NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
10 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 8, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System
I have a diesel leak which Volkswagen did not repair (after I towed it there and told them about it in writing) and is not causing a light in the dash however, when plugging in an ODBEleven, several codes are generated and one is related to a low fuel pressure sensor. I also watched the fuel line dripping. VW claims that it is u…
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I have a diesel leak which Volkswagen did not repair (after I towed it there and told them about it in writing) and is not causing a light in the dash however, when plugging in an ODBEleven, several codes are generated and one is related to a low fuel pressure sensor. I also watched the fuel line dripping. VW claims that it is unreasonable to ask them to pay what I already paid to have the car fixed (diagnostics, rental, tow). It was reasonable for me to buy it and pay for all that though apparently. With a diesel leak, it's unsafe to drive so I currently have a piece of metal outside that I'm only halfway through paying on. This indeed is a TDI 2.0L they sold me 3 years ago.
NHTSA ODI #11492768
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other
While driving on the interstate my 2013 VW Beetle showed a stability malfunction warning then lost power and would not accelerate. I coasted to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. It crank back up and I drove it home. Two months ago, I had the same issue with the vehicle losing power after the engine light illuminated severa…
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While driving on the interstate my 2013 VW Beetle showed a stability malfunction warning then lost power and would not accelerate. I coasted to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. It crank back up and I drove it home. Two months ago, I had the same issue with the vehicle losing power after the engine light illuminated several times before I could get the car into the VW dealership for repair. After a costly emmission valve and hose replacement the engine light didn’t come back on and the care hasn’t lost power until yesterday. My safety was at risk due to a lack of power and had not been able to coast to the shoulder safely, I could have been plowed into the rear of my car by a semi that was fast approaching. This is a vehicle that I purchased for my teenaged daughter and I shudder to think of an inexperienced driver in this situation. I have read lots of post from others who have had this problem with VW. Taking the car back to the dealership tomorrow and praying that I won’t be told that the lose of power is a safety feature that VW has like I was told previously. Safety feature is suppose to prevent an accident not put drivers in a sitution that is potentially fatal.
NHTSA ODI #11447694
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2021
Engine
Engine stalled and made jerking movements when coming to a stop and continued. Per mechanic, engine had metal contaminants and cannot be repaired. Needs new engine. Check engine light did not come on until after malfunction. Could have occurred on roadway which would have been hazard to driver and others. Second opinion from…
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Engine stalled and made jerking movements when coming to a stop and continued. Per mechanic, engine had metal contaminants and cannot be repaired. Needs new engine. Check engine light did not come on until after malfunction. Could have occurred on roadway which would have been hazard to driver and others. Second opinion from another mechanic obtained and confirmed. Not inspected by manufacturer. Oil was changed at VW dealership week before malfunction. No dealership available where malfunction occurred.
NHTSA ODI #11441099
90,000 miles · Mar 14, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
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.
NHTSA ODI #11402949
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2016
Engine
ENGINE SMOKING DEFECTIVE FUEL FILTER O-RING GASKETS CAUSING FUEL LEAKS--VW DEALERS NOT HONORING WARRANTY. BETWEEN APRIL 2015 - JULY 2016, VW DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THIS FUEL GASKET FIVE TIMES, REPEATEDLY CHARGING ME FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART AND UNNEEDED FILTERS. I SAVED ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE GASKETS AND HAVE BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT…
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ENGINE SMOKING DEFECTIVE FUEL FILTER O-RING GASKETS CAUSING FUEL LEAKS--VW DEALERS NOT HONORING WARRANTY. BETWEEN APRIL 2015 - JULY 2016, VW DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THIS FUEL GASKET FIVE TIMES, REPEATEDLY CHARGING ME FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART AND UNNEEDED FILTERS. I SAVED ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE GASKETS AND HAVE BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT VW DEALERSHIPS, GRAHAM IN SIOUX FALLS SOUTH DAKOTA AND JENSEN IN SIOUX CITY IOWA. THE ENGINE SMOKES, I FIND THE FUEL LEAK, TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BEFORE EVEN OPENING THE HOOD, BECAUSE "THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON." I CONTACTED THE VW REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER, TAMAR T., AND VW CUSTOMER CARE (REFERENCE # 160555387) AND WAS ADVISED THAT REPLACING A FUEL GASKET FIVE TIMES IN JUST OVER A YEAR IS A REGULAR "MAINTENANCE ITEM". ATTACHED ARE A PHOTO OF THE DEFECTIVE GASKET, RESPONSE FROM VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MY MAINTENANCE RECEIPTS/LOG.
NHTSA ODI #10903585
55,368 miles · Mar 17, 2016
Engine
APRIL 2015 ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SECONDARY AIR INJECTION HOSE WAS BAD. MARCH 2016 ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. SECONDARY AIR INJECTION PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO ISSUES AS FAR AS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR. CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BOTH TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #10850281
49,000 miles · Jul 1, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion System
DRIVING 60 MPH IN RUSH HOUR 6/19/15 & SUDDENLY ENG LIGHTS GO ON & CAR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC! I WAS SCARED I WAS GOING TO BE REAR ENDED & KILLED. PUT FLASHERS ON CALLED 911. POLICE PARKED BEHIND ME WHILE I WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK. OFFICER ASKED TO TRY & START TO SEE IF I COULD GET TO SIDE OF ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO START IT, BUT …
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DRIVING 60 MPH IN RUSH HOUR 6/19/15 & SUDDENLY ENG LIGHTS GO ON & CAR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC! I WAS SCARED I WAS GOING TO BE REAR ENDED & KILLED. PUT FLASHERS ON CALLED 911. POLICE PARKED BEHIND ME WHILE I WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK. OFFICER ASKED TO TRY & START TO SEE IF I COULD GET TO SIDE OF ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO START IT, BUT ONLY DRIVE A FEW FEET BEFORE STUTTERED & DIED AGAIN. HAD IT TOWED TO TYNANS VW, WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED & REG MAINTAINED. NEXT DAY VW VERIFIED ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN THEY STARTED. HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM IT WENT OFF WHEN THEY DROVE A FEW MILES. CODE INDICATED ISSUE RELATED TO FUEL SYSTEM, HOWEVER THEY WERENT ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH CAR. THEY KEPT CAR A FEW DAYS, DROVE IT 90 MILES W/ NO ISSUES. I CONTACTED VW CORP & REPORTED INCIDENT & EXPLAINED DEALER CANT FIGURE OUT WHATS WRONG. I EXPLAINED IM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING CAR UNTIL THEY CAN DETERMINE WHY MY CAR STALLED. THEY SAID IT WAS LIKELY DEBRIS IN GAS THAT COULDVE CAUSED FUEL NOT TO FLOW PROPERLY - REALLY? THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHAT BRAND OF GAS I USED - CONOCO - BRAND NAME. THIS IS SERIOUS! MY CAR STALLED FOR A REASON, SOMETHING FAILED. I REALIZE CARS BREAKDOWN, I HAVE NO PROBLEM, AS LONG AS THE ISSUE IS IDENTIFIED & FIXED. I DO HAVE A PROBLEM, HOWEVER, W/VW HANDING CAR BACK TO ME NOT KNOWING WHY IT HAPPENED. TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, I MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED ON MOUNTAIN PASS? IN THE SNOW? OR IN MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION? RESEARCH, YOU WILL FIND OTHER FUEL ISSUES & STALLING COMPLAINTS, & RECALLS FOR OTHER VW CARS TIGUAN, PASSAT ETC. NO RECALL FOR FUEL/STALLING ISSUES ON BEETLE..YET.I DO NOT WANT MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE TO BECOME A STATISTIC BEFORE VW IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM. GM FAILED TO RECALL THE CHEVY COBALT. THEY KNEW ABOUT ISSUE FOR 10 YRS BEFORE RECALLING, AFTER 13 PEOPLE DIED. IS THAT WHAT YOURE WAITING FOR VW?
NHTSA ODI #10731464
23,000 miles · Jun 27, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
WE WERE DRIVING HOME IN OUR 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE WHEN THE ENGINE DIED CAUSING A LACK OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR BEING ABLE TO MOVE MY FAMILY AROUND SAFELY. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND OTHERS HAV…
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WE WERE DRIVING HOME IN OUR 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE WHEN THE ENGINE DIED CAUSING A LACK OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR BEING ABLE TO MOVE MY FAMILY AROUND SAFELY. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. THE DEALERS ARE NOT ABLE TO "DUPLICATE" THE ISSUE SO THEY SEND YOU AWAY WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. HOPEFULLY THIS DOES NOT WIND UP BEING A SITUATION SIMILAR TO GM WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO LOSE THEIR LIVES BEFORE THE ISSUES ARE CORRECTED.
NHTSA ODI #10730785
26,000 miles · Apr 13, 2015
EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
NHTSA ODI #10705479
4,113 miles · Jan 12, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
CAR WOULD STALL AND ABRUPTLY STOP WHEN OPERATING AND ALL ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS AND SAFETY FEATURES WOULD TURN OFF AND NOT WORK (E.G., ENGINE, ASSISTED BRAKES, AIR BAGS, HORN, RUNNING LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS, ENTIRE DASHBOARD WOULD NOT WORK). ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR WOULD POWER UP AGAIN AND RUN. THE …
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CAR WOULD STALL AND ABRUPTLY STOP WHEN OPERATING AND ALL ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS AND SAFETY FEATURES WOULD TURN OFF AND NOT WORK (E.G., ENGINE, ASSISTED BRAKES, AIR BAGS, HORN, RUNNING LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS, ENTIRE DASHBOARD WOULD NOT WORK). ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR WOULD POWER UP AGAIN AND RUN. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT (IT HAPPENED AGAIN) AND NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER COULD FIND THE CAUSE. THE OWNER REFUSED TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE UNLESS THEY FOUND THE CAUSE BECAUSE THE ABRUPT STOPPING COULD BE CATASTROPHIC ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CURRENT POSITION OF THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IS THAT IT NEVER HAPPENED. ANOTHER CASE IS REPORTED HERE WHERE THE SAME CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED THREE TIMES AND THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671852
Official recalls
6Dec 16, 2020
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 temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Sep 25, 2019
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, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Aug 22, 2019
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."
Consequence & remedy
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module
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."
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.
Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device
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."
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.
Oct 20, 2014
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 whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
Consequence & remedy
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 1-800-893-5298.
Oct 20, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.
Nov 15, 2012
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 installed in the seat.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗