Model year guide

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 36 on record.

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints236
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$1,435

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #03V265000 · 25/07/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 236 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
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.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,742

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,435
High
$2,650

From 30 comparable 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,710
Fuel only$13,710
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · GLX 1.8T · GL
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 148 hp

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle vehicles on record

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C6XM456646 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCA21C8XM461918 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C9XM437816 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C6XM434288 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C5XM449946 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCA21C5XM457857 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T3VWDD21CXXM461334 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C3XM446513 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCA21C1XM417095 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C4XM473736 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21CXXM431992 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C7XM438110 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCA21C0XM447303 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C7XM431030 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCA21CXXM471933 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL3VWBA21C4XM448501 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCA21CXXM467512 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C8XM413197 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C6XM437918 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C2XM436538 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C8XM417556 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C4XM474157 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCC21C2XM450990 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCA21C5XM465862

Other Volkswagen New Beetle model years

2013 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1998

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle?

Based on 236 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle at about 27 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle worth?

Comparable 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle listings run roughly $700–$2,650, typically around $1,435 (from 30 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.