repaired · 2025 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2016 Volkswagen BeetleProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 48 owner complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-615 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has problems
48 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
35Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system
3Wheels
3Suspension
2Service brakes
2Steering
2Tires
2Vehicle speed control
1Power train
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 35 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 1 |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 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
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 · 2017 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: engine
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.
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
2016 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
2016 Volkswagen Beetle safety ratings
2016 Volkswagen Beetle C FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Beetle owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an air bag failure shortly after the recall repair. The…
ABS module is defective. This results in numerous warning lights, including abs, traction control, airbags, tire pressure warning, check engine light, epc light, and speed control usability. I have no working abs, seat belt, or traction control, which is a safety issue. There was a previous safety…
I purchased a 2016 VW Beetle, used, in March of 2025. Over the past few weeks, I have received multiple urgent messages from Volkswagon that I need to have the airbag fixed. The communications say there is a high risk of death or serious injury and urge me to my have the repair done ASAP. They have…
Own a 2016 Beetle?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.