Volkswagen Beetle problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 255 owner complaints and 17 recalls on file for the Volkswagen Beetle (2005–2019). The 2013 Beetle has the most serious complaints, most often about airbags.

Complaints
255
Recalls
17
Model years
14
Worst year
2013

Complaints by model year

5200532006520071020087200932010192012502013232014522015402016112017152018122019
NHTSA complaints per Volkswagen Beetle model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Volkswagen Beetle years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle — 50 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Airbags
  2. 2015 Volkswagen Beetle — 52 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Airbags
  3. 2016 Volkswagen Beetle — 40 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Airbags
  4. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle — 19 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Airbags
  5. 2014 Volkswagen Beetle — 23 complaints; top problem: Airbags

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2010 (3 complaints).

Every Volkswagen Beetle model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 Beetle121003Electrical System
2018 Beetle150003Airbags
2017 Beetle110003Airbags
2016 Beetle401003Airbags
2015 Beetle521005Airbags
2014 Beetle230005Airbags
2013 Beetle503026Airbags
2012 Beetle192016Airbags
2010 Beetle30003Electrical System
2009 Beetle70002Lighting
2008 Beetle100402Electrical System
2007 Beetle50011Airbags
2006 Beetle30001Airbags
2005 Beetle51020Airbags

Most common Volkswagen Beetle problem areas (all years)

  • Airbags
    148 complaints
  • Electrical System
    32 complaints
  • Engine
    17 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    14 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    11 complaints
  • Lighting
    10 complaints
  • Steering
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    8 complaints
  • Suspension
    7 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    7 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212022202320242025
Complaints about the Volkswagen Beetle received by NHTSA each month.

Volkswagen Beetle recalls

  • Recall 24V834000Oct 30, 2024248,330 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 22V945000Dec 21, 202237,558 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 20V785000Dec 16, 2020105,652 vehiclesModel years 2012–2014

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 19V679000Sep 25, 2019113 vehiclesModel years 2008–2013

    Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

  • Recall 19V615000Aug 22, 2019679,027 vehiclesModel years 2012–2019

    Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

  • Recall 19V094000Feb 13, 20194,064 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: If the driver is not alerted when there is a problem with brakes, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.

  • Recall 18V369000Jun 1, 201810,225 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2018

    Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V136000Mar 2, 2017797 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V705000Oct 26, 201591,867 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V028000Jan 23, 201544,658 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

  • Recall 14V658000Oct 20, 20147,062 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015

    Risk: Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.

  • Recall 14V656000Oct 20, 2014442,066 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013

    Risk: The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V182000Apr 15, 201426,452 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.

  • Recall 12V540000Nov 15, 20122,471 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013

    Risk: If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.

  • Recall 12V331000Jul 16, 201283 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: Due to an error at the factory, the affected vehicles were produced with summer tires that are possibly not in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards 110 "tire selection & rims" and 139 "new pneumatic tires for light vehicles." in addition, customers may be unaware that their vehicle is equipped with summer performance tires. Summer tires have different grip and performance characteristics. These issues may lead to an increased risk of a crash.

  • Recall 11V031000Jan 21, 201127 vehiclesModel years 2010

    Risk: The vehicles do not meet with requirements that went into effect on september 1, 2010, and therefore may not offer the protection attendant to those requirements.

  • Recall 10V621000Dec 10, 2010228,236 vehiclesModel years 2006–2010

    Risk: If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Other Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology