Every 2016 Volkswagen Beetle recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Air Bags · NHTSA 22V945000
Dec 21, 2022Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 22V945000 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 20E064000
Sep 23, 2020Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder
- Problem
- 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 fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- Risk
- If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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 Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Full recall details for 20E064000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 19V615000
Aug 22, 2019Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Control Module
- Problem
- 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."
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 19V615000 →Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 15V705000
Oct 26, 2015Engine and Engine Cooling:Engine
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 15V705000 →
2016 Volkswagen Beetle complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, reporting 2 crashes. Volkswagen has issued at least 693 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Air Bags46
- Electrical System6
- Unknown Or Other5
- Suspension3
- Wheels3
- Service Brakes2
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (590)
- Electrical System (274)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (201)
- Engine (152)
- Unknown Or Other (73)
- Power Train (66)
Read Volkswagen Beetle owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLESep 15, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11544720
Crash
“1.Air bags did not deploy in a three vehicle collision. 2.Passenger and myself could have hit our head on the dashboard or steering wheel. 3. unknown 4.yes, its been inspected by insurance company (the driver at fault). 5. no, no lights have ever come on. Car was always in great condition.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEOct 7, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11488404
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLEJul 10, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11531284
Crash
“THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT 40 MPH. HANKOOK TIRES. NOTHING WAS STRUCK AND THE TIRES HAD NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. SMOOTH CITY STREET.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEJul 12, 2019
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11231379
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an air bag failure shortly after the recall repair.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLESep 3, 2026
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11761840
Check your Beetle by VIN
Not every 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Volkswagen dealer.
Run a free VIN recall check →