NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 59 owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Most complaints involve air bags (46) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 26–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side 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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an air bag failure shortly after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a driver’s side air bag failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT HAS YET TO BE FIXED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS SENT TO DEALERS. Manufacturer Recall Number69EM NHTSA Recall Number22V945 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Safety Risk An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.”
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the TPMS warning light and the air bag warning light were intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that on two separate occasions while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently jerked and veered to the left or right side of the road. The contact also stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side lower ball joint failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 320 |
| Beetle Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 318 |
| Beetle Convertible Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 320 |
| Beetle Dune Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Beetle Dune Convertible Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,300 | 325 |
| Beetle Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 336 |
| Beetle Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 343 |
| Beetle Convertible Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,400 | 343 |
| Beetle Convertible Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 343 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (46), electrical system (6), suspension (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle at 26–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle 5 out of 5 stars overall.