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

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2016 Volkswagen Beetle recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2016 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 4
Park-it warnings: 0
Complaints: 59
Latest campaign: Dec 21, 2022

Recall summary by component4

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Latest	Campaign IDs
Air bags	1	Dec 21, 2022	22V945000
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	Sep 23, 2020	20E064000
Electrical system	1	Aug 22, 2019	19V615000
Engine and engine cooling	1	Oct 26, 2015	15V705000

Safety recalls4

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

0Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Dec 21, 2022Latest campaign


Dec 21, 202222V945000	Air bags: frontal driver side 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 22V945000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Beetle, Beetle Convertible Campaign NHTSA 22V945000 · Dec 21, 2022
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
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 26, 201515V705000	Engine and engine cooling: engine 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. DetailsHide details for campaign 15V705000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Beetle Campaign NHTSA 15V705000 · Oct 26, 2015

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 2016 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 component59

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

59Complaints filed

2Involving a crash

0Involving a fire

0Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes
Air bags	46	78	1
Electrical system	6	10	0
Unknown or other	5	8	1
Suspension	3	5	1
Wheels	3	5	1
Vehicle speed control	2	3	0
Service brakes	2	3	0
Tires	2	3	0
Steering	2	3	0
Power train	1	2	0
Structure	1	2	0
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	2	0
Engine	1	2	0

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

Air bags
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure.”
Filed 09/03/2026 · ODI 11761840
Air bags
“ABS module is defective. This results in numerous warning lights, including abs, traction control, airbags, tire pressure warning, check engine light, epc light, and speed control usability.”
Filed 06/25/2026 · ODI 11746396
Power train
“On October 21st I had a recall performed at Evansville D- Patrick for a 37M2 shift lever micro switch.”
Filed 11/05/2025 · ODI 11697790

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2016 Volkswagen Beetle recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recent, 22V945000 (reported December 21, 2022), concerns air bags. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?

Air bags is the most-reported component, named in 46 complaints out of 59 filed with NHTSA (78%). Across all complaints, owners reported 2 crashs and 0 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2016 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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