Federal complaints
93
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 93 of 93 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 47 of 93 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
34 complaint records2 crash reports
"THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, AND THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $120 TO JUST DIAGNOSIS THE ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE FREE AS ITS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Electrical system
19 complaint records
"CAR STALLS AND LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. 3RD INCIDENT ON CAR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE CAN'T FIND ANY ISSUE TO REPAIR. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
10 complaint records
"TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE COMMUNICATION ERRORS (P0864) CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN AT HIGH SPEED (55MPH) KILLING POWER STEERING AND ABS SYSTEM ON A CURVY COUNTRY ROAD...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V785000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. | Normally free |
| 19V679000 | Unknown Or Other | 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... | Normally free |
| 19V615000 | Steering | 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... | Normally free |
| 14V658000 | Visibility | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. | Normally free |
| 14V656000 | Suspension | 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... | Normally free |
| 12V540000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024648 2024-10-30 | Heater And Defroster | 35,086 | Issue: Volkswagen Group Canada is conducting a parts recovery campaign targeting 2012-2016 Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a TDI (diesel) engine built between May 25, 2011 and June 1, 2016. |
| 2021017 2021-01-21 | Airbag | 6,464 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. |
| 2020353 2020-08-04 | Label | 132,432 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. |
| 2019423 2019-08-22 | Powertrain | 117,306 | Issue: On certain vehicles, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever switch could cause the transmission to detect that it is in the Park position when it isn't. |
| 2014464 2014-10-20 | Suspension | 87,887 | On certain vehicles, if the rear axle trailing arms are damaged in a rear or side-rear impact crash and a repair facility does not correctly diagnose or replace damaged rear axle components, rear trailing arm durability could be reduced,... |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014465 2014-10-20 | Structure | 1,191 | On certain vehicles, the panoramic sunroof glass and steel frame may have been manufactured out of tolerance. This issue may result in the sunroof fracturing if the vehicle were to experience a sudden jolt, especially in cold temperatures. |
| 2012389 2012-11-15 | Airbag | 320 | Certain vehicles with leather sport seats may be equipped with an incorrectly coded Passenger Occupant Detection System Control Module in the front passenger location. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbocharger FAQ Sep 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Power Train | This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen*, 2013 VW Jetta Sedan and GLI*, 2009-2016 VW Eos*, 2008-2010 VW Passat*, 2009-2017 VW... |
| V0116152014815_20 Sep 2026 | Engine | Suggested fuel additive | |
| SM 39-2026 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 00-13-04_7 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order | |
| V0026012081638_2 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Differences between a leak and seepage |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOS-26-42 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result. | |
| V1718062017813_24 Jul 2026 | Engine | Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement | |
| TT 10-18-02_2 Jun 2026 | Engine | Lubricating engine components before reassembly. | |
| TT 13-20-01_3 Jun 2026 | Engine | Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start. | |
| V6919012010479_17 Jun 2026 | Air Bags | Inquiries | |
| V1719012012855_81 Jun 2026 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| VOS-26-21 Mar 2026 | Engine | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM... | |
| V0018092053065_6 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting | |
| SM 02-2026 Mar 2026 | Exterior Lighting | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| V9422022066761_4 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors | |
| VOS-26-15 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system... | |
| V5515032021354_9 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color | |
| DC_VW_CF_Airbag Mar 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles. | |
| VOS-26-01 Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output: | |
| V4016012043146_4 Nov 2025 | Suspension | What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut. | |
| V0116132033805_11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Engine misfire diagnostic aid. | |
| V1917012022548_15 Oct 2025 | Engine | G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants. | |
| V3718022033975_14 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids. | |
| V1718062017813_23 Oct 2025 | Engine | How to measure engine oil consumption. | |
| V3416022034406_8 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise | |
| V0017132033846_25 Oct 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire | |
| V0116152014815_19 Oct 2025 | Engine | A list of suggested fuel stations | |
| V8718102043704_24 Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement | |
| V0017132033846_24 Jul 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive | |
| V4616012043146_3 Jul 2025 | Suspension | How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut | |
| V1719012012855_79 Jun 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only) | |
| V8720022061094_9 May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen. | |
| V1719012012855_78 Apr 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards | |
| SM 02 2025 Feb 2025 | Air Bags | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| V1917012022548_14 Feb 2025 | Engine | Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant | |
| V0024012076283_1 Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Diesel Models only. Repurchase Prior to Repairs | |
| V1719022012855_77 Oct 2024 | Engine | Engine Oil Standards | |
| V5515032021354_8 Oct 2024 | Structure | Lack of paint under roof | |
| V0018092053065_5 Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Additional reporting | |
| CampTip_RNA_VW Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available | |
| V1718062017813_19 Sep 2024 | Engine | How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement | |
| V0116132033805_10 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid | |
| V0118122014603_20 Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool | |
| V1718032037201_19 Sep 2024 | Engine | Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick | |
| V1719012012855_76 Sep 2024 | Engine | A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| V3718022033975_13 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Fluid requirements | |
| TT 00-24-01 Sep 2024 | Structure | Wind & Water Leak Checking | |
| V0017132033846_23 Sep 2024 | Engine | Fuel additive to help with misfire faults | |
| V0116152014815_18 Sep 2024 | Engine | Recommended Gasoline Quality | |
| V3416022034406_7 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Manual transmission noise diagnosing | |
| V271901201189426 Aug 2024 | Electrical System | Battery testing | |
| V1719012012855_75 Aug 2024 | Engine | Engine Oil Standards | |
| VW_Multiple Closure Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Multiple Update closures: 20AH Atlas Quality Package 1, 24AE 1.8T ECM/TCM SW, 24BG Jetta Hybrid ECM SW, 24BM 2.0L Jetta MPI SW Update, 24X7 Jetta ECM SW, 24X8 CC ECM/TCM SW, 24Y4 MPI Jetta SW, 24Z5 Jetta Hybrid System SW, 27G2 Battery, 37H3 DSG SW, 37J2 TCM SW, 69V7 Atlas... | |
| TT 10-12-01_3 Jul 2024 | Engine | Engine Replacement Tip | |
| TT 10-18-02_2 Jul 2024 | Engine | Engine Assembly Tip | |
| V1719012012855_74 Jul 2024 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards | |
| V1719012012855_73 Jun 2024 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards | |
| V171901201285572 May 2024 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards | |
| V171905201285571 Apr 2024 | Unknown Or Other | VW Engine oil quality standards | |
| V2118022025464_9 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Frozen Charge Air Cooler, Engine no start updated to include Parts ordering notification. |
Showing 60 of 1141 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 1 warranty extension for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Beetle →