Across the 8 model years we’ve synced, NHTSA lists 42 recall campaigns and 424 owner complaints for the Volkswagen Beetle. The 2013 model year has the most complaints (101).
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | NCAP overall | MPG comb. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 14 | 1 | Not rated | 29 | |
| 2018 | 4 | 17 | 0 | Not rated | 29 | |
| 2017 | 4 | 15 | 0 | 5 of 5 | 27 | |
| 2016 | 4 | 59 | 2 | 5 of 5 | 27 | |
| 2015 | 6 | 99 | 2 | 5 of 5 | 27 | |
| 2014 | 6 | 54 | 3 | 5 of 5 | 27 | |
| 2013 | 7 | 101 | 4 | 5 of 5 | 25 | |
| 2012 | 7 | 65 | 4 | 4 of 5 | 25 |
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 101 |
| 2014 | 54 |
| 2015 | 99 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 14 |
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."