NHTSA vehicle safety data

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 83 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2015 Volkswagen Beetle owner complaints

Owners have filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, describing incidents dated January 2, 2015 to July 1, 2025.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 42 complaints
Electrical System 16 complaints
Unknown or Other 13 complaints
Engine 7 complaints
Service Brakes 7 complaints
Power Train 6 complaints

Of the 83 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 83 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11679565 · Filed August 9, 2025
unable to turn off car. Ignition switch is locked and key is unmovable.
ODI #11669593 · Filed June 26, 2025
I have been trying to get the recall fixed since I purchased my vehicle in July 2023. For nearly two years, I have received repeated letters from Volkswagen urging me to have the recall addressed. However, despite calling every two months to schedule an appointment, I am always told that the part is…
ODI #11667563 · Filed June 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…

Read all 83 complaints

Driver's Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #22V945000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported December 21, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 37,558 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.5% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69EM · Owners notified October 26, 2023

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Master Cylinder Has Insufficient Fluid Seal Crimp

NHTSA #20E064000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported September 23, 2020 · Tenneco Automotive

Potentially affected: 38 vehicles

Repair completion: 23.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified October 30, 2020

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Key May Be Removed When Not In Park

NHTSA #19V615000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Anti-Theft — Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported August 22, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 679,027 vehicles

Repair completion: 49.07% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 37M2 · Owners notified November 19, 2019 · Vehicles built June 10, 2011 – July 29, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loss of Power Brakes due to Camshaft Lobe Fracture

NHTSA #15V705000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported October 26, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 91,867 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 23R1 · Owners notified March 9, 2016 · Vehicles built November 14, 2014 – August 18, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Leaking Into Engine Compartment

NHTSA #15V028000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Fuel Injection System — Fuel Rail · NHTSA notice

Reported January 23, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 44,658 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.32% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 24BL · Owners notified February 9, 2015 · Vehicles built March 31, 2014 – November 27, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sun-Roof May Break

NHTSA #14V658000 · Visibility — Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported October 20, 2014 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 7,062 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 60B9 · Owners notified December 16, 2014 · Vehicles built June 13, 2013 – July 3, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2015 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2015 Volkswagen Beetle C FWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

83 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11679565

Incident: July 1, 2025 · Filed: August 9, 2025

unable to turn off car. Ignition switch is locked and key is unmovable.

Air Bags

ODI #11669593

Incident: June 2, 2025 · Filed: June 26, 2025

I have been trying to get the recall fixed since I purchased my vehicle in July 2023. For nearly two years, I have received repeated letters from Volkswagen urging me to have the recall addressed. However, despite calling every two months to schedule an appointment, I am always told that the part is unavailable and that they have no estimated date for its arrival. I'm continually advised to call back in another two months. Last month, after calling dealerships more than ten times since purchasing the vehicle, I contacted VW Customer Service directly. They referred me to the Macon dealership, assuring me that they would assist in booking an appointment. Unfortunately, after speaking with Macon, I was once again told to call back—this time in October—when they might receive the necessary part. I am moving back to Canada at the end of August, and despite nearly two years of effort, my vehicle remains unrepaired. I am extremely dissatisfied with this situation, especially considering the severity of the issue. I live in Georgia, where the climate is hot and humid, and I avoid driving the vehicle out of fear that the airbag could deploy dangerously. Volkswagen has failed to support me through this process, and I am left with a potentially unsafe vehicle and no resolution in sight.

Air Bags

ODI #11667563

Incident: June 10, 2025 · Filed: June 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags

ODI #11665416

Incident: June 4, 2025 · Filed: June 6, 2025

My car is subject to the Takata Air Bag recall. Due to the age of the vehicle, and the hot climate where I live (California), I am in fear for my safety especially with summer around the corner. "The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts a "scorcher" with hotter-than-normal temperatures across most of the U.S., including California." Originally, I had a service appointment for 2024 but there was a shortage of parts. I showed up for my next appointment 6/4/25 to have the service done and was told that the parts are on back order nationally until at least September. Due to the nature of my situation, my case was escalated to their RCM where I was told that nothing could be done. I asked about a loaner vehicle or a rental reimbursement until the parts arrive and they told me it was not possible. I find this to be extremely unreasonable given the severity of the recall. There are deaths and serious injuries linked to this defect and I am in constant fear when I drive my vehicle. No one should have to knowingly take this kind of risk every time they commute to work. I have spoken to multiple agents and have reached a dead end. I hope that a solution can be found for my case.

Steering

ODI #11660740

Incident: April 30, 2025 · Filed: May 13, 2025

Ignition key gets stuck, Dealer stated mechanism that holds the switch is broken. This can cause issues starting, removing the key and cause the steering wheel not to turn . I've been informed it's among the top 10 requested broken parts for VW beetles with no manufacturer making this part currently

Steering

ODI #11658024

Incident: April 30, 2025 · Filed: April 30, 2025

We have a big ign. Key that at times won't turn. Was informed by the dealer the mechanism is broke and it's a backordered item due to it being a common item . Failures of this part can cause the steering wheel to lock I have read

Exterior Lighting; Structure; Service Brakes

ODI #11650977

Crash

Incident: December 6, 2024 · Filed: March 27, 2025

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle was in a minor accident that was rear-ended by another vehicle. No one was injured. The other party claimed responsibility and the vehicle was repaired and the other party paid for the repairs. The problem is with Volkswagen not having the OEM safety equipment available to complete the repairs. The specific part is a spoiler attached to the rear trunk lid that increases the visibility of the brake light built into the rear trunk lid. In traffic this vehicle has only two brake lights within the rear fenders lower to the ground. The spoiler attached above the brake light that is attached at the top of the rear trunk lid, sits above the tail lights and the brake light can be seen by the driver in the vehicle behind the VW. VW claims that this part is on backorder. It is not available within the United States. I believe Volkswagen is refusing to manufacture this critical safety part for repairs of their vehicle. I have been told by several dealers that this part is not available and is on back order. I have tried to locate this part from VW dealers in Texas and out of state also. They all tell me the same thing. Its on back order. I understand this vehicle model is out of production but is being reintroduced again in 2025. Volkswagen should be responsible for providing original parts, especially critical safety parts. Hopefully the NTSA can bring this problem to Volkswagens attention and they will make the responsible safety decision and provide a critical safety component of this vehicle to the customers of their company. Thank you.

Air Bags

ODI #11603823

Incident: January 5, 2024 · Filed: July 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags

ODI #11596992

Incident: June 26, 2024 · Filed: June 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags

ODI #11572640

Incident: February 16, 2024 · Filed: February 18, 2024

Unknown. I bought this vehicle used but I am concerned for my safety and that of any passengers I may ever have in the vehicle.

Other Volkswagen Beetle model years

Check your 2015 Volkswagen Beetle VIN

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