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2015 Volkswagen Beetle

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 49.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

27 reports with mileage · 56 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

83 reports
15,000 miles · Aug 5, 2020
Electrical System

HAVE HAD ISSUE WITH BACKUP CAMERA FOR 3 YEARS. HAVE TOLD VW ABOUT THIS FOR 3 YEARS WHEN TURNING IN CAR FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME NOTHING IS WRONG. FINALLY IT QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY. TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME IT WILL TAKE 4 TO 5 MONTHS TO GET PARTS. THEY SAY IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM BUT THE SUPPLIER. KEEP CHECKI…

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HAVE HAD ISSUE WITH BACKUP CAMERA FOR 3 YEARS. HAVE TOLD VW ABOUT THIS FOR 3 YEARS WHEN TURNING IN CAR FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME NOTHING IS WRONG. FINALLY IT QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY. TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME IT WILL TAKE 4 TO 5 MONTHS TO GET PARTS. THEY SAY IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM BUT THE SUPPLIER. KEEP CHECKING BACK WITH STATUS AFTER TURNING IT IN AND FOUND OUT PARTS WEREN'T EVEN ON ORDER TILL 2 WEEKS AFTER TURNING CAR IN FOR PROBLEM. IT'S BEEN 2 1/2 MONTHS AND NO STATUS AS OF YET FOR PARTS. THEY SAY THEY CHECKED AROUND THE COUNTRY FOR PARTS AND THERES NONE. I FOUND A SYSTEM ON THE INTERNET THAT CAN BE PURCHASED TO FIX THE PROBLEM..THEY WILL NOT GO THAT WAY.

NHTSA ODI #11343411

35,600 miles · Mar 11, 2020
Electrical SystemStructureVisibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE ROLL THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE ROLL THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF HUNTINGTON LOCATED AT (838 E JERICHO TPKE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11746). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,600.

NHTSA ODI #11317598

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2019
Electrical SystemStructure

BOTH DOORS WINDOWS MACHINE HAVE FAILED IN 3 YEARS

NHTSA ODI #11280037

37,000 miles · Oct 8, 2019
Electrical SystemService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, MULTIPLE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, MULTIPLE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11267097

50,000 miles · Sep 20, 2019
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT INITIALLY, BUT THEN BEGAN OCCURRING EVERY DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER,…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT INITIALLY, BUT THEN BEGAN OCCURRING EVERY DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER, AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH FLOW VOLKSWAGEN OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (1313 RICHMOND RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911) FOR SEPTEMBER 23, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190723803. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11256806

22,000 miles · Jun 12, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FINDLAY NORTH VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 7500 W AZURE DR, LAS VEGAS, NV 89130, (702) 982-4800) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FINDLAY NORTH VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 7500 W AZURE DR, LAS VEGAS, NV 89130, (702) 982-4800) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11219598

65 miles · Apr 29, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

MY KEY WILL NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT IS STUCK AND WILL NOT COME OUT. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATER TO STOP THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI #11204518

44,130 miles · Nov 14, 2018
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED AND CONTINUED DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM VOLKSWAGEN (3990 W LINCOLN HWY, MERRILVILLE, IN 45410) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED AND CONTINUED DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM VOLKSWAGEN (3990 W LINCOLN HWY, MERRILVILLE, IN 45410) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V658000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,130.

NHTSA ODI #11151441

73,000 miles · Oct 30, 2018
Electrical System

THE IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN OFF THE CAR AND IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IT WILL NOT TURN BACK AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT THE CAR OFF IS TO PULL THE FUEL PUMP RELAY/FUSE. THE CAR CAN BE LOCKED MANUALLY USING THE OTHER KEY IN THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. THAN THE BATTERY MUST B…

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THE IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN OFF THE CAR AND IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IT WILL NOT TURN BACK AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT THE CAR OFF IS TO PULL THE FUEL PUMP RELAY/FUSE. THE CAR CAN BE LOCKED MANUALLY USING THE OTHER KEY IN THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. THAN THE BATTERY MUST BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT DRAIN FROM THE ACCESSORIES.

NHTSA ODI #11144112

65,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Electrical System

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE IGNITION SWITCH THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND CAN NOT TAKE THE KEY OUT BECAUSE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH GOING BAD. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A GROCERY STORE AND SPENT 20-30 MINUTES JUST TO TAKE THE KEY…

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VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE IGNITION SWITCH THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND CAN NOT TAKE THE KEY OUT BECAUSE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH GOING BAD. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A GROCERY STORE AND SPENT 20-30 MINUTES JUST TO TAKE THE KEY OUT. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND USING THIS CAR NOW IS A PAIN AS I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL BE ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11111652

Official recalls

5

22V945000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Dec 21, 2022

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.

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: 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.

19V615000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

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.

15V705000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Oct 26, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

15V028000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

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.

14V658000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.