MYRModel Year Report

2012 Volkswagen Beetle

▲ Better than typical
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:36.846Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
65
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Visibility

23% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 171 complaints 1998 1999: 174 complaints 2000: 263 complaints 2001: 203 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 314 complaints 2004: 349 complaints 2004 2005: 261 complaints 2006: 124 complaints 2007: 56 complaints 2007 2008: 60 complaints 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 30 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 93 complaints 2014: 50 complaints 2015: 83 complaints 2016: 47 complaints 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 14 complaints
1998: 171 complaints 1998 1999: 174 complaints 2000: 263 complaints 2000 2001: 203 complaints 2002: 165 complaints 2002 2003: 314 complaints 2004: 349 complaints 2004 2005: 261 complaints 2006: 124 complaints 2006 2007: 56 complaints 2008: 60 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 30 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 93 complaints 2014: 50 complaints 2015: 83 complaints 2015 2016: 47 complaints 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 14 complaints 2019
1998: 171 complaints 1998 1999: 174 complaints 1999 2000: 263 complaints 2000 2001: 203 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2002 2003: 314 complaints 2003 2004: 349 complaints 2004 2005: 261 complaints 2005 2006: 124 complaints 2006 2007: 56 complaints 2007 2008: 60 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 93 complaints 2013 2014: 50 complaints 2014 2015: 83 complaints 2015 2016: 47 complaints 2016 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2018 2019: 14 complaints 2019

2012: 65 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
1998171
1999174
2000263
2001203
2002165
2003314
2004349
2005261
2006124
200756
200860
200933
201030
201265
201393
201450
201583
201647
201715
201817
201914

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

23% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield.

Show complaint excerpts

I noticed a set of cracks near the top of my windshield, approximately at the point where the rear view mirror attaches and extending up to the roof line edge. The cracks were approximately 6" - 8" In length.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-12

Also filed under Structure

Air bags

18% · 12 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the independent dealer who sold her the vehicle was unable to verify if the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V540000 (Air bags).

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-04

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. While parked, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle traveling 15 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and back that required medical attention.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-15

Electrical system

18% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Show complaint excerpts

Cpsc#I1220269A. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Consumer stated that when the driver can not read the speed or fuel gauges that it is a safety issue..

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-28

Visibility/wiper

15% · 10 reports

Steering

11% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing rack.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2012-09-12Tires12V331000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 Beetle vehicles. Some vehicles may be equipped with summer tires that fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards 110 "Tire selection…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the noncompliant tires, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 12, 2012. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2013-01-09Air bags12V540000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2015-04-07Suspension14V656000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2019-11-06Unknown or other19V679000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2019-11-19Electrical system, steering19V615000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2020-10-30Service brakes, hydraulic20E064000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2021-03-19Air bags20V785000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 12V331000 · Tires
  • Recall 12V540000 · Air bags
  • Recall 14V656000 · Suspension
  • Recall 19V679000 · Unknown or other
  • Recall 19V615000 · Electrical system, steering
  • Recall 20E064000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 20V785000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.