CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (35 reports).
2016 Volkswagen Beetle recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's side airbag inflator may rupture because its propellant degrades over long-term exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature changes.
Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway
A buildup of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in Park.
Brake Assist Can Fail, Lengthening Stopping Distance
A camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may break off in these vehicles.
Most common 2016 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Problem areas named in the 48 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 35 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Wheels | 3 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Engine | 1 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an air bag failure shortly after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a driverâs side air bag failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
ABS module is defective. This results in numerous warning lights, including abs, traction control, airbags, tire pressure warning, check engine light, epc light, and speed control usability. I have no working abs, seat belt, or traction control, which is a safety issue. There was a previous safety recall for VW with defective abs control modules, 45F2. The problem has been confirmed through an authorized VW repair shop. The part will be made available.
On October 21st I had a recall performed at Evansville D- Patrick for a 37M2 shift lever micro switch. Today Nov 5th I was leaving work, pulling out of the drive onto highway and once I got on the road the car lost motion and just rolled. Barely made it across the highway. I got across the street into another lot. Turned car off and back on. You can hear the throttle but tires would not move. It would not go into any gear. It wouldnât even go into park. It would roll no matter what the gear shifter was in. The work they did was in the gear shifter. So whatever work they performed was not done right. The sensor was bad they installed possibly or they didnât connect the linkage or cables
I purchased a 2016 VW Beetle, used, in March of 2025. Over the past few weeks, I have received multiple urgent messages from Volkswagon that I need to have the airbag fixed. The communications say there is a high risk of death or serious injury and urge me to my have the repair done ASAP. They have sent multiple mailings to me and made several phone calls to my home. I am doing everything in my power to get this fixed. I have called all the local dealerships within a 50 mile radius, but they do not have the appropriate parts in stock, and have no idea when parts will be available. I am told that the car is safe to drive (which is the exact opposite of what the mailings say) and they
See attached document for complaint
2016 Volkswagen Beetle questions
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway; Brake Assist Can Fail, Lengthening Stopping Distance. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (35), Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (5).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.