VehicleVerdict

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Beetle Convertible years?

Beetle Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted17 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 11 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Beetle Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Beetle Convertible years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags11100%

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V945000AirbagsDecember 21, 2022 · 37,558 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

19V615000Electrical SystemAugust 22, 2019 · 679,027 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 19, 2023

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible — common questions

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 Beetle Convertible problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (11 complaints).

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.