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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Reliability Rating
KEY:
Minimal Problems
Moderate Problems
Significant Problems
Category
Rating
Comments
Engine
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Timing Belt and Mass Air Flow Sensor. Periodic problems on this vehicle are failures of the Intake Manifold Air Induction Passages, 1.9L diesel engine only, Water Pump and the Vacuum Hoses. The cost to repair the Timing Belt is estimated at $49.00 for parts and $175.50 for labor on the 2.0L engine, $62.00 for parts and $195.00 for labor on the 1.8L engine or $80.00 for parts and $260.00 for labor on the 1.9L diesel engine. The cost to repair the Mass Air Flow Sensor is estimated at $80.00 for parts and $58.50 for labor on the gas engine and $380.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor on the diesel engine. Volkswagen has issued a warranty extension due to the high number of Mass Air Flow failures. Mass Air Flow sensors are now warranted for 7 years, 70,000 miles on 1999 through 2001.The cost of cleaning the carbon from the Intake Manifold Air Induction Passages is estimated at $11.00 for parts and $169.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Water Pump is estimated at $113.15 for parts and $169.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Vacuum Hoses is estimated at $25.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
Transmission & Driveline
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Steering & Suspension
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Brakes
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Heating & Air Conditioning
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Starting & Charging
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Accessories
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Overall
5 out of 5
*Repair costs are based on a flat rate of $65.00 per hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
Reliability History
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Minimal Problems
Moderate Problems
Significant Problems
Moderate Problems
