2014 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
30% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20230909
20% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
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, 20180918
12% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20160224
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, 20230907
10% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V182000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V658000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V028000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20E064000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V785000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2014 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V182000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V658000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V028000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V785000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.