Every 2018 Volkswagen Beetle recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Air Bags · NHTSA 24V834000
Oct 30, 2024Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 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.
Full recall details for 24V834000 →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 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 18V369000
Jan 6, 2018Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:CaliperDo not drive
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 18V369000 →
2018 Volkswagen Beetle complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. Volkswagen has issued at least 517 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 Bags7
- Electrical System6
- Unknown Or Other4
- Engine1
- Forward Collision Avoidance1
- Fuel System, Gasoline1
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (396)
- Electrical System (195)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (178)
- Engine (130)
- Unknown Or Other (70)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (54)
Read Volkswagen Beetle owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“I am submitting a formal vehicle safety report regarding a hazardous mechanical reassembly failure involving my 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Coast. On August 14, 2026, the vehicle underwent service evaluation at Stohlman Volkswagen Tysons Corner.”
2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLESep 5, 2026 · VA
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11762295
“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.”
2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLESep 24, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11689513
“The contact's wife owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact's wife received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.”
2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEAug 25, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11682944
“The ignition failed to release the key and turn off the engine. According to the service writer at New Century Volkswagen in Glendale, CA, this is a known problem with older model Volkswagens.”
2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEJul 29, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11677002
“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled.”
2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEJul 9, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11672219
Check your Beetle by VIN
Not every 2018 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 →