1998–2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Recall: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION
NHTSA campaign 03V265000 · Exterior Lighting · filed Jul 25, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
The risk
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
VW RECALL NO. WT.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | New Beetle | 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 |
Related recalls
More Volkswagen New Beetle recalls
- 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle — ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TIRE INFORMATION LABEL…
- 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle — ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER DETECTION…
- 2000–2001 Volkswagen Cabrio and 3 other models — CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS…
- 2001–2002 Volkswagen Golf and 2 other models — ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN…
Other campaigns involving Volkswagen vehicles
All Volkswagen New Beetle recalls → · All Volkswagen recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V265000 (manufacturer number WT). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.