VehicleVerdict

2016 Volkswagen Beetle airbags problems

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has 34 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 54% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

34

Airbags complaints

54%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?

NHTSA has 34 complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle airbags — 54% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 22V945000.

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.