NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
50 reports36,000 miles · Aug 27, 2018
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OPEN FOR THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #11122795
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2018
Unknown Or Other
THE HORN DOES NOT WORK, I HAVE HAD THE FUSES CHECKED AND ALL THE FUSES ARE GOOD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU NEED YOUR HORN TO ALERT OTHER BAD DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. I KNOW OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME CAR HAVE THE SAME ISSUE,
NHTSA ODI #11063430
36,000 miles · May 4, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #10983548
50,000 miles · Apr 14, 2017
Visibility/wiper
I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF VERY HEAVY RAIN AND MY WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED. I MANAGED TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VW. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED 4 VW AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS ISSUE. THERE WAS NO WARNING - THEY …
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I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF VERY HEAVY RAIN AND MY WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED. I MANAGED TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VW. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED 4 VW AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS ISSUE. THERE WAS NO WARNING - THEY JUST STOPPED WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #10978571
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2016
Exterior LightingStructure
SUNROOF CRACK AFTER 2 TIMES CHANGE, VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. WHEN RAIN FRONT LIGHT THE GET FULL OF WATER AND THEY STOP WORKING, VERY UNSAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME
NHTSA ODI #10887984
4,777 miles · Jul 17, 2016
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY OVERNIGHT. WAS FINE THE NIGHT BEFORE, NOTICED A LONG CRACK THAT STARTED HORIZONTALLY ON THE EDGE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND THEN CURVED UP VERTICALLY THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I PULLED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE. I DRIVE THIS CAR A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK, GENTLY, AND ALTHOUGH IT IS A…
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WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY OVERNIGHT. WAS FINE THE NIGHT BEFORE, NOTICED A LONG CRACK THAT STARTED HORIZONTALLY ON THE EDGE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND THEN CURVED UP VERTICALLY THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I PULLED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE. I DRIVE THIS CAR A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK, GENTLY, AND ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2014, IT HAD ONLY 4777 MILES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN HIT BY ANY STONES, HAVE NOT DRIVEN ANY BUMPY ROADS OR HIT ANY POTHOLES, AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS WITH THE CAR. BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY DEALER AND VW CUSTOMER CARE, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN SLOW TO MAKE A DETERMINATION.
NHTSA ODI #10885395
9,000 miles · Jun 3, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FOREHEAD AND A FRACTURED STERNUM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FOREHEAD AND A FRACTURED STERNUM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
NHTSA ODI #10872313
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2016
Engine
I BOUGHT A VW DIESEL DUE TO THE PERFORMANCE AND LACK OF IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT, ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE THAT HARMS THE AIR. I'M A RETIRED FIREFIGHTER WITH 31 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE CITY OF STOCKTON AND I'LL BE TURNING 65 THIS YEAR BUT NOW I FIND OUT THAT MY " LAST " CAR ISN'T WHAT I THOUGHT THAT I WAS BU…
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I BOUGHT A VW DIESEL DUE TO THE PERFORMANCE AND LACK OF IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT, ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE THAT HARMS THE AIR. I'M A RETIRED FIREFIGHTER WITH 31 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE CITY OF STOCKTON AND I'LL BE TURNING 65 THIS YEAR BUT NOW I FIND OUT THAT MY " LAST " CAR ISN'T WHAT I THOUGHT THAT I WAS BUYING AND NOW I DON'T KNOW IF THE ISSUE WITH BE RESOLVED, I'M NOT SURE IF I SHOULD BE DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITHOUT KNOWING IF IT'S FIXABLE AND WHAT TO DO IF I DECIDE TO TRY AND TRADE IT IN FOR A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. I HAD SOME TRIPS PLANNED BUT I CANCELLED THEM, DUE TO THE DISTANCE, WHICH MAY AFFECT NOT ONLY THE AIR BUT THE VALUE OF THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10864043
22,000 miles · Feb 24, 2016
EngineCrashFireInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE AMBULANCE HAD TO TRANSPORT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE AMBULANCE HAD TO TRANSPORT THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER TO THE HOSPITAL DUE TO BRUISES FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 05/25/16*LJ UPDATED 6/6/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #10838048
13,000 miles · Oct 5, 2015
Unknown Or OtherCrashFire
REAR-ENDED A CAR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON FREEWAY - FENDER BENDER-NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. BOTH CARS DROVE OFF THE FREEWAY TO THE SIDE STREETS TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION. ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINS LATER WHILST THE CAR WAS PARKED AND ENGINE TURNED OFF - THERE WERE TWO POP POP NOISES AND THEN CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI #10779936
Official recalls
5Dec 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.
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.
Jan 23, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
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.
Apr 15, 2014
Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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