NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. Most complaints involve air bags (6) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 26–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST PALM BEACH (3001 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.”
“The rear view camera stopped working (black screen.) I have tried to soft reset the infotainment display unit as well as a hard reset by disconnecting car battery to no avail. The trunk lock mechanism is operational (the rear view camera unit is located in the same unit.)”
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 | 322 |
| Beetle Convertible Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 322 |
| Beetle Dune Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,300 | 331 |
| Beetle Dune Convertible Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,300 | 331 |
| Beetle Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 349 |
| 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 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (6), electrical system (2), lane departure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle at 26–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle 5 out of 5 stars overall.