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2015 Volkswagen Beetle

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 49.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

27 reports with mileage · 56 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Power Train complaints

6 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2023
EnginePower Train

Component or System Failure: The specific component that failed or malfunctioned in my 2015 VW Beetle 1.8T Classic PZEV is the timing belt, which caused bent valves resulting in the engine seizing up, rendering it inoperable. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Implications: The failure of the engine posed a sig…

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Component or System Failure: The specific component that failed or malfunctioned in my 2015 VW Beetle 1.8T Classic PZEV is the timing belt, which caused bent valves resulting in the engine seizing up, rendering it inoperable. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Implications: The failure of the engine posed a significant risk to my safety and the safety of others. When the engine failed while I was driving on the freeway, it resulted in a sudden loss of power and alarming knocking sounds. This sudden loss of power on a busy highway endangered my life and the lives of other drivers around me. Confirmation by Dealer or Service Center: The problem has been confirmed by a Volkswagen dealership. I had the vehicle towed to Bill marines Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis, and they assessed that the engine had "jumped time" and the valves were bent, rendering the car undrivable. Inspections by Manufacturer, Authorities, or Others: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other relevant authorities at this point. However, I have sought assistance and evaluation from a Volkswagen dealership, which is an authorized service center for the brand. They were the first to diagnose the catastrophic engine failure. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms: Prior to the engine failure, there were no warning lamps or messages indicating a problem. There were no noticeable symptoms or signs of an impending failure. The failure occurred suddenly while driving on the freeway, without any prior indication of trouble. Please let me know if there is any additional information or documentation required to assist with the investigation. I am committed to providing accurate and reliable information to support the resolution of this matter.

NHTSA ODI #11531943

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2022
Air BagsPower TrainUnknown Or Other

Got a notice in the mail from: Auto Airbag Settlement, settlement Administrator, P.O.Box 5650 Portland, Or 97208-5650, and now worried that my car is unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11447411

22,000 miles · Jun 12, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FINDLAY NORTH VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 7500 W AZURE DR, LAS VEGAS, NV 89130, (702) 982-4800) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FINDLAY NORTH VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 7500 W AZURE DR, LAS VEGAS, NV 89130, (702) 982-4800) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11219598

60,000 miles · Aug 18, 2017
Electrical SystemPower Train

KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR WILL NOT POWER OFF, NOT EVEN AFTER TAKING OUT THE BATTERY. VW TOLD ME THEY HAD NO IDEA HOW TO HELP ME AND HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. WHEN I LOOK IT UP ONLINE, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BEETLES AND JETTAS.

NHTSA ODI #11016272

37,423 miles · May 11, 2017
Electrical SystemPower Train

KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT TURN FOR IT TO POWER OFF. NO RELEASE IN THE CAR TO GET THE KEY OUT THEREFORE THE CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF EVEN WITH THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED.

NHTSA ODI #10984845

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2015
Power TrainService BrakesUnknown Or Other

SAFETY RECALL 23R1 WAS RECEIVED YET VW AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP WILL NOT MAKE REPAIRS STATING THAT THEIR NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION AND/OR I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL I HAVE ISSUES. THE NOTICE STATES THAT IT CAN "LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING". HOWEVER, THEY INSIST THAT I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR THEY HAVE DETERMINED TO BE UNSAFE. T…

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SAFETY RECALL 23R1 WAS RECEIVED YET VW AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP WILL NOT MAKE REPAIRS STATING THAT THEIR NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION AND/OR I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL I HAVE ISSUES. THE NOTICE STATES THAT IT CAN "LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING". HOWEVER, THEY INSIST THAT I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR THEY HAVE DETERMINED TO BE UNSAFE. THE DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL AND VW REFUSES TO SEND PARTS TO MY LOCAL SHOP TO HAVE IT FIXED STATING AGAIN THAT I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL I HAVE AN ISSUE. WE HAVE SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE TRYING TO GET THIS RESOLVED AND VW CONTINUES TO BRUSH US OFF AND TELLING US THEY WILL RESOLVE IT TOMORROW. I DRIVE 200-500 MILES A DAY FOR WORK AROUND THE STATE AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR THAT COULD UNKNOWINGLY CRASH AT ANY MOMENT. IF THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN, VW WOULD NOT HAVE ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL. PER THEIR DOCUMENTS SENT TO NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION: THE CAMSHAFT LOBE THAT CAN BREAK OFF DRIVES THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, AND IF THE PROBLEM OCCURS DRIVERS WOULD LOSE POWER ASSISTANCE AND SUFFER REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE.

NHTSA ODI #10816766

Official recalls

5

22V945000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Dec 21, 2022

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 & remedy

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.

19V615000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

Aug 22, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

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.

Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

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.

15V705000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Oct 26, 2015

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

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.

15V028000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

Jan 23, 2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

14V658000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Oct 20, 2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.