2016 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
72% of complaints: air bags — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT HAS YET TO BE FIXED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS SENT TO DEALERS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231002
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230926
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230908
13% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DEALERSHIP STATES THE RIGHT FRONT ABS HARNESS CAME OFF FIRST AND RUBBED THROUGH CAUSING A BUNCH OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THEY STATES THE ABS HARNESS CAME OFF BECAUSE THE HARNESS BRACKET WAS BENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170117
6% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT 40 MPH. HANKOOK TIRES. NOTHING WAS STRUCK AND THE TIRES HAD NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. SMOOTH CITY STREET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190712
THE DEALERSHIP STATES THE RIGHT FRONT ABS HARNESS CAME OFF FIRST AND RUBBED THROUGH CAUSING A BUNCH OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THEY STATES THE ABS HARNESS CAME OFF BECAUSE THE HARNESS BRACKET WAS BENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170117
6% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT 40 MPH. HANKOOK TIRES. NOTHING WAS STRUCK AND THE TIRES HAD NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. SMOOTH CITY STREET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190712
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 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
2016 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- 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
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?
4 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.