Recall Radar

2016 Volkswagen Beetle recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The most recent was reported on December 21, 2022.

Check your own car by VIN. A recall applies only to certain vehicles, built in certain periods. NHTSA’s recall lookup checks your 17-character VIN against open recalls and is free.

Recalls at a glance

DateCampaignPartVehicles
December 21, 202222V-945Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module37,558
August 22, 201919V-615Electrical system: ignition, anti-theft, control module679,027
October 26, 201515V-705Engine and engine cooling: engine91,867

Recall details

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

December 21, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · Campaign 22V-945

What is wrong: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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.

Electrical system: ignition, anti-theft, control module

August 22, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · Campaign 19V-615

What is wrong: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

The fix: 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

October 26, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · Campaign 15V-705

What is wrong: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Other model years of the Volkswagen Beetle

All Volkswagen Beetle recalls · All Volkswagen recalls

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, the most recent reported on December 21, 2022. A campaign covers only certain vehicles, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected.

What parts have been recalled on the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?

Air bags (1), Electrical system (1), Engine and engine cooling (1).

Are recall repairs free?

In 2 of the 3 campaigns listed here, the remedy states that the repair is free of charge. Read the remedy in each recall for the details.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data for passenger vehicles, recalls since 2013, shown as published. This site is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and follow your manufacturer’s notice. Terms and disclaimer.