2014 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 2014 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
- Airbags1522.4%
- Electrical1319.4%
- Engine69.0%
- Body & structure69.0%
- Visibility57.5%
- Driver assistance57.5%
- Fuel system46.0%
- Brakes46.0%
- Steering34.5%
- Powertrain (other)23.0%
- Exterior lighting23.0%
- Tires & wheels11.5%
- Transmission11.5%
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
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the horn worked intermittently before receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The contact took the vehicle to local dealer and the recall repair completed. The contact stated that the horn was still functioning intermittently after the recall repair. The dealer stated that the recall did not cover diagnostic testing or repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR RATTLES AND WILL NOT GO. I WAS TOLD MY 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE'S ENGINE WAS BURNING OIL INTERNALLY SO THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED AN OIL SPLICER/SEPERATOR I DID THAT AND IT DID NOT HELP. I DONT UNDRESTAND BUT I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO BE SERVICED TWICE A YEAR SINCE I PURCHASED II IN 2015. I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE.
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
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
THE DOOR LATCH FUNCTION FAILS AND THE CAR DOOR FREELY OPENS TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS. THE CABLE OR MODULE HAS FAILED AND A RIGHT TURN SWUNG THE DOOR OPEN AS I HELD THE WINDOW UNKNOWINGLY. *TR
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
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE BEING OPERATED, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID SMEARED THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAUL MILLER VOLKSWAGEN 118 MORRISTOWN ROAD, BERNARDSVILLE, NJ 07924, 855-896-3830 , DOUGLAS VOLKSWAGEN 491 MORRIS AVENUE, SUMMIT, NJ 07901, (908)341-1254, AND TREND MOTORS VOLKSWAGEN 221 US-46, ROCKAWAY, NJ 07866, (973)625-0100 BUT, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA AND ALSO REFERRED TO CONTACT THE LOCAL DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
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
DRIVER SIDE TAKEDA AIR BAG REPLACED UNDER 20V785000 RECALL NOTICE BY CLASSIC VOLKSWAGEN, GASTONIA, NC. VEHICLE RETURNED FROM REPAIR WITH BROKEN STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING. HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, STEER WHEEL CONTROLS FOR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM ARE ALL INOPERATIVE REGARDLESS OF STEERING WHEEL POSITION OR IF VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
SUN ROOF AND NOISE WHEN I BACK UP
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND EVERY TIME I PUT GAS IN THE CAR IT DOES NOT TURN ON ON FIRST TRY I HAVE TO KEEP TURNING IGNITION KEY 3-4 TIME BEFORE IT START. THE CAR IS TURNED OFF.
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
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.
STOPPED AT RED LIGHT LOSE BRAKE PRESSURE ON '14 BEETLE TDI. BRAKE PEDAL POPPING TO TOP AND CAN NOT DEPRESS, CAR STARTS ROLLING. HAPPENED 3 TIMES CALLED FOR SERVICE. WILL SEE WHAT OUTCOME BRINGS. *TR
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
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.
CLOCKSPRING BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME CAUSING FAILURE OF ABS, AIRBAG, ESC AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. SECOND FAILURE OF THE SAME PART IN 3 WEEKS. VOLKSWAGEN IS UNRESPONSIVE. *TR
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
SUN ROOF AND NOISE WHEN I BACK UP
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND KEYLESS IGNITION. THIS IS AN UNSAFE COMBINATION SHOULD THE CAR BE STALLED. WHEN THE START BUTTON IS PUSHED AND I HAVE FAILED TO GET THE CLUTCH PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM THE CAR WON'T START. NOW THE BUTTON MUST BE PUSHED ONCE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF, ONCE MORE TO TURN THE IGNITION ON AND YET A THIRD TIME TO ENGAGE THE STARTER AND HOPEFULLY THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS FULLY ENGAGED. ALL OF THIS HAPPENING WHILE IN PANIC MODE AS YOU OBSERVE AUTOS COMING AT YOU. A MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A STARTER BUTTON SEPARATE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. FOR BACKGROUND I AM 60 YEARS OLD AND HAVE DRIVEN STANDARD SHIFT CARS MY ENTIRE LIFE AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED SUCH A PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE CLUTCH LOCKOUT FEATURE SHOULD BE DISABLED IN A VEHICLE WITH THIS COMBINATION OR A SEPARATE STARTER BUTTON BE PROVIDED. I AM CONVINCED I WILL DIE IN THIS CAR EITHER AS A RESULT OF A CRASH OR HEART ATTACK. *TR
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
LOW BEAMS BOTH STOPPED WORKING, BULBS AND FUSES ARE FINE.
SUNROOF CRACK AFTER 2 TIMES CHANGE, VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. WHEN RAIN FRONT LIGHT THE GET FULL OF WATER AND THEY STOP WORKING, VERY UNSAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME
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
CLOCKSPRING BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME CAUSING FAILURE OF ABS, AIRBAG, ESC AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. SECOND FAILURE OF THE SAME PART IN 3 WEEKS. VOLKSWAGEN IS UNRESPONSIVE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEM WITH CLUTCH RELEASE. PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP, THE CLUTCH SOMETIMES DISENGAGES WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF SHUTTER. ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN TRAFFIC AND THE ENGINE IS OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. THIS OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK AND CREATES A PANIC RESPONSE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE PULLING AWAY FROM A LIGHT OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. CARS FROM BEHIND HAVE TO HIT THEIR BRAKES WHEN YOU PULL OUT INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC AND THE CAR STALLS. MY WIFE AND I HAVE DRIVEN SIX DIFFERENT VEHICLES OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS ALL WHICH HAD MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. FOUR OF THESE VEHICLES WERE VW?S. WE KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE WHEN YOU ACCIDENTLY ?POP THE CLUTCH?. THERE IS USUALLY A SHUTTER AND YOU FEEL THE VEHICLE COMES TO AN ABRUPT STOP. IN THE CASE ON MY 2014 VW BEETLE, YOU SOMETIME NEVER FEEL ANYTHING THROUGH THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU SEE THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT AND YOU REALIZE THE ENGINE IS ?DEAD?. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE VW DEALER AND THE SHOP SUPERVISOR DROVE THE CAR WITH ME AS A PASSENGER. AS IT WOULD BE, THE CAR NEVER STALLED EVER AFTER MAKING MAY STOPS AND PULLING UP HILLS, ETC. THE DEALERSHIP WAS VERY NICE AND DID TRY TO MAKE THE CAR BEHAVE AS I HAVE DESCRIBED ABOVE. UNFORTUNATELY IT DID NOT. I'M WRITING THIS TO GO ON RECORD AS HAVING WHAT I FEEL IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED PROBLEM WITH MY VW. *JS
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 .