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.
2019 Volkswagen BeetleProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle, most often about the electrical system. 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 June 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Engine
2Exterior lighting
2Service brakes
1Suspension
1Wheels
1Visibility/wiper
1Power train
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2019 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 · 2020 Q2
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. If the driver is not alerted when there is a problem with brakes, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of…
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
2019 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
2019 Volkswagen Beetle safety ratings
2019 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The key in the key cylinder or tear lock would not remove. The automobile would not shut down. I looked in YouTube tube and found out that since 2010 this incident has been occurring in Volkswagen beetles I had to extract the fuel pump fuse to stop the engine. And then disconnect the battery. It…
My VW Beetle has pushbutton start. The ignition can turn off when not in park. This was called a rollaway problem in keyed ignition models, but not pushbutton. I took it to dealer and they said not covered by warranty and no recall. This is as dangerous as in the keyed ignition model. I saw a…
My 2019 VW Beetle, AT, keyless entry was parked in a store parking lot. When I left the vehicle it wouldn't lock. I thought my fob battery died. I came out of the store about 30 minutes later and my car had rolled away. It came to rest about 50 feet away, up against a fixed object light pole. I was…
Own a 2019 Beetle?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.