2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

7 recalls, 88 complaints - 1,467 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

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 tem... Read more

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.

105,652 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Defect Description

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 flu... Read more

Consequence

If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact ... Read more

38 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tenneco Automotive

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Defect Description

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, 2... Read more

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.

113 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

Defect Description

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... Read more

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.

679,027 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Defect Description

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 w... Read more

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-... Read more

442,066 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Defect Description

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 instal... Read more

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.

2,471 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

TIRES

Defect Description

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 VEHICL... Read more

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.

83 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Complaint Statistics

88 total complaints 5 crashes 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
VISIBILITY/WIPER	10
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS	9
STEERING	6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6
ENGINE	6
STRUCTURE:BODY	5
SUSPENSION	3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	3

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

Reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2024 Mazda CX-90. Steering system: At approximately 5,000 miles, the vehicle developed abnormal steering behavior, including inconsistent steering response and abnormal feel during normal driving and turning. The condition affected my ability to steer... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2022

After getting in my car and turning on the ignition, I put my foot on the brake. After pulling the gear shift out of park and as I am taking my foot off the brake pedal, sometimes the car would jump a little as if has a glitch in the shifting from park to the next gear.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2022

Volkswagen water pumps keeps failing. I had the first water pump fail at 61902 miles replaced on 22 Mar 2017. I then had to have another Volkswagen water pump put in my car replaced by a Volkswagen dealership at 82,229 miles on 4 Jan 2019. I am now back at the Volkswagen dealer for yet another new w... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2022

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 05/19/ 2022 NO PRIOR ISSUES ALL SERVICE REQUIRMENTS COMPLETED FROM PRIOR CORPORATE OWNED COMPANY. SINCE MY PURCHASE BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE SPORADICALLY FALLEN OUT OF THEIR BRACKETS WHILE I'M DRIVING LEADING TO LOSS OF VISIBILTY DURING THE DAYTIME AND NIGHTIME. FIRST INCIDENT ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2021

Airbag replacement not available through Volkswagen after several months.

Incident date: Dec 16, 2020

I received a recall notification dated Dec. 16, 2020 for my 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The notification was for a replacement of the driver's side airbag which could explode due to high temperature or humidity. These condition exist on the Big Island of Hawaii where the car is located, but there are no... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2021

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2021

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the recall however, the contact was informed that parts we... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2021

THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2020

THE PLASTIC PART ON THE TOP AROUND THE MOON ROOF HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED ON ALL 4 CORNERS, NOT JUST HAIRLINE CRACKS, BUT COMPLETELY CRACKED APART EDGE TO EDGE, ENOUGH TO FIT A CREDIT CARD IN. THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, RARELY DRIVEN EXCEPT ON NICE DAYS, I DON'T EVEN DRIVE IT ON RAINY DAYS... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2021

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL R... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2021

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONA... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LO... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2021

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIRBAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOU... Read more

Incident date: Nov 11, 2020

ENGINE LIGHT FOR EVAP PURGE FLOW INCORRECT. I'VE SPENT OVER $700.00 AT THE DEALERSHIP AND MY ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON WITH THE SAME ERROR CODE.P0441. THANKFULLY I HAVE FIXED PLUGGED IN AND I CAN TURN OFF THE ENGINE LIGHT ONLY TO HAVE IT COME ON AGAIN EVERY 25 TO 50 MILES OF DRIVING. ???? THE PURG... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2020

WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE STEERING LOCKED UP, PREVENTING ANY KIND OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CATOSROPHIC CRASH INJURING THE DRIVER ON A CITY STREET.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 19, 2020

WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE STEERING LOCKED UP, PREVENTING ANY KIND OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CATOSROPHIC CRASH INJURING THE DRIVER ON A CITY STREET.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 14, 2020

WHILE TURNING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY I HEARD A BANG NOISE. IT WAS NIGHT AND AT THE TIME I DID NOT SEE WHAT WENT WRONG UNTIL AN INSPECTION LATER REMOVING THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE TOP OF THE STRUT SPRING BROKE. THE TOP OF A MCPHERSON STRUT IS A PIVOT FOR THE STEERING. THE CAR IS A 2012 WITH 86,000... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2020

Incident date: Feb 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH INDEPENDENTLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. EVENTUALLY THE INTERIOR DOOR LATCH FAILED AND THE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE DOOR LATCH TO SECURE THE DOOR... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2020

2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GEAR SELECTOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SET IN PARK, BUT ROLLED FORWARD INTO ANOTHER OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.*JS

Crash

Incident date: Oct 6, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HEARD A BEEPING SOUND PRIOR TO THE FAIL... Read more

Incident date: May 28, 2019

THE TIMING TENSIONER BROKE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. VOLKSWAGEN PAID FOR TIMING AND 60% OF ENGINE WORK. SHORTLY AFTER I NOTICED I NEEDED TO ADD OIL AND RIGHT AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE OIL WOULD BE LOW. MEANWHILE THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. NOW VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP SAYS THE PVC IS BAD AND WHEN Q... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT DEALER WHO SOLD HER THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V540000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE THE RECALL HISTORY AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED A VOLKS... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 1, 2015

PURCHASED 2012 VW BEETLE IN 2014 USED AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 6SHORTLY AFTER. DEALER REPLACED SECONDARY AIR INJECTOR SENSOR UNDER WARRANTY. LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A SECONDARY AIR INJECTOR VALVE THAT WAS BAD BUT WOULD NOT COVER DUE TO BEING OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH ISSUE O... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2018

OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS OR SO EVERY TIME I GO OVER ANY SORT OF BUMP IN THE ROAD I HEAR A CRACKING KIND OF NOISE. WHEN I GO OVER THE RAILROAD TRACKS IT SOUNDS AS IF MY CAR IS GOING TO CRACK..IT'S SO BAD I AM SO AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR HOWEVER I DO NEED TO DRIVE IT. VERY SCARY

Incident date: Apr 22, 2018

SUNROOF'S PLASTIC FRAME COVER DEVELOPED CRACK WIDE ENOUGH FOR CALLING CARD TO FIT INSIDE AN ALLOW WATER IN TO LEAK INOT HEADLINER ETC., PLUS SEVERAL HAIRLINE CRACKS HAVE FORMED. THE CLEARCOAT HAS WORN OFF THE SAME SURFACE AFTER 5.5 YEARS ON THIS SAME NON-METAL FRAME THAT SURROUNDS THE SUNROOF ABOUT ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2018

PURCHASED THE 2012 VW TURBO BEETLE FROM CUTRUBUS OF LAYTON UTAH 801-544-5878 WITH $3,200 OF OWN MONEY..GOLDEN WEST CREDIT UNION LOAN $10,500.. CUTRUBUS HAS MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT THAT INSPECTED AND EMESSIONED THE VEHICLE.. TOOK THE 2012 VEHICLE OFF THE LOT AND CAR STALED AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON.. T... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 15 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 10, 2017

KEY GETS CONSTANTLY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN TURNING THE CAR OFF. THE CAR IS IN PARK AND THE KEY STUCK.

Incident date: Jul 10, 2017

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.

Incident date: Jun 9, 2017

I WAS DRIVING AND THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON. AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THE CAR NEEDED A CARBON CLEANING WHICH IS A $900 JOB. BEING THAT MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAS 40K MILES I WAS SHOCKED. AFTER DOING RESEARCH AND TALKING TO THE DEALERSHIP I LEARNED THAT ALL 2012 BETTLES WITH THIS DIRECT ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2017

Incident date: Nov 9, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A LEAKY DETECTION PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Incident date: Apr 30, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Incident date: Jan 18, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING. THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE ATTE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2015

VEHICLE DIES WHILE DRIVING. HAS HAPPENED ON COUNTLESS OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, TURNING, STOPPED AT LIGHT, ETC. NO WARNING. ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AS THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A ROAD AT 50 MPH WITH OTHER VEHI... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE IGNITION AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION AND STEERING TUMBLER LOCK NEEDED TO ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2012

Incident date: Jan 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ROLL THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW UPWARDS, THE WINDOW INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWNWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2014

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V656000 (SUSPENSION).THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTUR... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2014

9-3-14 GOT INTO VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. FOUND HORIZONTAL CRACK RUNNING FROM BEHIND REAR VIEW MIRROR ABOUT 8" IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AND CURVING UP TO THE ROOF LINE. ADDITIONALLY THERE IS A VERTICLAL CRACK THAT INTERSECTS THE HORIZONTAL ONE AT IT RUNS DIRECTLY UP TO THE ROOF LINE. THERE WAS... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2014

I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR UNDER A MONTH. NOTICEABLE LAG FROM DEAD START AS WELL AS LOW SPEEDS AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE. *TR

Incident date: Jul 1, 2014

I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR UNDER A MONTH. NOTICEABLE LAG FROM DEAD START AS WELL AS LOW SPEEDS AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE. *TR

Incident date: Mar 12, 2014

WINDSHIELD CRACKED BEHIND REAR VIEW MIRROR. STARTED AT THE TOP SEAM OF THE GLASS. WAS NOT HIT BY A ROCK. *TR

Incident date: Mar 10, 2014

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING ABOUT 60MPH, WHEN I NOTICED A SLIGHT, HIGH PITCHED RATTLE. A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER, WHILE STILL ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD RIGHT IN THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE JUST BEHIND THE REARVIEW MIRROR. ONCE I GOT HOME I CHECKED IT OUT AND THE GLASS... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2012

THERE IS A HIGH PITCH WHISTLING NOISE IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. IT IS PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SITTING STILL AND WHILE THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING. THE NOISE ONLY INCREASES WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND FORTH. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE POWER STEERING ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2013

WINDSHIELD CRACK HORIZONTALLY FROM ROOFTOP DOWN IN TWO PLACES BEHIND REARVIEW MIRROR. *TR

Showing 50 of 88 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.5%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	30.0	25.0	Premium	$3,100
2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	29.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	30.0	24.0	Premium	$3,200
2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	31.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

1,467 manufacturer communications from 805 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	162
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	157
350000 EQUIPMENT	125
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	110
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	82
100000 POWER TRAIN	56
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	43
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	41

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VW Engine oil quality standards

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

VW Engine oil quality standards

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

VW Engine oil quality standards

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VW Engine oil quality standards

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VW Engine oil quality standards

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW Engine oil quality standards

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Reporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

VW Engine oil quality standards

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW Engine oil quality standards

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Helpline & Parts Dept. contact information.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Gasoline fuel additive

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Diagnostic Aid for engine misfire.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Introduce new engine coolant compatible with all models and all model years.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards

112000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Generator Replacement

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed only order the successor parts going forward.

160000 STRUCTURE

Strut or Shock leak assessment.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Document informs dealers on VWP-23-01

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).

150000 SEAT BELTS

VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.

140000 AIR BAGS

VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Radio knob replacement instead of radio replacement w/ knob part number.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed only order the successor parts going forward.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

263000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

ACC Calibration Process

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

A/C requirements, update to model year applicability.

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

A/C requirements, update to model year applicability.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil ) excluding Routan & ID.4attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update warranty table labor operation numbers due to recent Saga updates.

160000 STRUCTURE

update to required vehicle wash shampoo.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update warranty table labor operation numbers due to recent Saga updates.

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Manual transmission noise diagnostic assistance

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Minimum battery charger requirements during software updates

350000 EQUIPMENT

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include model year 2023 and the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine oil consumption measurement.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Gasoline quality check. Update to model and model year applicability.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Gasoline quality check. Update to model and model year applicability.

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Gasoline quality check. Update to model and model year applicability.

119111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE

Software Version Management (SVM) instruction. Update to require 70amp minimum battery charger during procedure.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Software Version Management (SVM) instruction. Update to require 70amp minimum battery charger during procedure.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VW engine oil specifications. Update to model year applicability.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW engine oil specifications. Update to model year applicability.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Gasoline quality.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine misfire diagnostic aid.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

100000 POWER TRAIN

Auto Trans fluid requirements.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Recommended fuel additive to avoid engine misfires.

119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Battery Testing and Charging using VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Battery Testing and Charging using VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Refrigerant leak diagnosis using Nitrogen. Updated to include ID.4

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VW engine oil specifications. Update to attachments.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW engine oil specifications. Update to attachments.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Refrigerant leak diagnosis using Nitrogen. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine oil pressure priming.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Engine oil pressure priming.

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Cleaning of Heating and Ventilation system, Updated to include additional model year applicability and cost of cleaning solution in warranty table.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Testing and Charging using recommended VW test equipment.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Tester VAS 6161 introduction.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Document informs dealers on VWP-22-03

118420 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS

Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states coolant leak Oil level sensor leaking Customer states front brake noise Customer states blind spot monitoring error in MFI Customer states blower stays on Cu

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

220000 SEATS

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

118420 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states coolant leak Oil level sensor leaking Customer states front brake noise Customer states blower stays on Customer states cannot set seat memory Customer state

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation. Update model year applicability to include 2022.

100000 POWER TRAIN

Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states coolant leak Oil level sensor leaking Customer states MIL-on, fault P2422 stored in ECM Customer states front brake noise Customer states blower stays on Cus

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

160000 STRUCTURE

Showing 100 of 1,467 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILURE

CERTAIN SUBJECT VEHICLES, MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CONVERTIBLE AND MY 2004 SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED DUAL-STAGE AIR BAG SYSTEM.THE AIR BAG CRASH SENSORS (#1F0 909 606) CONTAIN A SOLDER JOINT ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1998

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE

BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COV... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED MY 1998-1999 AND ALL MY 2000 AND LATER MODELS HAS UNDERGONE MULTIPLE REVISIONS.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES HIGH REPLACEMENT RATES OCCURRED IN VEHICLES BUILT WITH BRAKE SWITCH PART NUMBERS 1J0 945 511A AND 1J0 945 511B, THE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH OPERATION

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH USED IN NEW BEETLE IS ALSO SPECIFIED IN GOLF AND JETTA MODELS.ONE TYPE OF SWITCH IS USED ON CRUISE EQUIPPED MODELS, A SECOND TYPE IS USED ON NON-CRUISE MODELS.VW REPORTS 86 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND 2575 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH ARE RELA... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1972

UNSTABLE STEERING AND FISHTAILS

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE across all model years (1968, 2019).

119 Total Recalls

3,640 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

169 Reported Crashes

160 Reported Fires

4 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2019	4	16	View
2018	4	21	View
2017	4	22	View
2016	4	63	View
2015	6	108	View
2014	6	71	View
2013	7	125	View
2012 (current)	7	88
2010	3	42	View
2009	2	39	View
2008	3	109	View
2007	2	79	View
2006	4	161	View
2005	6	330	View
2004	6	469	View
2003	5	405	View
2002	8	231	View
2001	8	291	View
2000	7	373	View
1999	7	280	View
1998	8	289	View
1977	1	0	View
1974	0	4	View
1973	3	1	View
1971	3	0	View
1970	0	1	View
1969	0	1	View
1968	1	0	View
1965	0	5	View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
JETTA	249	14,075	View
GOLF	190	2,084	View
PASSAT	185	10,492	View
GTI	116	1,926	View
ID.4	115	1,606	View
ATLAS	101	2,700	View
TIGUAN	78	3,173	View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT	73	701	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE - All Years Overview

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE - Year by Year

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models