2013 Volkswagen Beetle Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3228.6%
- Electrical1917.0%
- Engine108.9%
- Fuel system76.3%
- Steering65.4%
- Visibility54.5%
- Body & structure54.5%
- Driver assistance43.6%
- Powertrain (other)43.6%
- Suspension43.6%
- Tires & wheels43.6%
- Brakes43.6%
- Exterior lighting32.7%
- Seat belts21.8%
- Interior & seats10.9%
- Other / unspecified10.9%
- Heating & air conditioning10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
There was a Recall on my Airbag that was replaced by the VW dealership in Corpus Christi but afterwards I keep getting an error and indicator for the Airbag. I've contacted the dealership multiple times and all they say is it's not covered even if the airbag they replaced is defective.. I originally submitted an issue concerning this on 11-14-2023 and this is the claim number of XXX... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I live on Hawaiʻi Island and my 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (VIN [XXX] ) has an open federal airbag safety recall. Volkswagen informed me there is no authorized VW dealer or recall facility on Hawaiʻi Island, and that I must ship my vehicle to Oʻahu at my own expense to complete this federally required safety repair. VW has only offered to reimburse 25% of the inter-island shipping cost, leaving me responsible for the majority of the expense. Because VW does not maintain an authorized recall facility within reasonable driving access, this places an unreasonable burden on me as the owner and effectively restricts my ability to obtain the free remedy required under federal law. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance to verify whether Volkswagen is meeting its obligation under 49 U.S.C. §30120 to provide reasonable access to a free safety recall remedy for owners who do not have a local authorized facility. I am willing to provide documentation of VW’s response and the shipping quotes required to complete the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car will randomly die after sitting at a light or pulling onto the highway or just pulling out of my garage. The car starts up and sounds fine, when I put it in reverse to pull out of the garage, it will die while moving backwards. Sitting at a red light, the car if running fine. When I accelerate after turning green, it dies. After driving for 12 minutes or so I stop at McDonald and go through the drive thru. After getting my food, I pull onto the highway and the car dies. There was a gas station right next to the McDonalds, so I was able to coast into the gas station. When the car dies, it immediately starts up again and will drive fine after that. I've also been having issues with it jerking. I've taken it to the VW dealership numerous times. They hook it up to see if there are any error codes and there are none. They try to find something to fix, but each time the car might work for a couple of weeks, but the jerking and dying continues. With the randomness of this, the car just doesn't feel safe to drive. I have to be very cautious not to pull out in front of any vehicle that is close for the potential of it dying. I'm calling again today to see if I can get them to fix the crank sensor as I have found others to have the same issue and that seems to fix it. I've spent several thousand dollars to try to get it fixed, but since it doesn't throw any error codes and the randomness of this issue, it's hard to replicate.
Driving 60miles an hour the entire car shot down. No lights, no control, the car was completely off it was a very scary situation The car still not turning on
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a diesel leak which Volkswagen did not repair (after I towed it there and told them about it in writing) and is not causing a light in the dash however, when plugging in an ODBEleven, several codes are generated and one is related to a low fuel pressure sensor. I also watched the fuel line dripping. VW claims that it is unreasonable to ask them to pay what I already paid to have the car fixed (diagnostics, rental, tow). It was reasonable for me to buy it and pay for all that though apparently. With a diesel leak, it's unsafe to drive so I currently have a piece of metal outside that I'm only halfway through paying on. This indeed is a TDI 2.0L they sold me 3 years ago.
While driving on the interstate my 2013 VW Beetle showed a stability malfunction warning then lost power and would not accelerate. I coasted to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. It crank back up and I drove it home. Two months ago, I had the same issue with the vehicle losing power after the engine light illuminated several times before I could get the car into the VW dealership for repair. After a costly emmission valve and hose replacement the engine light didn’t come back on and the care hasn’t lost power until yesterday. My safety was at risk due to a lack of power and had not been able to coast to the shoulder safely, I could have been plowed into the rear of my car by a semi that was fast approaching. This is a vehicle that I purchased for my teenaged daughter and I shudder to think of an inexperienced driver in this situation. I have read lots of post from others who have had this problem with VW. Taking the car back to the dealership tomorrow and praying that I won’t be told that the lose of power is a safety feature that VW has like I was told previously. Safety feature is suppose to prevent an accident not put drivers in a sitution that is potentially fatal.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Noticed an fuel smell coming from the engine bay. After a few times of looking for the source I came across the fuel rail covered in gunk. Wiped off rail and cycled the engine. Noticed the fuel rail is leaking from what looks like the fuel rail mounting bolt.
I have a diesel leak which Volkswagen did not repair (after I towed it there and told them about it in writing) and is not causing a light in the dash however, when plugging in an ODBEleven, several codes are generated and one is related to a low fuel pressure sensor. I also watched the fuel line dripping. VW claims that it is unreasonable to ask them to pay what I already paid to have the car fixed (diagnostics, rental, tow). It was reasonable for me to buy it and pay for all that though apparently. With a diesel leak, it's unsafe to drive so I currently have a piece of metal outside that I'm only halfway through paying on. This indeed is a TDI 2.0L they sold me 3 years ago.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE COMMUNICATION ERRORS (P0864) CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN AT HIGH SPEED (55MPH) KILLING POWER STEERING AND ABS SYSTEM ON A CURVY COUNTRY ROAD.
STEERING COLUMN LOCK HOUSING IN 2014 & 2016, WE BOUGHT 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLES FOR OUR COLLEGE-BOUND KIDS. SINCE THOSE PURCHASES WE'VE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF EACH VEHICLE'S IGNITION KEYS BEING STUCK IN ITS IGNITION SWITCH. THESE OCCURRENCES HAPPENED BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLES WERE RUNNING (INABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLES OFF) AND WHEN THE VEHICLES WERE NOT RUNNING. WHEN THE VEHICLES WERE RUNNING, THE INABILITY TO EXTRACT THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE VEHICLES ENGINES OFF. THIS PRESENTED SAFETY HAZARDS. IN APRIL, 2018, WE RECEIVED LETTERS FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. REGARDING A 'WARRANTY EXTENSION' AFFECTING BOTH VEHICLES. IT EXTENDED COVERAGE OF THE 'STEERING COLUMN LOCK HOUSING' ON EACH VEHICLE FOR 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST. BOTH VEHICLES ARE JUST 5 YEARS OLD. HOWEVER, ONE HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES (ANGELA'S) AND THE OTHER 105,000 MILES. SO WE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN REGARDING THEIR LETTERS AND STATED THAT BOTH VEHICLES HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY EACH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AT THEIR EXPENSE. SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET CONFIRMED THAT THIS ISSUE IS SYSTEMIC WITHIN VOLKSWAGEN AND SHOULD HAVE LED TO SOME TYPE OF VEHICLE RECALL BEFORE NOW. WE NEED FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS ISSUE AND PROVIDE SOME RELIEF FOR THOSE OF US VEHICLE OWNERS WHO ARE STUCK WITH MASSIVE REPAIR BILLS DUE TO A LACK OF OVERSIGHT OF THIS SYSTEMIC ISSUE BY NHTSA. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO OUR CONCERN IS SOLICITED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED. THE MOORES, BRASELTON, GA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED 2013 VW BEETLE AS CERTIFIED PRE OWNED,IN 2016, AT 30,000 MILE APPROXIMATELY STEERING GEARS HAD TO BE REPLACED,2 MONTHS LATER THE WINDOW MOTORS AND SWITCHES NEEDED REPLACED AND THAT WAS THE 3RD SET. 2 WEEKS LATER,THE DRIVER WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REINFORCED AND SWITCHES NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR 2 SOLID MONTHS BC THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT ON THE INTERIOR CAUSING DOOR PANEL TO PEEL, THEN THE AMBIENT LIGHTING BROKE. VW EXEC CUST SERVICE HAD BEEN INVOLVED FOR 6 MTHS AT THIS POINT, IT TOOK UNTIL 3/9/18 TO GET THE DOOR PANEL FIXED, MEANWHILE EVERYTIME I PICKED UP THE CAR SOMETHING DIFFERENT WENT WRONG, INTERMITTENT SEATBELTS MALFUNCTION, SPEED SENSORS, SEAT HEATER PO PROTRUDING THROUGH SEAT POSING ELECTRICAL SHOCK ONCE IT COMPLETELY PENETRATED. PASSENGER SEATBELTS, AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYED AND 11MTHS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL BACKLIGHT FLICKERING, ROUGH IDLE, AC REPAIRED 2X. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX DROPPING WINDOWS, INTERMITTENT SEATBELTS ISSUE OR SEAT HEATER ISSUE BC THEY CLAIM THAT THE SEAT GOT WET AT SOME POINT AND THEREFORE THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY WONT COVER IT. HOWEVER ON 06072017, WHEN WINDOW SWITCHES AND MOTORS BC POSSESSED GOING UP AND DOWN AND INTERFERING WITH LOCKING CONTROLS DURING A MONSOON, AND THE CAR CLEARLY WAS CAUGHT IN A STORM LASTING 10 HRS THEY WILL NOT FIX AND CLAIM THAT ALL THE SAFETY CONTROLS FOR THAT SEAT ARE DAMAGED BC OF GETTING WET AT SOME POINT,AND SO I CANNOT PUT MY DISABLED CHILD IN IT BC OF THAT AND IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP 13 TIMES IN 18MTHS, ALL FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE REAR TRAIL ARMS RECALL CORP HAS AS BEING COMPLETED, HOWEVER THAT RECALL WAS ONLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A REAR SIDE ACCIDENT WHICH IT WAS SOLD WITH A CLEAN CARFAX.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CRACKING NOISE AND THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF CRACKED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 17079053. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The airbags deployed on their own on 7-4-2023 in my daughter’s 2013 VW Beetle. My daughter and her friend were both injured (physically/mentally) as a result of both front airbags (steering wheel and dashboard airbags) deploying on their own causing over $10,000 USD damage to the beetle and injury to my daughter and her friend who was a passenger in the front seat. Volkswagen never sent out a recall notice to us even though we have owned the car since 9-13-2019 and the airbag recall notice was determined on 12-16-2020 by NHTSA and announced on that date. I only became aware of this recall through investigation, after the accident happened and during repairing of the car. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, or police, or insurance even though Progressive Insurance paid out over $20,000 in damages to the parked cars that were struck after the airbags deployed causing the vw beetle to crash into two parked cars in a residential neighborhood. There was a sparse accident report that was filed by Colorado State police. There were not any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the Tatanka airbag failure and recall.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DID NOT CLOSE TIGHTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE IMPORTS (410-363-8300, LOCATED AT 9808 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
VW RECALL: 69BC, DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG, NHTSA: 20V785 4/16/21: TODAY I CALLED LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP, (SOUTHPOINT VOLKSWAGEN, 13940 AIRLINE HWY., BATON ROUGE, LA 70817, 855-498-0983) TO SCHEDULE REPAIR OF THIS RECALL. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME THAT THEY ARE ONLY SCHEDULING (1) RECALL REPAIR PER DAY AND THE SOONEST TIME I COULD SCHEDULE IS 6/01/21 (@45 DAYS). THIS SEEMS VERY UNREASONABLE GIVEN THE POTENTIAL DANGER/THREAT THAT THIS RECALL PRESENTS. BECAUSE THE RECALL INVOLVES THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG, THE ONLY (2) OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE OWNER IS TO: 1). CONTINUE TO USE THE CAR, KNOWING THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF "SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH" IT PRESENTS TO SELF (& THEREFORE PASSENGERS AS WELL) OR 2) IN ORDER TO ENSURE MY PERSONAL SAFETY, I CAN "CHOOSE" NOT TO USE THE VEHICLE (AND DO WHAT? RENT A CAR?!) SECOND CONCERN: THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER (ANALOG) SPONTANEOUSLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN @3MONTHS AGO (1/03/21) FOR NO APPARENT REASON (CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT; NO POT-HOLE, ROAD HAZARD, UNUSUAL WEATHER, ETC. AT THE TIME THAT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING OR DURING RECENT USE; & VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. SINCE THE CAR CANNOT PASS LOUISIANA'S ANNUAL "SAFETY STICKER" INSPECTION WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING SPEEDOMETER, I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY VW CARS.
BOUGHT CAR ONE YEAR AND A HALF AGO. BUY CAR USED WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING AND LEANING AT IDLE. CAR SKIDS VERY EASILY AND RAIN, CAN EASILY CAUSE CRASHES. CAR AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
After parking vehicle in a parking lot, manipulated gear shift from drive to park. Left vehicle and continued business. When returning to parking lot, vehicle was no longer in the parking spot but had rolled backwards into the travel lane of the lot. Started vehicle and attempted to move but could not move gear shift lever to drive or reverse. Was then I noticed that while the gear shift lever was in the park position, the instrument cluster display indicated it was in neutral. Could not adjust gear shift at all. Had vehicle towed to shop and was informed the gear shift cable had broken. Vehicle was repaired however cable alone could not be replaced. Had to purchase complete gear shift lever assembly due to VW replacement parts policy.
WHEN DECELERATING ALL POWER SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AN OFF RAMP (7-5-19), GOING TO START TO GO THOUGH A GREEN LIGHT (7-15-19), WHILE DRIVING IN MY SUBDIVISION (7-16-19)AND TODAY (6-27-20) ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND NOW WILL NOT STAY OPERATIONAL IN THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The airbags deployed on their own on 7-4-2023 in my daughter’s 2013 VW Beetle. My daughter and her friend were both injured (physically/mentally) as a result of both front airbags (steering wheel and dashboard airbags) deploying on their own causing over $10,000 USD damage to the beetle and injury to my daughter and her friend who was a passenger in the front seat. Volkswagen never sent out a recall notice to us even though we have owned the car since 9-13-2019 and the airbag recall notice was determined on 12-16-2020 by NHTSA and announced on that date. I only became aware of this recall through investigation, after the accident happened and during repairing of the car. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, or police, or insurance even though Progressive Insurance paid out over $20,000 in damages to the parked cars that were struck after the airbags deployed causing the vw beetle to crash into two parked cars in a residential neighborhood. There was a sparse accident report that was filed by Colorado State police. There were not any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the Tatanka airbag failure and recall.
BOUGHT CAR ONE YEAR AND A HALF AGO. BUY CAR USED WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING AND LEANING AT IDLE. CAR SKIDS VERY EASILY AND RAIN, CAN EASILY CAUSE CRASHES. CAR AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Continental passenger rear tire (215/60 R 16) blew out while I was driving on the freeway. There was a swerve then a pound rumbling noise. It was very dangerous. I was put at severe risk because it blew out on the freeway. There were no warning lamp last prior to this incident.
HANKOOK FRONT TIRES WORE OUT AT 10,000 MILES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had the Takata Air Bag Recall completed at VW dealership in CC, Tx. Shortly after the Air Bag kept giving Errors and then it would include Low Air Pressure, ABS and Anti Skid Warnings.. Contacted the dealership, had the system check with no issues.. Had the system checked locally at repair shop with no issues.. went to leave and Air Bag Warning stated Error,, they rechecked and found no Issues.. Computer showed no Errors.. I was informed that apparently the only issue is "Possibly" the Air Bag needs to be replaced again but the dealership refuses to without a Recall Requests.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND FAILED TO ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP IN THE PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACTED CALLED AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER IN ORANGE, CA TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND TO INQUIRE OF WHY NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED FOR FURTHER FAILURE INFORMATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TOWED TO THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TAIL LIGHT CONNECTOR ROTTED WHILE L WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET
I HAVE NOTICED MY CENTER DRIVER-SIDE HEADLIGHT DIM/TURN OFF FOR SOME TIME THINKING THE HEADLIGHT WAS BAD. I HAD THE HEADLIGHT REPLACED IN FEBRUARY BUT STILL HAD PEOPLE TELL ME IT WAS OUT AND AT TIMES I COULD SEE THIS IN THE REFLECTION OF TRUCK TAILGATES, ETC. THE SURROUNDING DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT CAN MAKE IT HARD TO TELL. HOWEVER, IN THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS, EVERY TWO TO THREE MINUTES, SOMETIMES AFTER NOTICING THE INITIAL DIM OF THE DRIVER-SIDE HEAD LIGHT, ALL LIGHT TURN OFF LEAVING THE CAR IN MOTION IN THE DARK. THIS HAS HAPPENED BOTH ON LOCAL ROADS AND HIGHWAY. ENGAGING THE FOG LIGHTS MAY EXTEND THE TIME BETWEEN SHUT-OFFS BY ANOTHER MINUTE OR SO. BY TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF AND WAITING A SECOND, THEN TURNING THEM BACK ON, ALL LIGHTS COME BACK. DOING SO TOO QUICKLY DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC FEELS IT IS CAPACITOR OR SIMILAR ELECTRIC ISSUE IN THE J519 BODY CONTROL MODULE THAT RECEIVES POWER FOR THE LIGHTS AND CONTROLS THEM FROM THERE. BEING A SAFETY ISSUE, I HAVE TO WONDER IF CREATING SUCH A WEAK-LINK TO POWER ALL NIGHTTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS NOT RECALL WORTHY. HE SUGGESTED FULL MODULE REPLACEMENT I DO HAVE VIDEO TO SHARE OF THIS OCCURRING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 RECALLS ARE ON MY BUG FIRST ONE SAYS THE AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY EXPLODE.CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. I CALLED VW THEY SAID IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT. I CALLED THEM AND I TOLD THEM I CAN'T SELL MY CAR LIKE THAT, AND THEY WON'T BUY IT BACK,OR PROVIDE A RENTAL UNTIL THEY COME UP WITH A FIX. IS THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY GRAND KIDS OR NOT AND WHAT DO I DO..I HAVE LET THE CAR SIT UNTIL I HERE FROM SOMEONE
I PURCHASED 2013 VW BEETLE AS CERTIFIED PRE OWNED,IN 2016, AT 30,000 MILE APPROXIMATELY STEERING GEARS HAD TO BE REPLACED,2 MONTHS LATER THE WINDOW MOTORS AND SWITCHES NEEDED REPLACED AND THAT WAS THE 3RD SET. 2 WEEKS LATER,THE DRIVER WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REINFORCED AND SWITCHES NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR 2 SOLID MONTHS BC THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT ON THE INTERIOR CAUSING DOOR PANEL TO PEEL, THEN THE AMBIENT LIGHTING BROKE. VW EXEC CUST SERVICE HAD BEEN INVOLVED FOR 6 MTHS AT THIS POINT, IT TOOK UNTIL 3/9/18 TO GET THE DOOR PANEL FIXED, MEANWHILE EVERYTIME I PICKED UP THE CAR SOMETHING DIFFERENT WENT WRONG, INTERMITTENT SEATBELTS MALFUNCTION, SPEED SENSORS, SEAT HEATER PO PROTRUDING THROUGH SEAT POSING ELECTRICAL SHOCK ONCE IT COMPLETELY PENETRATED. PASSENGER SEATBELTS, AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYED AND 11MTHS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL BACKLIGHT FLICKERING, ROUGH IDLE, AC REPAIRED 2X. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX DROPPING WINDOWS, INTERMITTENT SEATBELTS ISSUE OR SEAT HEATER ISSUE BC THEY CLAIM THAT THE SEAT GOT WET AT SOME POINT AND THEREFORE THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY WONT COVER IT. HOWEVER ON 06072017, WHEN WINDOW SWITCHES AND MOTORS BC POSSESSED GOING UP AND DOWN AND INTERFERING WITH LOCKING CONTROLS DURING A MONSOON, AND THE CAR CLEARLY WAS CAUGHT IN A STORM LASTING 10 HRS THEY WILL NOT FIX AND CLAIM THAT ALL THE SAFETY CONTROLS FOR THAT SEAT ARE DAMAGED BC OF GETTING WET AT SOME POINT,AND SO I CANNOT PUT MY DISABLED CHILD IN IT BC OF THAT AND IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP 13 TIMES IN 18MTHS, ALL FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE REAR TRAIL ARMS RECALL CORP HAS AS BEING COMPLETED, HOWEVER THAT RECALL WAS ONLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A REAR SIDE ACCIDENT WHICH IT WAS SOLD WITH A CLEAN CARFAX.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED 2013 VW BEETLE AS CERTIFIED PRE OWNED,IN 2016, AT 30,000 MILE APPROXIMATELY STEERING GEARS HAD TO BE REPLACED,2 MONTHS LATER THE WINDOW MOTORS AND SWITCHES NEEDED REPLACED AND THAT WAS THE 3RD SET. 2 WEEKS LATER,THE DRIVER WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REINFORCED AND SWITCHES NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR 2 SOLID MONTHS BC THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT ON THE INTERIOR CAUSING DOOR PANEL TO PEEL, THEN THE AMBIENT LIGHTING BROKE. VW EXEC CUST SERVICE HAD BEEN INVOLVED FOR 6 MTHS AT THIS POINT, IT TOOK UNTIL 3/9/18 TO GET THE DOOR PANEL FIXED, MEANWHILE EVERYTIME I PICKED UP THE CAR SOMETHING DIFFERENT WENT WRONG, INTERMITTENT SEATBELTS MALFUNCTION, SPEED SENSORS, SEAT HEATER PO PROTRUDING THROUGH SEAT POSING ELECTRICAL SHOCK ONCE IT COMPLETELY PENETRATED. PASSENGER SEATBELTS, AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYED AND 11MTHS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL BACKLIGHT FLICKERING, ROUGH IDLE, AC REPAIRED 2X. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX DROPPING WINDOWS, INTERMITTENT SEATBELTS ISSUE OR SEAT HEATER ISSUE BC THEY CLAIM THAT THE SEAT GOT WET AT SOME POINT AND THEREFORE THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY WONT COVER IT. HOWEVER ON 06072017, WHEN WINDOW SWITCHES AND MOTORS BC POSSESSED GOING UP AND DOWN AND INTERFERING WITH LOCKING CONTROLS DURING A MONSOON, AND THE CAR CLEARLY WAS CAUGHT IN A STORM LASTING 10 HRS THEY WILL NOT FIX AND CLAIM THAT ALL THE SAFETY CONTROLS FOR THAT SEAT ARE DAMAGED BC OF GETTING WET AT SOME POINT,AND SO I CANNOT PUT MY DISABLED CHILD IN IT BC OF THAT AND IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP 13 TIMES IN 18MTHS, ALL FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE REAR TRAIL ARMS RECALL CORP HAS AS BEING COMPLETED, HOWEVER THAT RECALL WAS ONLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A REAR SIDE ACCIDENT WHICH IT WAS SOLD WITH A CLEAN CARFAX.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONTIPROCONTACT TIRE 23540R19 BLOW OUT DEC 2012. SAME TIRE REPLACED IN 2014. NOW FOR THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS (MAY 11,2014) LOSING AIR PRESSURE IN ORIGINAL TIRES. FILL THE TIRES WITH CORRECT AMOUNT OF AIR AND A FEW DAYS LATER DASHBOARD LIKE COME ON SAYING AIR PRESSURE PROBLEM IN TIRES. KEEPS DOING THE SAME THING. ONLY HAVE 10,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR CONDITIONER BLEW HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .