2006 Volkswagen Beetle

◆ Worse than typical

2006 Volkswagen Beetle
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:04:21.183Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2006: 124 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	171
1999	174
2000	263
2001	203
2002	165
2003	314
2004	349
2005	261
2006	124
2007	56
2008	60
2009	33
2010	30
2012	65
2013	90
2014	50
2015	83
2016	47
2017	15
2018	16
2019	14

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 30 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE ROLLS FREELY WHEN PUT IN PARK. VEHICLE NOT STATIONARY WHEN GEAR SHIFTER PUT IN PARK. VW SAY IT IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR BUT A FAULTY MECHANISM. CRTICAL SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120921

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID A DEER ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120625

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7%

7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO A YARD. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A WATER METER AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE COVERT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20191025

I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240508

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2006 — complaint volume: 124

R 20060227 — equipment

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17-INCH WHEELS AND A 2.5L ENGINE FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLE

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW TIRE INFORMATION LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION FOR THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON

Campaign 06V043000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070402 — service brakes, hydraulic

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD

Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Campaign 07E023000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070427 — exterior lighting

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLE

Campaign 07V063000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20110131 — fuel system, gasoline

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. T

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERV

Campaign 10V621000 — check if this car was fixed