VehicleVerdict

2016 Volkswagen Beetle problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle sits mid-pack among Beetle years: 63 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 54% of all reports (34 of 63), far ahead of electrical system at 7. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

63

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Beetle years?

Beetle NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted469 complaints1965: 5 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 1 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 4 complaints1977: 0 complaints1998: 289 complaints1999: 280 complaints2000: 373 complaints2001: 291 complaints2002: 231 complaints2003: 405 complaints2004: 469 complaints2005: 330 complaints2006: 161 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 109 complaints2009: 39 complaints2010: 42 complaints2012: 88 complaints2013: 125 complaints2014: 71 complaints2015: 108 complaints2016: 63 complaints2017: 19 complaints2018: 21 complaints2019: 16 complaints
Beetle NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Beetle years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Beetle problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags3454%
Electrical System711%
Tires & Wheels58%
Other58%
Suspension35%
Speed Control23%
Brakes23%
Steering23%
Body & Structure12%
Engine12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have recalls?

4 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.

20E064000BrakesSeptember 23, 2020 · 38 units

Defect

Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Consequence

If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

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.

15V705000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 91,867 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1.Air bags did not deploy in a three vehicle collision. 2.Passenger and myself could have hit our head on the dashboard or steering wheel. 3. unknown 4.yes, its been inspected by insurance company (the driver at fault). 5. no, no lights have ever come on. Car was always in great condition. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 30, 2022 · crash

“STARTED THE CAR AND HAD WORMING LIGHTS ON. IT DID IT BEFORE A COUPLE DAYS AGO BUT WENT OUT. THIS TIME THE LIGHTS WON'T GO OFF AND WON'T GO OVER 20 MPH. THE ABS LIGHT,STABILITY LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHTS AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ARE ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS JUST READING OF SOMEONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2019

“THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT 40 MPH. HANKOOK TIRES. NOTHING WAS STRUCK AND THE TIRES HAD NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. SMOOTH CITY STREET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 7, 2019 · crash

“THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT 40 MPH. HANKOOK TIRES. NOTHING WAS STRUCK AND THE TIRES HAD NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. SMOOTH CITY STREET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 7, 2019 · crash

“THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT 40 MPH. HANKOOK TIRES. NOTHING WAS STRUCK AND THE TIRES HAD NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. SMOOTH CITY STREET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 7, 2019 · crash

2016 Volkswagen Beetle — common questions

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?

It is close to typical for the Beetle: 63 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Beetle problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (34 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints).

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Beetle years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Beetle years to avoid are 2004, 2003, 2000, 2005, 2001, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2013, 2008, 2015. The cleanest record among Beetle years belongs to 1977.

How safe is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.