Volkswagen Beetle 2019: Unintended Rollaway Risk from Key Removal
Volkswagen recalls 2019 Beetle models with electrical issue causing unintended rollaway if key is removed while shift lever isn't in Park. Owners must contact customer service for free fix.
Use caution until it’s fixed
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.
What happened, in plain English
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2019 Beetle models due to an electrical issue that can cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly if the key is removed while the shift lever isn't in Park. This poses a risk of personal injury or crash. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1224482-volkswagen-beetle-2019-unintended-rollaway-risk-from-key-removal.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1224482-volkswagen-beetle-2019-unintended-rollaway-risk-from-key-removal · Updated October 5, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #19V615000
Cite this page
“Volkswagen Beetle 2019: Unintended Rollaway Risk from Key Removal.” GovInfoNow, updated October 5, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1224482-volkswagen-beetle-2019-unintended-rollaway-risk-from-key-removal. Based on NHTSA recall #19V615000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V615000).
Why it’s dangerous
A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition while the transmission shift lever is not in Park. This can cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly, potentially leading to injury or a crash.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2019 Volkswagen Beetle models with automatic transmission and keyless entry are affected. Drivers who frequently shift the vehicle without the key in the ignition are at higher risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your 2019 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission, manual handbrake, and keyless entry. The recall covers specific model years from 2012 to 2019.
- Brand
Volkswagen- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Volkswagen
Call 1-800-893-5298 to schedule a free repair at a dealership.
What NHTSA says to do
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.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 3 months.
- NHTSA received the defect report
- Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Keep exploring
Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #19V615000 (August 22, 2019)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 5, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.