Representative 2013 model. Photo: MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2012 Volkswagen Beetle recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2012 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 7
Park-it warnings: 0
Complaints: 65
Latest campaign: Dec 16, 2020

Recall summary by component7

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Latest	Campaign IDs
Air bags	2	Dec 16, 2020	20V785000 12V540000
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	Sep 23, 2020	20E064000
Unknown or other	1	Sep 25, 2019	19V679000
Electrical system	1	Aug 22, 2019	19V615000
Suspension	1	Oct 20, 2014	14V656000
Tires	1	Jul 16, 2012	12V331000

Safety recalls7

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

0Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Dec 16, 2020Latest campaign


Dec 16, 202020V785000	Air bags: frontal An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. DetailsHide details for campaign 20V785000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Beetle, Beetle Convertible Campaign NHTSA 20V785000 · Dec 16, 2020
Sep 23, 202020E064000	Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components master cylinder If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 20E064000 What's wrong 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. Remedy 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. Filed under Beetle Campaign NHTSA 20E064000 · Sep 23, 2020
Sep 25, 201919V679000	Unknown or other If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury. DetailsHide details for campaign 19V679000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Beetle, Beetle Convertible Campaign NHTSA 19V679000 · Sep 25, 2019
Aug 22, 201919V615000	Electrical system: ignition anti-theft 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… DetailsHide details for campaign 19V615000 What's wrong 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. 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. Filed under Beetle, Beetle Convertible Campaign NHTSA 19V615000 · Aug 22, 2019
Oct 20, 201414V656000	Suspension: rear 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. DetailsHide details for campaign 14V656000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Beetle Campaign NHTSA 14V656000 · Oct 20, 2014
Nov 15, 201212V540000	Air bags: frontal sensor/control module-inactive If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. DetailsHide details for campaign 12V540000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Beetle Campaign NHTSA 12V540000 · Nov 15, 2012

Merged from NHTSA model names: Beetle, Beetle Convertible. Not every vehicle of a model year is affected by every campaign.

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Volkswagen recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2012 Volkswagen Beetle? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component65

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

65Complaints filed

4Involving a crash

0Involving a fire

3Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Injuries
Visibility	13	20	0	0
Air bags	12	18	2	2
Electrical system	12	18	0	0
Visibility/wiper	10	15	0	0
Steering	7	11	1	1
Unknown or other	6	9	1	1
Engine	6	9	0	0
Structure	5	8	0	0
Suspension	3	5	0	0
Fuel/propulsion system	3	5	0	0
Vehicle speed control	2	3	0	0
Power train	2	3	1	0
Exterior lighting	1	2	0	0
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	2	0	0
Seats	1	2	0	0

3 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

Vehicle speed control
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The accelerator pedal snapped/broke while driving the vehicle. Yes, it is available for inspection.”
Filed 02/04/2026 · ODI 11715470
Unknown or other
“After getting in my car and turning on the ignition, I put my foot on the brake. After pulling the gear shift out of park and as I am taking my foot off the brake pedal, sometimes the car would jump a little as if has a…”
Filed 08/03/2022 · ODI 11477281
Engine
“Volkswagen water pumps keeps failing. I had the first water pump fail at 61902 miles replaced on 22 Mar 2017.”
Filed 07/31/2022 · ODI 11476778

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle recall questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle have?

NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recent, 20V785000 (reported December 16, 2020), concerns air bags. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle recalls for?

The largest group is air bags, with 2 campaigns. Others: service brakes, hydraulic (1), unknown or other (1), electrical system (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle?

Visibility is the most-reported component, named in 13 complaints out of 65 filed with NHTSA (20%). Across all complaints, owners reported 4 crashs and 0 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2012 Volkswagen Beetle?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Volkswagen recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Volkswagen dealer.

Check a specific Volkswagen by VIN

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Recall summary by component7

Safety recalls7

Air bags: frontal

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components master cylinder

Unknown or other

Electrical system: ignition anti-theft

Suspension: rear

Air bags: frontal sensor/control module-inactive