AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2014 Volkswagen Beetle
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 50 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and engine categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,323 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 2 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 3 |
| Aug 2014 | 3 | 6 |
| Sep 2014 | 2 | 8 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 9 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 10 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 11 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 12 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 13 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 14 |
| Jul 2016 | 2 | 16 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 17 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 18 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 20 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 21 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 22 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 23 |
| Aug 2019 | 2 | 25 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 26 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 27 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 28 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 30 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 31 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 32 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 34 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 35 |
| Apr 2021 | 2 | 37 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 38 |
| Jul 2021 | 2 | 40 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 41 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 42 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 43 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 44 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 45 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 47 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 49 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 50 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags1522.4%
- Electrical1319.4%
- Engine69.0%
- Body & structure69.0%
- Visibility57.5%
- Driver assistance57.5%
- Fuel system46.0%
- Brakes46.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE; STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Roof has cracked from sunroof to the pillar in multiple locations it is avaliable for inspection. It’s a common issues with beetles with sun roofs My concern is if it cracks enough a large piece may come off and potentially strike another vehicle especially at freeway speeds Dealer has denied the repair
- NHTSA ID
- 11660098
- Incident
- Aug 28, 2023
This complaint involves the failure of the ABS Control Module. Upon starting the car, audible warnings as well as dash warning lights indicate urgent brake failure, ABS failure, Airbag failure and stability control failure. In my particular case, the rear brake calipers do not activate fully when braking resulting in increased stopping distance. Vehicle was scanned at dealer on 11/16/24 indicating failure of ABS Control Module. Repair estimate, $5379. This is apparently a common issue when searching on-line VW forums. The ABS Module was the subject of a recall for 2009 and 2010 models but appears to still affect later model years. VW is forcing its customers to choose between an exorbitant repair bill or driving an unsafe vehicle knowing they have installed defective modules. Dealer states unable to predict future brake and other issues if not repaired. Evidence of how common this problem occurs is their own admission that the parts are back ordered.
- NHTSA ID
- 11629147
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. The VIN was not provided.
- NHTSA ID
- 11582658
- Incident
- Apr 12, 2024
- Mileage
- 40,000 mi
On my dashboard, my passenger seat airbag started going off. I brought my VW Beetle in for its 100,000-mile maintenance check and asked about the airbag. My mechanic informed me that the passenger seat airbag was failing, and if I were driving with someone and crashed, their airbag would not deploy. They told me there was nothing I could've done to prevent this, it's just the piece itself has failed. Their advisory notes were: 'Airbag light on trouble code B12251B occupied recognition sensor mat. PART #5C5959337.' I researched if my car was eligible for a recall and it is not, however I saw that VW has a recall for Takata Driver Front Airbags.
- NHTSA ID
- 11543612
- Incident
- Aug 22, 2023
The timing chain on my 2014 r-line Turbo Volkswagen Beetle with only 45,000 miles failed and subsequently destroyed the engine. Apparently this is a known issue with VW and Audi's manufactured between 2009 - 2014. There was a class action lawsuit against VW that does not apply to our situation as the claim has passed. Why has there not been a RECALL placed on this? Now we are stuck with a $16,000 piece of junk. Please put a recall on these vehicles to protect consumers like us who are at the mercy of this unscrupulous business.
- NHTSA ID
- 11543291
- Incident
- Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the high-beam headlights, the lever failed to operate as designed. The contact stated who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the multifunction lever switch failed to operate in the forward position as designed, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11505202
- Incident
- Aug 17, 2022
- Mileage
- 85,000 mi
Beginning in June 2021 and thereafter, my husband and I received notifications from Volkswagen of America of a life-threatening urgent airbag safety recall for our 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - our only vehicle. The recall is referenced on your websiteManufacturer Recall Number 69BC; NHTSA Recall Number 20V785. In response to the notifications, we have spent the past nearly 16 months seeking an appointment to have this airbag defect repaired. Initially, we were advised that a qualified technician from Honolulu would come to the Island of Hawaii (where we reside) to make the necessary repairs, as we were informed that there are no qualified dealers or technicians on our island, which has a population of more than 200,000 people, boasts many VW repair shops, and is home to a plethora of other VW drivers. Until last week, my husband’s numerous calls over the past 16 months seeking a repair appointment were met with repeated assurances that someone from VW would contact us for an appointment locally or return our call for scheduling. Having still not heard from WV about scheduling an appointment, we called yet again two weeks ago and they said they no longer send a technician from Honolulu to our island and that we would need to ship our car to Honolulu by boat at our expense to receive the necessary airbag replacement. Aside from being contrary to the numerous statements in the written notifications that the repair, the repair appointment, and alternative transportation would be “free” to us, it appears contrary to public safety protocol that we, the consumers/drivers, would need to come out of pocket an estimated $2,000 to ship and insure the car and obtain alternative transportation while our car is unavailable. While we are concerned about our own well-being as respects driving the car, we are also concerned that there may be many other VW drivers in Hawaii who are similarly situated. A detailed timeline documenting the above is attached.
- NHTSA ID
- 11494070
- Incident
- Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated the ignition failed to turn off and the gear shifter did not recognize the PARK gear. The contact stated the key would not unlatch and was eventually fractured. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (Electrical System, Steering). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall repairs completed. The contact stated shortly after the recall repairs, he continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,652.
- NHTSA ID
- 11467826
- Incident
- Apr 27, 2022
- Mileage
- 63,652 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.
ENGINE
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
ENGINE
Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
ENGINE
Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
AIR BAGS
Inquiries
ENGINE
Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 54.0 |
| 2018 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 51.3 |
| 2017 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 52.9 |
| 2016 | 47 | 4 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2015 | 83 | 6 | 0 | 46.1 |
| 2014Viewing | 50 | 6 | 0 | 49.3 |
| 2013 | 90 | 7 | 0 | 51.2 |
| 2012 | 65 | 7 | 0 | 50.2 |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2010 | 30 | 3 | 0 | 39.8 |
| 2009 | 33 | 2 | 0 | 41.1 |
| 2008 | 60 | 3 | 0 | 54.6 |
| 2007 | 56 | 2 | 0 | 45.6 |
| 2006 | 124 | 4 | 0 | 49.9 |
| 2005 | 261 | 6 | 0 | 50.0 |
| 2004 | 349 | 6 | 1 | 53.4 |
| 2003 | 314 | 5 | 1 | 52.5 |
| 2002 | 165 | 8 | 2 | 60.8 |
| 2001 | 203 | 8 | 2 | 60.3 |
| 2000 | 263 | 7 | 3 | 62.6 |
| 1999 | 174 | 7 | 3 | 65.3 |
| 1998 | 171 | 8 | 3 | 64.5 |
| 1977 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1971 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1969 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1965 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.