Vehicle recall 03V265000 · July 25, 2003
1998-2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction.
- Consequence
- If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- 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).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 03V265000
- Reported to NHTSA
- July 25, 2003
- Filed by
- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Manufacturer campaign
- WT
- Owner notification
- September 26, 2003
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 295,136
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Volkswagen New Beetle (1998-2001): 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998
Has your Volkswagen been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.