Volkswagen · Beetle · 2012
7
Recalls
65
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has 7 recalls and 65 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags (12 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
Remedy Status
Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Remedy Status
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
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."
Remedy Status
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
Remedy Status
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BEETLE VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SUMMER TIRES THAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" AND 139 "NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES FOR LIGHT VEHICLES."
Remedy Status
VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT TIRES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible 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.
Remedy Status
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The accelerator pedal snapped/broke while driving the vehicle. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was not able to control the speed of the vehicle while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, not yet. I am trying to get it scheduled for VW service. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. The gas pedal (accelerator) snapped while I was driving my 2012 VW Beetle today. I was not able to control the speed of the vehicle.
After getting in my car and turning on the ignition, I put my foot on the brake. After pulling the gear shift out of park and as I am taking my foot off the brake pedal, sometimes the car would jump a little as if has a glitch in the shifting from park to the next gear.
Volkswagen water pumps keeps failing. I had the first water pump fail at 61902 miles replaced on 22 Mar 2017. I then had to have another Volkswagen water pump put in my car replaced by a Volkswagen dealership at 82,229 miles on 4 Jan 2019. I am now back at the Volkswagen dealer for yet another new water pump for my car at 108000. These Volkswagen water pumps should not be failing like they are and unfortunately I have found no 3rd party water pump to install in my make and model of car to try to avoid these numerous breakdowns. Not only are the numerous water pump failures expensive to replace, I am afraid the failure of these Volkswagen water pumps may lead to a catastrophic engine failure. Unfortunately, the failure of these Volkswagen water pumps are posted all over the internet.
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 05/19/ 2022 NO PRIOR ISSUES ALL SERVICE REQUIRMENTS COMPLETED FROM PRIOR CORPORATE OWNED COMPANY. SINCE MY PURCHASE BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE SPORADICALLY FALLEN OUT OF THEIR BRACKETS WHILE I'M DRIVING LEADING TO LOSS OF VISIBILTY DURING THE DAYTIME AND NIGHTIME. FIRST INCIDENT OCCURING ON 05/20/2022 AND THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURING 07/05/2022. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND CONCERN. NO SAFETY WARNINGS OR LIGHTS CAME ON ONCE THESE INCIDENTS TOOK PLACE.THIS HAS LEAD TO THE HEADLIGHTS BEING DAMAGED AND DENTS PLACED ON THE EXTERIOR OVER MY BEETLE WHEN THERE WAS NO PRIOR DAMAGE.
Airbag replacement not available through Volkswagen after several months.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (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 local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (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. LOW COUNTRY VOLKSWAGEN (1001 JOHNNIE DODDS BLVD, MT PLEASANT, SC 29464) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIRBAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the recall however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I received a recall notification dated Dec. 16, 2020 for my 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The notification was for a replacement of the driver's side airbag which could explode due to high temperature or humidity. These condition exist on the Big Island of Hawaii where the car is located, but there are no VW dealerships on the Island of Hawaii. There are VW agencies on the islands of Oahu and Maui. I have been in contact with VW Customer Service. I receive regular call backs from a representative named Patrick. He has informed me that VW is still working to solve the problem. He once mentioned that perhaps the parts could be shipped to a another make of car dealership, but no action has been taken. I believe that my wait for a resolution to this recall has exceeded a reasonable amount of time. I am in fear of injury while driving my car.
ENGINE LIGHT FOR EVAP PURGE FLOW INCORRECT. I'VE SPENT OVER $700.00 AT THE DEALERSHIP AND MY ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON WITH THE SAME ERROR CODE.P0441. THANKFULLY I HAVE FIXED PLUGGED IN AND I CAN TURN OFF THE ENGINE LIGHT ONLY TO HAVE IT COME ON AGAIN EVERY 25 TO 50 MILES OF DRIVING. ???? THE PURGE SOLENOID, AIR PUMP, PURGE VALVE HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NO CHANGE.
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE STEERING LOCKED UP, PREVENTING ANY KIND OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CATOSROPHIC CRASH INJURING THE DRIVER ON A CITY STREET.
THE PLASTIC PART ON THE TOP AROUND THE MOON ROOF HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED ON ALL 4 CORNERS, NOT JUST HAIRLINE CRACKS, BUT COMPLETELY CRACKED APART EDGE TO EDGE, ENOUGH TO FIT A CREDIT CARD IN. THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, RARELY DRIVEN EXCEPT ON NICE DAYS, I DON'T EVEN DRIVE IT ON RAINY DAYS & RARELY AT ALL IN THE WINTER. (NOW I WOULD BE AFRAID TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN BECAUSE IT MIGHT START LEAKING) I NOTICED IT HAD A HAIRLINE CRACK LAST YR ON 2 CORNERS BUT PREVIOUSLY WHEN WASHING IT I REALIZED ALL 4 SIDES ARE NOW COMPLETELY CRACKED APART. I BOUGHT IT 6 YRS AGO & IT HAD 21,000 MILES ON IT & I HAVE ONLY PUT 19,000 MILES ON IT IN 6 YEARS. IT IS IN IMMACULATE CONDITION EXCEPT NOW IT HAS 4 BIG CRACKS ON ALL 4 CORNERS OF MOON ROOF.
WHILE TURNING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY I HEARD A BANG NOISE. IT WAS NIGHT AND AT THE TIME I DID NOT SEE WHAT WENT WRONG UNTIL AN INSPECTION LATER REMOVING THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE TOP OF THE STRUT SPRING BROKE. THE TOP OF A MCPHERSON STRUT IS A PIVOT FOR THE STEERING. THE CAR IS A 2012 WITH 86,000 MILES.
2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GEAR SELECTOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SET IN PARK, BUT ROLLED FORWARD INTO ANOTHER OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.*JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HEARD A BEEPING SOUND PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
THE TIMING TENSIONER BROKE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. VOLKSWAGEN PAID FOR TIMING AND 60% OF ENGINE WORK. SHORTLY AFTER I NOTICED I NEEDED TO ADD OIL AND RIGHT AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE OIL WOULD BE LOW. MEANWHILE THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. NOW VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP SAYS THE PVC IS BAD AND WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT IT THEY CLAIM THEY NEVER TOUCHED THE PVC. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE THEY REPLACED THE UPPER PART OF MY ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS FIXED DECEMBER OF 2018. I JUST TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY. MAY 28, 2019.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has 7 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 65 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle are air bags (12 reports), visibility/wiper (7 reports), unknown or other (5 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 7 recalls on record for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.