2007 Volkswagen Beetle
This year had at least 30% fewer 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
27% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file.
INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
Cranked the car to move it and the drivers side airbag deployed with a massive amount of force. Did not move the car. As soon as in cranked I heard and felt the explosion of the airbag.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220305
FOR YEARS, VOLKSWAGEN HAS HAD A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR SEAT BELT WIRING HARNESS. MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AS IS THE "AIR BAG" LIGHT SO I TOOK IT TO A VW MECHANIC. HE SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW AND AUDI.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180109
21% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" STAYS ON. WE USED A DECODER AND IT GAVE A FAULT TO THE SEAT BELT. WE TRIED TO CLEAR THE CODE BUT COULD NOT GET RID OF THE CODE. I DID ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW BEETLES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180105
9% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2007 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V063000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.