2015 Volkswagen Beetle

▲ Better than typical

2015 Volkswagen Beetle
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:05:55.284Z

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 PER YEAR

2015: 83 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

AIR BAGS 51%

51% of complaints: air bags — 42 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A FREIGHT TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160315

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle was in a minor accident that was rear-ended by another vehicle. No one was injured. The other party claimed responsibility and the vehicle was repaired and the other party paid for the repairs.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250327

ENGINE 8%

8% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20141216 — visibility

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

R 20150209 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20160309 — engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

Campaign 15V705000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20191119 — electrical system, steering

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

R 20201030 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

R 20231026 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.

Campaign 22V945000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2015 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (42 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 14V658000 (visibility) has been completed.
Verify recall 15V028000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 15V705000 (engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
Verify recall 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Verify recall 22V945000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2016

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ■ 2003 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2015 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.