repaired · 2026 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.
2018 Volkswagen BeetleProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-834 the manufacturer reports only 31% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle has problems
18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Air bags
7Electrical system
2Engine
1Forward collision avoidance
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Seats
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 7 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 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 · 2019 Q4
Disc: caliper
Do not driveRisk. A reduction of braking performance can increase 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
2018 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
2018 Volkswagen Beetle safety ratings
2018 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 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was…
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact’s wife received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.…
Own a 2018 Beetle?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.