MYRModel Year Report

2014 Volkswagen Beetle

▲ Better than typical
2014 Volkswagen Beetle
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:49.886Z

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
50
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2014

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

30% 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 2010 2012: 65 complaints 2013: 93 complaints 2014: 50 complaints 2014 50 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 2010 2012: 65 complaints 2013: 93 complaints 2014: 50 complaints 2014 50 2015: 83 complaints 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 2013: 93 complaints 2013 2014: 50 complaints 2014 50 2015: 83 complaints 2015 2016: 47 complaints 2016 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2018 2019: 14 complaints 2019

2014: 50 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.

Air bags

30% · 15 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

On my dashboard, my passenger seat airbag started going off. I brought my VW Beetle in for its 100,000-mile maintenance check and asked about the airbag.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-09

Electrical system

26% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and horn.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition switch and remained in the on position. There were no warning indicators illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-18

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the key was difficult to remove from the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where it was confirmed that there were no open recalls on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-27

Engine

12% · 6 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact's vehicle rear ended the preceding vehicle. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-24

The timing chain on my 2014 r-line Turbo Volkswagen Beetle with only 45,000 miles failed and subsequently destroyed the engine. Apparently this is a known issue with VW and Audi's manufactured between 2009 - 2014.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-07

Structure

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing body.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Adult male had hand under the trunk lid getting ready to lift it open when the passenger door was closed (Driver side door was already closed). There was a vacuum effect and the trunk lid slammed down on the hand.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-03

Visibility/wiper

8% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2014-04-16Power train14V182000 Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2014-12-16Visibility14V658000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2015-02-09Fuel system, gasoline15V028000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. 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 →

  5. 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 →

  6. 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

2014 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V182000 · Power train
  • Recall 14V658000 · Visibility
  • Recall 15V028000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • 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 2014 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle have?
6 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.