2017 Volkswagen Beetle

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2017 Volkswagen Beetle
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:05:57.066Z

Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Beetle Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2017 highlighted. 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: 90 complaints 2014: 50 complaints 2014 2015: 83 complaints 2016: 47 complaints 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 16 complaints 2019: 14 complaints 2019
2017: 15 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998171
1999174
2000263
2001203
2002165
2003314
2004349
2005261
2006124
200756
200860
200933
201030
201265
201390
201450
201583
201647
201715
201816
201914

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

AIR BAGS

6 of 15 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES BUT WAS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181031

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

Hi, one time the car wheel turned extra and the gas went extra fast. I also had several devices on my car through blue tooth that were not mine and mirror link kept checking and AUX.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241025

SUSPENSION

1 of 15 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

I started to hear clanking noise on left front side (drivers side) while driving. I removed the left front tire.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240918

STEERING

1 of 15 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

Hi, one time the car wheel turned extra and the gas went extra fast. I also had several devices on my car through blue tooth that were not mine and mirror link kept checking and AUX.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241025

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 of 15 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170330 — equipment

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Campaign 17V136000 — 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 20241204 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Campaign 24V834000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V136000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V834000 (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 2017 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 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.