repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 Volkswagen BeetleProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 65 owner complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-679 the manufacturer reports only 18% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has problems
65 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Visibility
12Electrical system
12Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
10Visibility/wiper
7Steering1 crash/fire/injury
6Engine
5Structure
3Suspension
3Fuel/propulsion system
97 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 13 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 0 |
| Air bags | 12 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 1 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2012 Volkswagen Beetle recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Unknown or other
Risk. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Anti-theft: control module
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…
repaired · 2016 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 2 more recalls
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off.
no report yet
Tires
Risk. DUE TO AN ERROR AT THE FACTORY, THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SUMMER TIRES THAT ARE POSSIBLY NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Beetle year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Beetle median. How we score
'68'69'70'71'73'74'77'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Volkswagen Beetle safety ratings
2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Beetle owners report
Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF 60MPH. THERE WERE NO CHIPS OR SPLITS FROM ROCKS. I HEARD A CRACKING NOISE AND WATCHED AS THE MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE MIDWAY TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDOW. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO MAKE SURE MY CAR WAS SAFE…
DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WOULD DROP ABOUT 1.5 CM WHEN EXIT THE VEHICLE BUT WOULD NOT GO BACK UP. WAS ALLOWING WATER AND OUTSIDE DEBRIS TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. WHEN I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MY SALESPERSON THEY SAID THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AND CALL VW ON MY BEHALF. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN A MONTH AND I HAVE…
I HAVE THREE CONCERNS ABOUT MY NEW CAR. FIRST AND FOREMOST IS THE WINDOW ISSUE. I HAD THE VX BEETLE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS WHEN THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS ON BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES EITHER DO NOT GO UP OR DOWN ALL THE WAY AS THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO. THEY STOP INTERMITTENTLY AND TAKE SEVERAL TRIES…
Own a 2012 Beetle?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.