW BEETLE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Volkswagen NEW Beetle
The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car introduced by Volkswagen in 1998, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Volkswagen Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It received a facelift in 2005 and was in production until 2011, nearly fourteen years since its introduction.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TIRE INFORMATION LABEL IS INCORRECT IDENTIFYING THE VEHICLE AS A FIVE-PASSENGER VEHICLE, INSTEAD OF A FOUR-PASSENGER VEHICLE.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A NEW LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
NHTSA Campaign #03V508000 · manufacturer #VB/ZH · 04/12/2003AIR BAGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER DETECTION FUNCTION OF THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MAY BECOME DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS. OWNER NOTIFICATION ORIGINALLY BEGAN OCTOBER 3, 2003. VW HAS DETERMINED THAT ADDITIONAL VEHICLES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE RECALL FOR THE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
NHTSA Campaign #03V356000 · manufacturer #WU · 29/09/2003Note: 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 7 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 361 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 7 involved a crash 🔥 13 involved a fire 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
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 361
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Volkswagen NEW Beetle.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVING MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE IS DANGEROUS. THE TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION IN THE 2004 VW BEETLE IS KNOWN BY VOLKSWAGEN TO BE DEFECTIVE. AT ANY POINT THE VALVE BODY CAN FAIL, WHICH CAUSES DELAYED SHIFTING, AND HARD JERKING BETWEEN GEARS. MY 2004 BEETLE FAILS TO SHIFT WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO COAST FOR SEVERAL SEC…
NHTSA ODI #11415125AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF, STARTED AT 33650 MILES, RIGHT AFTER MY MOM SIGNED OVER THE CAR TO ME.
NHTSA ODI #11352371AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WHICH WAS A PART OF THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL SEAT BELT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WA…
NHTSA ODI #11297990AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHTS ON AND SEEMS THE DEALER CANNOT GET PARTS TO FIX ??
NHTSA ODI #11268768POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BATTERY AND ABS INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND WAS MOVED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE …
NHTSA ODI #11231906ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING RUBBER AND THE VEHICLE'S RADIO STOPPED WORKING. AS THE CONTACT PROCEEDED DRIVING, SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS BEGAN FLASHING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT …
NHTSA ODI #11230138UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF IN TRAFFIC IN TOWN AND ON THE HIGHWAY. 2 TIMES NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ONE TIME LIGHT CAME ON. MECHANIC IS NOT SURE WHY. I HAVE READ SEVERAL SIMILAR OCCURANCES ONLINE BY OTHER OWNERS. SOUNDS LIKE A RISK FOR FATALITY TO ME. MY DAUGHTER JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM ANOTHER PARTY.
NHTSA ODI #11220226POWER TRAIN
2004 BEETLE WITH 85,000 MILES HARD SHIFTING DOWN - IT JERKS FROM GEAR TO GEAR UNTIL IT COMES TO FULL STOP. . NOW WHILE UPSHIFTING IT COULDN'T MAKE IT OUT OF 3RD GEAR AND HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED 3 TIMES. CAR JERKS ,SHUDDERS, LURCHES . TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT WITH LOW MILEAGE VW BEETLES
NHTSA ODI #11164006+ 353 more complaints on record.
