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Volkswagen Beetle Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    While I understand the frustration when you have a problem with a vehicle, that frustration does not change the rules of the road here in the forums. Please don't make posts attempting to organize legal actions as they will have to be removed.

    Thanks for your cooperation on this.
  • dslasersdslasers Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2011
    WOW. I just got done reading these 397 posts, and all I can say is :mad: ...

    My story summary: 'Hard-shifting' started in ~ Oct, '10. Took it to a 'non-dealer specialist'.. (I've learned that much... ;) to check it out...Figured I was 'alone'... he tells me 'No, it's rather common' (!) He discusses my 'options', and leaves me trying to figure out 'how in the world to come up with $1800. for a 'Valve-body job' - 'IF that is the only problem' (!!) ...Then I get 'the letter' in Nov. offering the 'warranty-extension / replacement-offer' from VWOA... Great news! ... BUT, I have to bring it to a dealer for an 'evaluation'... Ok, (grumble grumble) fine, I'll do it...

    So, I bring it to a 'reputable' dealer, in the area, only to have them charge me $60. to tell me 'well, the 'computer says' it's not the valve-body - but an 'incorrect gear ratio', and therefore, an 'internal, mechanical problem' with the transmission, and since my bug ('04 Turbo Conv.) has ~77K miles - sorry, no dice on the warranty-extension on that from VW'....but, a 'rebuilt tranny is *only* $5400. and would I like to schedule that?' ...Yeah, sure! I'll be right back... >:(

    I barely managed to restrain myself from saying: "Ya know...when it comes to in-depth car knowledge, maybe I *was* 'born yesterday', ...but guess what? I've been 'up all night doin' my homework', so let's skip the horse$#*!, ok, pal?!!.." ;)

    So I do some more online 'homework' and find some helpful posts, think: 'I'm gonna try and go the route of investigating' this "transmission control module", and I also read some posts on other sites about these 'error messages' coming from seemingly unrelated-things, like the 'incorrect installation of a new battery' - hah, guess what? I *did* replace my battery, in like, August '10... and the "hard-shifting" wierdness *just* started in Oct!! Anybody else had a recent (and by that, I mean *before* the problems started) battery-replacement? (see Post #1 (!)

    Also, I read one post about 'uneven-tire wear' possibly causing 'misinterpreted' tranny-problem messages to the ECM... I also saw at least one post where someone suggested that it might even be just the 'solenoid pack', which makes prefect sense, especially seeing all those whose problems worsen once 'warmed-up' / with heat, etc.. (mine, too... )

    BUT - you know what?? *Since* the dealership 'evaluation' - my passenger-side blinker is 'mysteriously' out - and the CAR SHIFTS FINE!!!! I'm sure it will probably 'come-back', but what that tells me is that this is *quite-possibly* either a 'secondary-component' issue or some sort of 'communication' / electrical-problem, relating somehow to the 'TCM', *rather-than* my actual tranny, somehow all 'chewed-up suddenly out of nowhere'...

    Don't get me wrong - I'm *not* suggesting that all of these transmissions are 'fine' and it's 'all in the computer' - *clearly* the Bug transmissions are problematic, at-best...but if many of these problems are even *possibly* related-to / born-from 'component factors', and a) dealer-service depts are not *investigating* them (ie: "the computer told me and the computer is never wrong" vs an actual pressure-test / dropping the pan / examining the fluid, etc), and b) neither is VW...undoubtedly, not calling-out / fixing something relatively 'simple', could very-well lead to further complications - and actual damage! - (ie:...anybody remember the 2 Space Shuttle disasters? (rip...)) So, that when some finally get it checked-out - yeah, their transmission really IS shot!!

    And their 'top-recommended "solution" is quite-conveniently very 'self-serving': 'Oh, uh, *sorry* the warranty-covered repair is not what's really wrong with your car - cause the COMPUTER told me so...' ...How 'convenient'!.... '...but I can offer you this very fine $5400. enema, if you'd like?' Pthptpth!

    MY POINT IS - YES! we all need to *FLOOD* VW with complaints (so there's *lots* of documented proof that there *are* many, many problems), file the reports / complaints with the 'ODI / NHTSA' and consumeraffairs.com sites, there, so that VW can't *possibly* say 'we didn't know this was such a problem....' Really, VW?? This *one* thread is 20 PAGES LONG, spanning over 3 YEARS!! *Why* do we have to hear about someone *dying* over this, before something really gets' done??!!

    Yeah, ok, I'm a little 'passionate' in my posting, here - maybe cause I transport my WIFE and DAUGHTER in this car!!!!

    ...So, I'm definitely *in* for any movement towards an certain 'unmentionable course of action', as a 'group'... sign me up!

    Meantime, if I have any success with checking out the 'TCM' / solenoid-pack / battery, etc suggestions others have proposed looking-at, I'll post here...

    Signed,
    Sleepless in Los Angeles
    :(
  • mybeetlesucksmybeetlesucks Member Posts: 2
  • dslasersdslasers Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2011
    Hi mybeetlesucks -

    :confuse: Not sure what you were trying to say - I see no text on your reply, just fyi...

    Anyhoo, here's what I said to the NHTSA ODI:

    2004 Volkswagen 'New Beetle' has serious design / OEM-component flaws in the transmission and/or transmission control module, creating very-dangerous and unpredictable 'stalls' (step on gas, motor revs, but transm. does not engage - immediately) in traffic. VW is aware of this, because they have sent a 'warranty-extension / replacement offer' letter for the valve-body of the transm., however, dealer 'computer' says it's not the valve-body, but rather a 'mechanical issue due to an incorrect gear ratio' and offers a complete transm. replacement for $5500. (!) Not a very 'helpful' solution for a car worth that or less. It would seem there is an 'electrical / electronic' problem with one of their OEM components (ie: transmission control module and/or solenoid-pack) as there are *thousands* of owners with such problems, across this country, and IMHO, VW needs to recall these cars and fix / replace the transmissions / OEM-components - Here is a link to a 20-page thread detailing others' experiences: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f124d77/0?@@ - Clearly, this is *not* a 'single-consumer' or 'personal periodic-maintenance issue', and may have grave consequences for someone / some family(ies) if not recalled by VW - Please, help us!

    Let's all keep this up - just maybe they'll 'hear us'... we will not be silenced! After all... THIS.... IS... SPARTA!!! ;)

    - Bugged in LA
  • shaunnalshaunnal Member Posts: 27
    Once again the NHTSA will NOT do anything unless it is Life Threatening so they personally have stated!! So unless you feel that you Beetle could perhaps stall in the middle of the road or whatever causing someone to crash into you, then good luck!! LIFE THREATENING....When you post to them!!! Got it? FYI :mad: :mad: :mad:
  • nataliemacnataliemac Member Posts: 14
    I don't know if you've ever driving in Los Angeles, especially on the 405, but trust me. When my transmission locked up in 2nd gear on the 405 during rush hour, it was most definitely life-threatening. :surprise:
  • elkttechelkttech Member Posts: 1
    Add me to the list
    VW has no conscience
    The problems are all related however this warranty extension temporary lets them skirt the issue.
    I'm very upset
    I don't like being misdirected with no recourse
  • barons04beetlebarons04beetle Member Posts: 3
  • barons04beetlebarons04beetle Member Posts: 3
    Just returned from dealer who denied "valve body" claim because of seepage around pan.

    The tech was able to duplicate my problem with the hard shifts, but after dealership contacted VW for authorization of repair, VW denied claim because of minor seepage. So I asked dealer to fix the leak and they told me they are not authorized to open the transmission cases, but I could give them $6000.- for a new one. How convenient for the dealership

    I contacted VW Care and lodged a complaint. Awaiting a return phone call from regional case manager.

    Based on my reading of this thread, I don't expect VW to fix my problem without some kind of legal action.
  • shaunnalshaunnal Member Posts: 27
    Nateliemac,

    I wasn't saying this isn't Life Threatening. I own one of these POS So I know it can be. What I was trying to stress to EVERYONE on here is how Important it is to List it AS Life Threatening so that we can have action taken!! I bought this for 26,000 and although it is 10 years old it has LOW miles so I shouldn't have to buy a New Transmission at the cost of the actual value the car is Today let alone a car that has under 85,000 miles on it!! Especially when every little plastic piece is falling off this damn car and the suspension obviously sucks too. As you may have already read on here how peoples cars a really squeaky underneath. It's too bad V.W. only wants to recall the stupid crap!! Just sayn :mad:
  • bettlewoesbettlewoes Member Posts: 1
    2005 VW convertible with 37,000 miles...just started having the lurching problems. I received something in the mail from Volkswagen the other day about fixing the transmissions problems. Anyone else get that. I've other trouble as well, my driver's window doesn't operate properly when I'm getting in and out with auto door lock and unlock. Mine was an $18,000 mistake....I'm thinking I'm upside down on it and won't be able to trade for something less expensive. Oh and the $70 synthetic oil change...I had no idea.
  • dmcunarddmcunard Member Posts: 3
    I have also got this extended warrenty letter. read the small print. It is only on the original warrenty. My car has had the transmission fixed at 74000 miles. Within 5 months it was acting up again. They will not fix it and I cant afford to. I am getting rid of it.. It is driving me nuts. This car has more issues than all the other cars I have owned put together. It did not help that the transmission was bad to begin with and the car was supposed to be a certified used car and it was not..the dealership lied but would not take it back. This is a horrible car..be careful. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
  • ihatevw1ihatevw1 Member Posts: 1
    I got the letter dealer confirmed the problem but will not cover it as I do not have any documentation on changing the transmition every 40 thousand. Thought i was close to a fix but i guess not....
  • lovemybuggylovemybuggy Member Posts: 1
    I just retrned from the dealer they told me that even tho I am under the miles and 7 year the date for when extended warranty has expired... Please someone help its so frustrating dont know who to contact to verify that this is true... thanks for any help you can give me
  • nataliemacnataliemac Member Posts: 14
    I got the letter notifying me of the warranty extension - I had already paid for all of this all two and a half years ago, so I gleefully set about collecting up the required documentation to send to VW of America for reimbursement. However, they required not only copies of all receipts, but proof of payment as well - credit card statements or cancelled checks. Seriously? 2.5 years later when the bank I was using at the time has gone out of business, I have no way of providing that information. I don't even know if I wrote a check or used a credit card.

    Anyway, maybe this is all a moot point. My Bug was STOLEN this past weekend. I guess the joke's on the guy dumb enough to take it.
  • les24les24 Member Posts: 11
    You are the lucky one. I hoped mine would be stolen once I decided I had had enough. I received $6000 from CARMAX for my '05,beautiful blue convertible Beetle that I had purchased 5 1/2 yrs earlier for $28,000. But really I only netted $2000 since I had spent $4000 to fix the transmission. I have all my documents together in the hopes of getting re-imbursed but the info from this blog has me discouraged. Should we contact the NHTSA again??? :cry:
  • vwsucksbigtimevwsucksbigtime Member Posts: 1
    My transmission has died. Now I have a huge lawn ornament.

    Volkswagon knew they had a problem on their hands over a year ago and refused to act on it until mid-November. And even with this extended warranty, I have not heard of one case where there are paying for the "valve body" job. They told me that because I drove the car with a failing valve body, I caused more damage to the transmission and that is why it has now ceased. The real problem is they put inferior transmissions into their cars and they are trying to figure out ways to escape responsibility.

    They are crooks and VW is not standing behind their faulty product since they know it will cost them millions. They are facing a Toyota situation and are doing everything in their power to sidestep liability.

    I have contacted Brain Ross with ABCNews and hopefully these crooks in Herndon, VA at VW of America will be investigated by the best in the business.

    I feel for all you out there who have been cheated. An effort needs to be undertaken to reveal the truth. Hard working people here in the States should not have to throw money away because of a bad product that a major corporation won't stand behind.
  • stlbugstlbug Member Posts: 1
    The dealer must not understand the extension warranty. It is good to whoever owns the car and the letter must go to the new owners if the car is sold.I would go to a different dealer . Call VWNA customer care and explain the problem. 800-822-8987. Good Luck!
  • buggedout1buggedout1 Member Posts: 19
    law suit!!!! aren't we all tired of this? I am waiting the final 30 days, of the 60 days they stated in their information, for any correspondence from VW regarding this transmission problem. As soon as I get anything, I will post it.
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    The Edmunds forums cannot be used to organize legal actions so please don;t make any posts along those lines as they will have to be removed. Those are the rules of the road and not negotiable.

    Thanks for your cooperation on this.
  • les24les24 Member Posts: 11
    That is such crap... Reading thru my old repair records that I have gathered to try to get some money back, I found reciepts from visits to the dealership when the car was still in warranty, asking them to check the transmission cause it didn't feel right. They stated nothing was wrong. Then I probably slowly got used to what a failing transmission feels like and thought it was normal till it started "bucking" into gear. Maybe that will help me with re-imbursement...will update.
  • soundrmssoundrms Member Posts: 3
    I have an 03 and I just received an extended warranty from VW that it is the Valve Body that needs to be replaced. Everything I have read VW is not honoring the extended warranty either. They are making excuses not to do the repairs. I have sent info to Channel 5 LA but have heard nothing back.
  • soundrmssoundrms Member Posts: 3
    We need to sign a document and send it in to all local TV Stations and I am sure someone will pick it up and make them have to deal with the problem
  • bahhumbug2bahhumbug2 Member Posts: 1
    I too had this issue. Why is this so hard to diagnose when so many of us have the same problem?!
    I have the '03 6 speed automatic with sport shift. It started off lurching around 3rd gear. As the car warms up the car will rev before going into gear and then bang like I was hit from behind. A couple months later and I notice it more in 2nd and 4th gear as well. This happens gearing up and down.
    My mechanic suggested a transmission shop and they test drove it and said it was not the transmission.
    Unfortunately I am over 100,000km and 5 years but I agree that it is hazardous when you merge onto a highway and cars behind you have to brake because you are revving in 2nd gear.
    Has anyone had the Valve body replaced with no improvement?
  • pplautpplaut Member Posts: 4
    All-
    I had just purchased a 2003 used beetle convertible. The jerking of the transmission got so bad, my daughter refused to drive the car. I called around and everybody wanted to replace the transmission. One guy said he had pretty good luck with the transmission by replacing the fluids ( we have 75k mi) or maybe flushing the transmission.
    He did warn me that this may not work. He also if it did work the transmission would never shift smoothly. He also said if it did get better, to bring it back a few months later to have it flushed again and it might get even better.

    I am happy to report that the first transmission flush made the car drivable. So drivable in fact that I am going to take the car back again and try the second flush to see if it will get even better.

    I hope this helps all who would like to try something less expensive that a new transmissions.

    Peer
  • vw_johnnyvw_johnny Member Posts: 6
    I had the same transmission problems as everyone on this forum and I'm glad to say that it was only the valve body. My trans has 80K. I had The Transmission House in Covina, CA replace the valve body with a rebuilt one and my cost out the door was about $1250.00, with new VW factory oil and filter as well. I thought I was out $6K and was ready to get rid of my NB vert. Do your research and you can have this problem resolved for under $1500. I hear that the Nissan Maxima valve bodys are going out at 40k and GM Saturns 50k.
  • les24les24 Member Posts: 11
    good luck with that. Let's hear from you in 10,000 miles.
  • vw_johnnyvw_johnny Member Posts: 6
    I would trust the rebuilt valve body over a new factory valve body. The original valve body has the steel valves riding directly on the aluminum body causing premature wear and leakage (causing the erradic shifting). The rebuilt ones are bored and inserted with steel sleeves, minimizing wear on the aluminum body. Also, the rebuilt one have better wiring and electronics. The shop provided me with 12mo/12000mi warrantee. So far, it's driving like it did when it was new. If you keep driving the car with the bad shifting, it will eventually destroy the rest of the transmission. I saved over $1100 going with the rebuilt VB. Why would I put the same piece of crap that originally caused the problem. Why would I give VW anymore money? I'm glad my local trans shop is making money from the problem, keeps my money in the local economy and not Mexico where the original VB was built. The trans shop is beginning to see an increase on NB coming in. Note: The convertible VB is a few hundred dollars more than the reg ones, otherwise the cost of the repair would have been about $1000 total.
  • nataliemacnataliemac Member Posts: 14
    It's absolutely true that it's the faulty valve body that's causing the problem and ultimately causing the transmission to go bad when you continue driving it. That's what I was told by the transmission shop where I finally took the car after FOUR visits to the VW dealership where I complained about hard shifting and they kept insisting they couldn't find anything wrong with the car.

    So I kept driving it and ruined my transmission. I should have taken it to the local transmission shop (in business since 1960) in the first place and I could have spared myself thousands of dollars in repairs.
  • vw_johnnyvw_johnny Member Posts: 6
    They are techinically correct, there is nothing wrong with the transmission, but there is something wrong with the valve body which happens to be in the transmission. The dealership is playing symantics with people. Folks, forget the dealer and get your transmission repaired by a shop that is serious about fixing the problem.
  • paisleyrainpaisleyrain Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a 2003 VW Beetle Convertible automatic transmission with 40K miles. Now I have notices that all of the gear are indicated on the dashboard display - meaning it looks like (P) (R) (D) etc... Car drives fine - no shifting issues. Any suggestions?
  • exvwloverexvwlover Member Posts: 4
    VW denied my request for reimbursement. They said that their research shows that a worn valve body cannot cause transmission failure. Because I had to have my transmission rebuilt; they denied me. What can we do? I'm so angry, this car has been a complete nightmare? :cry:
  • exvwloverexvwlover Member Posts: 4
    I feel exactly the same way. I bought my so called dream car and it's been nothing but a complete nightmare. I just got a letter from VW denying me for reimbursement for a rebuilt transmission. They said that their research shows that a worn valve body cannot cause transmission failure. The diagnosis clearly states... "Causes of failure of transmission.... Worn valve body." What can we do? What they are doing is not right!.
  • girlcopgirlcop Member Posts: 6
    I received the same denial letter and have called VW a number of times. These dealers don't care to repair, they rather push for you to buy a new car. I've spent over $8,000 on repairs including rentals on a car I still owe money. They need to recall these Beetles, reiumburse us for what we spent making those repairs or find an attorney who will file a class action.
  • pplautpplaut Member Posts: 4
    The goal was not to make it perfect, but to get the car driveable... the car is now drivable most of the time, whereas before it was horrible. We have between 5-7500k miles on the car since the transmsission fluid change. To make it right will probably require the valve body replacement....
  • daraqu2daraqu2 Member Posts: 1
    I do not know who to turn to now. I have been experiencing problems with my 2004 Volkswagen New beetle. I purchased the car March, 2010 and a few weeks ago it started acting up. The gears have been shifting very violently from first to second. I received a letter from Volkswagen in November, 2010 for an extended warranty on the transmission valve body because they have noticed that a lot of people have been having problems with this. I took it to a local VW dealer and now they tell me that I was only covered until September, 2010. I also called Volkswagen of America and they tell me unfortunately I'm SOL...The letter says it will cover to 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first from the vehicle's original in-service date. This is so aggravating seeing that my car is a 2004!! Please advice.
  • mochapattiemochapattie Member Posts: 1
    The letter I got was a "Warranty Extension-Transmission Valve Body" I took it into Pacific Volkswagen in Hawthorne, CA where I bought the car used. They told me that they would have to "hook it up" to see if that "part" was the problem & that it would cost me $125.00 - IF "that part" was the problem, I would not have to pay the $125. Ihave been having trouble with "hard shifting" for a while & they could never feel it or diagnose the problem, but now that this letter came, I figured they figured it out - WRONG!! This is totally rediculious - I KNEW they would not find a problem with the ONE part & keep the $$. They say it is:
    004.01-Check DTC memory
    CODE 17116 3
    GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO INTERMITTENT
    What the heck is that?
    They didn't even suggest rebuilding anything - They say I have to get a whole new transmission - at the cost of ... $5,246.87 PLUS $1,000.00 labor!
    Ihave been laid off for 2 years - paid the car off during that time & have no $ to do ANY of that, so they let me drive away. I have taken the car in to them for all it's regular service & oil changes & on top of the Trans, thay say that my brakes are metal to metal, my cv boots are cracked & leaking and that I need: the Trans (5,246.87) ; 2(two) Driveshafts (@328.90 each) ;
    2 Boots (@108.72) ; 2 MORE boots (@136.80) ; brake lining (@ 87.75) ANOTHER brake lining (@128.70) ; and a brake wash (@6.94) these prices don't include labor & I was told that the Trans labor would be $1,000.00. NOW I went home, looked up Kelly Blue book & saw that my car "In FAIR condition" & we can see that if all the above is true - it is NOT even in FAIR condition - but the FAIR condition Trade-in value is $4,500 - Private Party Fair condition Value is $6,025 & N/A for POOR condition - Why would you invest MORE $ in a car than what it's worth? I have 82,000 miles on it & REALLY have enjoyed my car, but what's next? When I was working & had to put $ into it, it wasn't so bad, but now, I just don't know what to do.

    Thanks for letting me vent - if you've got any suggestions, I'll listen
  • jbpag24jbpag24 Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone knows if 2000 beetle transmission will fit a 2002 turbo? some says yes and some says no. I know that the pressure, clutch and axles are different.
  • jbpag24jbpag24 Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know if a 2000 Beetle trans will work on a 2002 turbo beetle? Some said "yes" and some said "no"
  • vw_johnnyvw_johnny Member Posts: 6
    Try Bozzani VW in Covina, CA, they seem fair and they are well aware of this particular problem. Call them.
  • buggedout1buggedout1 Member Posts: 19
    Has there been any person that has received a reimbursement from this "form" letter regarding the transmission? It is insulting - they "apologized" for the inconvenience..and I got NOTHING they have got to be kidding! SOMETHING has to be done on their part - the car has a design flaw, but VW will not admit it...we are all being swept under the rug....they show that commmercial during the superbowl, such a caring company! ??
  • nataliemacnataliemac Member Posts: 14
    I had the repairs done about 2 1/2 years ago. Luckily for me, the transmission was rebuilt and billed to me separately from the valve body being replaced, so I did not have to send them the bills I got for the transmission, which seem to have caused some other people problems. The valve body was $1200 to purchase and then the transmission shop charged me $300 to install it.

    I submitted copies of my paid receipts for both the valve body and the installation. I got back a letter in the mail that said:

    "In order to properly look into your reimbursement request under the VA (Valve Body) Warranty Extension further, we are missing some required information. Please send the following information to either the above address or fax it to (248) 754-6504:

    Proof of payment such as bank statements, credit card statements, the front and back of a check, a repair order stamped paid, or a statement on business letterhead from an independent repair shop signed and dated by the owner/manager"

    Unluckily for me, I paid cash. The VW dealership stamped their receipt for the valve body paid, but the transmission shop simple wrote "Cash. Paid in Full" and signed their name. I guess that wasn't good enough.

    I returned to the transmission shop this week and the owner got all grumpy and said, "I WROTE PAID on it! What else do you want?" The most I could get him to do is write 'PAID CASH' on it again, with a date and sign his name. I sent that to them and am hoping that's good enough.
  • mammothvwmammothvw Member Posts: 1
    Same problem with us. Beetle exhibited exact problems in warranty letter, VW dealer said they don't rebuild trans, just replace them for $6,000.... then vw denied our request for reimbursement because warranty only covers valve body. Can you say CLASS ACTION anyone?????????
  • bigsky4bigsky4 Member Posts: 1
    Daraqu2, I had the same problem and it is a joke with the customer service at VW. They will not back up their product. I had my 2003 VW Beetle repaired from a private mechanic. The dealership said it was the transmission, but the mechanic diagnosed it to the transmission valve body. I received the same warranty letter and submitted it for reimbursement ($2000 as opposed to the original cost from the dealership that would be $6000). VW denied reimbursement because the mechanic finished repairs a month beyond the warranty extension, even though the dealership diagnosed it 6 months prior. I have been bantering back and forth with the customer service department at VW, but have not been successful. Have decided not to purchase another VW after dealing with a company that will not back up a warranty when it is a known problem within the company. Sorry to hear you have the same issues, and I'm just as aggravated as you are!
  • erinlaura1erinlaura1 Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2011
    Wow- this board is really heating up. I've been reading for months, but finally decided to chime in. I'm in the same boat, I'm currenty within the valve body warranty extension, but my Transmission Powertrain is conveniently out of warranty. I had been having the hard shifting problems, mentioned it to dealer service when I had other service done, but he couldn't find any problems. This is my one and only car. I am an outside salesperson and must have a car to earn any money at all. I drove it with it's hard shifting issues. Then in December came the letter! Merry Christmas to me, right? NO! They denied the valve body repair due to the fact that the entire Trans needs replacing. How could I have possibly destroyed the trans on my 5 year old automatic? SO, your faulty valve body has nothing to do with my failed transmission? From what I understand the valve body is within the transmission! I feel like this was VWs way of rooting us out of our holes and now attempting to get us to pay more than the car is worth for this repair. NUTS!! Well, I guess we WERE dumb enough to buy this car, so we might go for this too. I am currently asking for EVERY decision made regarding my case be sent to me in writing for future fighting for reimbursment as the car must be fixed. Please if anyone has any info at all regarding a lawsuit, or something please advise!!!

    Erin :lemon:
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    The Edmunds forums can not be used to organize legal actions, so please don't make posts along those lines as they will have to be removed. Thanks for your cooperation on this.
  • vw_johnnyvw_johnny Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2011
    Is the transmission slipping or is it just shifting/down shifting hard? Do you have another VW dealer in the area you can go to? 90% of the time, the problem is the valve body unless the transmission completely fails. What is the harm in just replacing the valve body and see if that works? Mine was running so bad that I for sure thought I needed a new transmission, took it to a third party tranmission shop and they told me it was only the valve body and they were right. Unfortuately, mine was out of warranty and paid $1200 to get it fixed, not bad, and it is running great. Good luck.
  • erinlaura1erinlaura1 Member Posts: 2
    My case already went all the way through VW of America. I asked about taking it to another dealer and they told me that now that I've opened a case with them, no dealer will authorize the repair. They flat out denied the Valve Body replacement because the transmission is ruined and needs to be replaced. The harm in just putting in a new valve body is if that doesn't work then I have 1200 in a valve body and still need the full tranny repair. My transmission is being repaired now as we speak. My dollar, though sadly. I appreciate any and all responses though!
  • glenda10667glenda10667 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 vw beetle convertible. I thought when I bought it I was buying my dream car boy was I wrong. I have had nothing but trouble with from day 1. I can’t count how many times the air bag secncer has come on and I have had to go back and have it turned off. I have had to have all 4 window regulators replaced. And it seems that every other week I’m having to replace a light that has blown. The seat belt has broken 3 times and the silver flap that come up when you let your top down has broken and had to be replaced 3xs now they don’t even put them on the car anymore due to the fact that they continue to brake but yet they won’t continue to fix the problem. I have had to have the transmission worked on 2 different times then we got the recall on the value body part so I went and had that replaced in Dec. I went to go somewhere last night and My transmission jerked an made a loud popping noise when I put it in reverse. Then the check engine light will come on and then the "brackets" come up on the gears and it will not tell me what gear I am in. It continued to down shift very hard and slips going up into drive. I get in it this morning to take it to the dealer and it seems fine the lights are back on an the transmission is working like there is nothing wrong. So I’m not sure what to do next. I also called the VW of America customer service and of course there is nothing they can do.
  • erturnererturner Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a 2000 Beetle (56k miles, manual) that got the all clear from the mechanic. The car drives just fine but once it gets above 65 mph in fifth gear, it kind of sounds as if it needs to be shifted. Of course, it only has five gears, so I can't shift it again. The car responds well in high speeds, I don't have any problem actually going faster, but it just sounds almost as if it needs to be shifted. I don't think it gets higher than 3 rpms when I am hearing that sound, however. Any comments would be appreciated!
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