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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1998–2019

Volkswagen Beetle recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns and 2,586 owner complaints for the Volkswagen Beetle, covering model years 1998 to 2019. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (349), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Volkswagen Beetle VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 24 recall campaigns on file
  • 2,586 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 21 model years with data (1998–2019)
  • most complaints: 2004 (349 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (604 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V834000 (reported Oct 30, 2024)
  • 118 complaints reporting a crash (4.6%)
  • 107 complaints reporting a fire (4.1%)
  • 81 complaints reporting an injury (3.1%)
  • 3 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Volkswagen Beetle complaints by model year

21 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 349 of 2,586, or 13.5%. Next come 2003 (314) and 2000 (263). The fewest are for 2019, with 14 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volkswagen Beetle owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1998–2019Column chart of 2,586 complaints across 22 model years. The highest is 2004 with 349. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1998: 171 complaints17119981999: 174 complaints17419992000: 263 complaints26320002001: 203 complaints20320012002: 165 complaints16520022003: 314 complaints31420032004: 349 complaints34920042005: 261 complaints26120052006: 124 complaints12420062007: 56 complaints5620072008: 60 complaints6020082009: 33 complaints3320092010: 30 complaints3020102011: 0 complaints20112012: 65 complaints6520122013: 91 complaints9120132014: 50 complaints5020142015: 83 complaints8320152016: 48 complaints4820162017: 15 complaints1520172018: 17 complaints1720182019: 14 complaints142019
Show the figures for all 21 model years
Volkswagen Beetle complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volkswagen Beetle complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1998171141660
19991741720140
2000263821101
200120312991
2002165134110
20033147750
200434971320
200526111540
20061247190
2007562131
2008603800
2009331000
2010300000
2012654030
2013914010
2014503230
2015832010
2016482000
2017150000
2018170000
2019141000
All model years2,586118107813

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Volkswagen Beetle components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 604 complaints (23.4% of all 2,586), followed by Air Bags (534) and Electrical System (472).

Components named most often in Volkswagen Beetle complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volkswagen Beetle complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train60423.4%
Air Bags53420.6%
Electrical System47218.3%
Visibility32412.5%
Engine and Engine Cooling2499.6%
Exterior Lighting1907.3%
Structure1505.8%
Unknown or Other1335.1%
Engine993.8%
Vehicle Speed Control843.2%
Seat Belts773.0%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic722.8%
Equipment582.2%
Seats572.2%
Steering471.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Volkswagen Beetle recalls

24 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Beetle, newest first. The 24 campaigns cover model years 1998 to 2019. The 2012 and 2013 model years appear in the most campaigns (6 each).

  • 24 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
Volkswagen Beetle recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1998: 2 campaigns1999: 1 campaign
2000: 1 campaign2001: 2 campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: 3 campaigns2005: 3 campaigns2006: 3 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 3 campaigns2009: 2 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: 6 campaigns2013: 6 campaigns2014: 5 campaigns2015: 5 campaigns2016: 3 campaigns2017: 3 campaigns2018: 3 campaigns2019: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V834000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2017–2019

    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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V945000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2015–2016

    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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 20V785000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2012–2014

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible 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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V679000

    Reported

    Unknown or Other

    Model years 2008–2010, 2012–2013

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

    Consequence:
    If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 19V615000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module; Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device

    Model years 2012–2019

    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."

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 19V094000

    Reported

    Service Brakes; Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    Model year 2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when a brake system failure is detected. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 101, "Controls and displays."

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90L8.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 18V369000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

    Model year 2018

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

    Consequence:
    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 17V136000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2017

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Consequence:
    Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 15V705000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model years 2015–2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 15V028000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail

    Model years 2014–2015

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Show 14 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V658000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model years 2013–2015

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V656000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model years 2012–2013

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 14V182000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines

    Model year 2014

    Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.

    Consequence:
    The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 12V540000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model years 2012–2013

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 12V331000

    Reported

    Tires

    Model year 2012

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 Beetle vehicles. Some vehicles may be equipped with summer tires that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 110 "tire selection and rims" and 139 "new pneumatic tires for light vehicles."

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the noncompliant tires, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 12, 2012. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 11V031000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model year 2010

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2010 new beetle and new Beetle convertible manufactured from September 1, 2010, through September 22, 2010, for failing to comply with the barrier test requirements of federal motor vehicles safety standards No. 208, "occupant crash protection," that went into effect on September 1, 2010.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will offer to replace their vehicle with a comparable vehicle that was produced prior to September 1, 2010, compliant with FMVSS 208 requirements. The safety recall began on January 28, 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 10V621000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2006–2010

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new Beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new Beetle convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 31, 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 08V178000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model years 2003–2005

    Volkswagen is recalling 76,900 MY 2004-2005 new beetle and MY 2003-2005 new Beetle convertibles equipped with an advanced (dual-stage) air bag system. This system may have air bag frontal crash sensors that contain a solder joint on the circuit board that may crack under certain high temperature conditions. If this occurs, the air bag indicator light will illuminate and the fallback algorithm will ensure that the front air bags always deploy in a frontal crash in which the vehicle's deceleration is high enough to activate the frontal air bags.

    Consequence:
    In low-severity frontal impacts, the front air bags may deploy more forcefully than designed, increasing the possibility of injury to out-of-position front seat occupants.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect each vehicle to determine that the specific defect crash sensor is present on one or both sides of the vehicle. All of the defect crash sensors will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before July 31, 2008. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 08V036000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars

    Model year 2008

    On certain special edition triple white sedan vehicles, an incorrect adhesive may have been used to attach the roof spoiler to the rear glass of the vehicle. If the incorrect adhesive was used, the spoiler could become loose or fall from the vehicle without warning, even though initially the spoiler may feel secure.

    Consequence:
    If this happens, the spoiler could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the roof spoiler on these vehicles. The recall began on February 29, 2008. Owners may contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 07V063000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2001–2007

    On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

    Consequence:
    The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through September 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06V-183, but not both. The remedy is the same for each recall. Volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the VIN number of the vehicle. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  11. NHTSA campaign 06V183000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 1998–2002

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic or manual transmissions and cruise controls, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly during safety recalls 03V-265 or 04V-096.

    Consequence:
    The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2006. Vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06V-183, but not both. The remedy is the same for each recall. Volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the VIN number of the vehicle. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  12. NHTSA campaign 06V043000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2006

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 17-inch wheels and a 2.5L engine fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "tire selection and rims." These vehicles were produced with a tire information label that lists an incorrect front tire size. The correct front tire size should be listed as 225/45 R17. The inflation pressure is correct.

    Consequence:
    A misprinted label could lead to fitment of improperly sized replacement tires.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with a new tire information label and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can perform the installation for them free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2006. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  13. NHTSA campaign 04V586000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Diesel

    Model years 2004–2005

    On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on February 8, 2005. Owners should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  14. NHTSA campaign 98V100000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The electrical wiring located in the engine compartment was routed too close to the endge of the vehicle's battery tray. The wiring can become damaged over time by chafing and the air-conditioner compressor and/or the fuel pump can malfunction.

    Consequence:
    A malfunction of the fuel pump can cause the vehicle to stall, and in some instances, could also result in a wiring fire in the engine compartment.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a modified battery tray and inspect, properly route, and securing the wiring in accordance with the recall repair instructions.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Volkswagen Beetle questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volkswagen Beetle have?

NHTSA lists 24 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volkswagen Beetle, covering model years 1998 to 2019. The most recent, 24V834000, was reported on October 30, 2024 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2012 and 2013 model years are covered by the most campaigns (6 each).

Which Volkswagen Beetle model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 349 of the 2,586 complaints in NHTSA’s file (13.5%). The next are 2003 (314) and 2000 (263). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Volkswagen Beetle complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 604 complaints, or 23.4% of all 2,586. Air Bags (534) and Electrical System (472) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Volkswagen Beetle?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Volkswagen dealer.

How many Volkswagen Beetle complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 2,586 complaints, 118 report a crash, 107 a fire, 81 at least one injury and 3 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Volkswagen models

8 models · most complaints first

The Volkswagen models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Volkswagen VIN decoder with every Volkswagen model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Volkswagen models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.