RoadVitals

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
83
Latest Aug 9, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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

  • Airbags4244.2%
  • Electrical1616.8%
  • Engine77.4%
  • Brakes77.4%
  • Powertrain (other)66.3%
  • Visibility55.3%
  • Steering33.2%
  • Body & structure33.2%
  • Driver assistance33.2%
  • Other / unspecified22.1%
  • Exterior lighting11.1%

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.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have been trying to get the recall fixed since I purchased my vehicle in July 2023. For nearly two years, I have received repeated letters from Volkswagen urging me to have the recall addressed. However, despite calling every two months to schedule an appointment, I am always told that the part is unavailable and that they have no estimated date for its arrival. I'm continually advised to call back in another two months. Last month, after calling dealerships more than ten times since purchasing the vehicle, I contacted VW Customer Service directly. They referred me to the Macon dealership, assuring me that they would assist in booking an appointment. Unfortunately, after speaking with Macon, I was once again told to call back—this time in October—when they might receive the necessary part. I am moving back to Canada at the end of August, and despite nearly two years of effort, my vehicle remains unrepaired. I am extremely dissatisfied with this situation, especially considering the severity of the issue. I live in Georgia, where the climate is hot and humid, and I avoid driving the vehicle out of fear that the airbag could deploy dangerously. Volkswagen has failed to support me through this process, and I am left with a potentially unsafe vehicle and no resolution in sight.

NHTSA ID 11669593 · filed Jun 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11667563 · filed Jun 17, 2025
All 42 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Speedometer stops working. My 16 year old daughter can’t tell how fast she is going when the speedometer stops working. And the screen freezes. Cruise control does not work.

NHTSA ID 11545249 · filed Sep 18, 2023

PHONE BUTTON DOESN'T WORK, NO RESPONSE. BLUETOOTH ISN'T DISCOVERABLE. I AM CALLING HIS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN'T USE MY PHONE HANDS FREE AS I THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO. NOT SURE IF THE FUNCTION IS BROKEN OR DISCONNECTED. IT WAS LIKE THIS WHEN I BOUGHT IT.

NHTSA ID 11348733 · filed Aug 11, 2020
All 16 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Component or System Failure: The specific component that failed or malfunctioned in my 2015 VW Beetle 1.8T Classic PZEV is the timing belt, which caused bent valves resulting in the engine seizing up, rendering it inoperable. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Implications: The failure of the engine posed a significant risk to my safety and the safety of others. When the engine failed while I was driving on the freeway, it resulted in a sudden loss of power and alarming knocking sounds. This sudden loss of power on a busy highway endangered my life and the lives of other drivers around me. Confirmation by Dealer or Service Center: The problem has been confirmed by a Volkswagen dealership. I had the vehicle towed to Bill marines Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis, and they assessed that the engine had "jumped time" and the valves were bent, rendering the car undrivable. Inspections by Manufacturer, Authorities, or Others: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other relevant authorities at this point. However, I have sought assistance and evaluation from a Volkswagen dealership, which is an authorized service center for the brand. They were the first to diagnose the catastrophic engine failure. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms: Prior to the engine failure, there were no warning lamps or messages indicating a problem. There were no noticeable symptoms or signs of an impending failure. The failure occurred suddenly while driving on the freeway, without any prior indication of trouble. Please let me know if there is any additional information or documentation required to assist with the investigation. I am committed to providing accurate and reliable information to support the resolution of this matter.

NHTSA ID 11531943 · filed Jul 12, 2023

This vehicle experiences faults with the camshaft advance system randomly. At 70,000 miles this seems to be abnormal. At times upon start up or slow speed operation the vehicle will stumble, misfire and the engine may stall if the rpms arent increased. Fault codes indicate a faulty camshaft sensor or solenoid valve. VW tells me this isn't covered by any emissions warranty and could be caused by dirty oil. My own searches on the internet have found multiple complaints about this issue with the 1.8 and 2.0 engine. Camshaft timing most certainly effects emissions and this part in my opinion would be able to function properly between oil changes. A slow speed engine stall could be dangerous due to the lack of power steering .

NHTSA ID 11477954 · filed Aug 6, 2022

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.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle was in a minor accident that was rear-ended by another vehicle. No one was injured. The other party claimed responsibility and the vehicle was repaired and the other party paid for the repairs. The problem is with Volkswagen not having the OEM safety equipment available to complete the repairs. The specific part is a spoiler attached to the rear trunk lid that increases the visibility of the brake light built into the rear trunk lid. In traffic this vehicle has only two brake lights within the rear fenders lower to the ground. The spoiler attached above the brake light that is attached at the top of the rear trunk lid, sits above the tail lights and the brake light can be seen by the driver in the vehicle behind the VW. VW claims that this part is on backorder. It is not available within the United States. I believe Volkswagen is refusing to manufacture this critical safety part for repairs of their vehicle. I have been told by several dealers that this part is not available and is on back order. I have tried to locate this part from VW dealers in Texas and out of state also. They all tell me the same thing. Its on back order. I understand this vehicle model is out of production but is being reintroduced again in 2025. Volkswagen should be responsible for providing original parts, especially critical safety parts. Hopefully the NTSA can bring this problem to Volkswagens attention and they will make the responsible safety decision and provide a critical safety component of this vehicle to the customers of their company. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11650977 · filed Mar 27, 2025

INTERMITTENT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING ON SEVERAL LIGHTS IN THE CLUSTER ( BRAKE,ABS,TRACK,AIRBAG) SCANNING THE VEHICLE CODE 16352 (MODULE) THIS INTERMITTENT OCCURS SINCE IT IIN THE MORNING, VEHICLE MOVING (DRIVING) STOPPED IN A TRAFFIC LIGHT , AT ANY TIME.

NHTSA ID 11399210 · filed Mar 4, 2021

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Component or System Failure: The specific component that failed or malfunctioned in my 2015 VW Beetle 1.8T Classic PZEV is the timing belt, which caused bent valves resulting in the engine seizing up, rendering it inoperable. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Implications: The failure of the engine posed a significant risk to my safety and the safety of others. When the engine failed while I was driving on the freeway, it resulted in a sudden loss of power and alarming knocking sounds. This sudden loss of power on a busy highway endangered my life and the lives of other drivers around me. Confirmation by Dealer or Service Center: The problem has been confirmed by a Volkswagen dealership. I had the vehicle towed to Bill marines Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis, and they assessed that the engine had "jumped time" and the valves were bent, rendering the car undrivable. Inspections by Manufacturer, Authorities, or Others: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other relevant authorities at this point. However, I have sought assistance and evaluation from a Volkswagen dealership, which is an authorized service center for the brand. They were the first to diagnose the catastrophic engine failure. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms: Prior to the engine failure, there were no warning lamps or messages indicating a problem. There were no noticeable symptoms or signs of an impending failure. The failure occurred suddenly while driving on the freeway, without any prior indication of trouble. Please let me know if there is any additional information or documentation required to assist with the investigation. I am committed to providing accurate and reliable information to support the resolution of this matter.

NHTSA ID 11531943 · filed Jul 12, 2023

Got a notice in the mail from: Auto Airbag Settlement, settlement Administrator, P.O.Box 5650 Portland, Or 97208-5650, and now worried that my car is unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID 11447411 · filed Jan 13, 2022

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE ROLL THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF HUNTINGTON LOCATED AT (838 E JERICHO TPKE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11746). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,600.

NHTSA ID 11317598 · filed Mar 11, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED AND CONTINUED DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM VOLKSWAGEN (3990 W LINCOLN HWY, MERRILVILLE, IN 45410) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V658000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,130.

NHTSA ID 11151441 · filed Nov 14, 2018

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Ignition key gets stuck, Dealer stated mechanism that holds the switch is broken. This can cause issues starting, removing the key and cause the steering wheel not to turn . I've been informed it's among the top 10 requested broken parts for VW beetles with no manufacturer making this part currently

NHTSA ID 11660740 · filed May 13, 2025

We have a big ign. Key that at times won't turn. Was informed by the dealer the mechanism is broke and it's a backordered item due to it being a common item . Failures of this part can cause the steering wheel to lock I have read

NHTSA ID 11658024 · filed Apr 30, 2025

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle was in a minor accident that was rear-ended by another vehicle. No one was injured. The other party claimed responsibility and the vehicle was repaired and the other party paid for the repairs. The problem is with Volkswagen not having the OEM safety equipment available to complete the repairs. The specific part is a spoiler attached to the rear trunk lid that increases the visibility of the brake light built into the rear trunk lid. In traffic this vehicle has only two brake lights within the rear fenders lower to the ground. The spoiler attached above the brake light that is attached at the top of the rear trunk lid, sits above the tail lights and the brake light can be seen by the driver in the vehicle behind the VW. VW claims that this part is on backorder. It is not available within the United States. I believe Volkswagen is refusing to manufacture this critical safety part for repairs of their vehicle. I have been told by several dealers that this part is not available and is on back order. I have tried to locate this part from VW dealers in Texas and out of state also. They all tell me the same thing. Its on back order. I understand this vehicle model is out of production but is being reintroduced again in 2025. Volkswagen should be responsible for providing original parts, especially critical safety parts. Hopefully the NTSA can bring this problem to Volkswagens attention and they will make the responsible safety decision and provide a critical safety component of this vehicle to the customers of their company. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11650977 · filed Mar 27, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE ROLL THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF HUNTINGTON LOCATED AT (838 E JERICHO TPKE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11746). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,600.

NHTSA ID 11317598 · filed Mar 11, 2020

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Speedometer stops working. My 16 year old daughter can’t tell how fast she is going when the speedometer stops working. And the screen freezes. Cruise control does not work.

NHTSA ID 11545249 · filed Sep 18, 2023

MY KEY WILL NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT IS STUCK AND WILL NOT COME OUT. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATER TO STOP THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ID 11204518 · filed Apr 29, 2019

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON ROUTE 84-MASS PIKE(WHICH IS A FRESHLY PAVED ROAD) I NOTICED SOMETHING GO WRONG WITH THE BACK TIRES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. LUCKILY, AFTER DOING A FULL 360 I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AND PULLED OVER. I HAD TO THE CAR TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER IN WHICH THEY TOLD ME I HAD BROKE THE TIE ROD WHEN I WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE REASON I WENT OUT OF CONTROL IN THE FIRST PLACE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY TIE ROD THAT HAD BROKEN FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. THE WEATHER THAT DAY WAS 50 DEGREES AND HAD BEEN 57 THE DAY BEFORE MEANING ABSOLUTELY NO BLACK ICE. THE ROADS WERE FRESHLY PAVED SO THERE WERE NO POT HOLES. I WAS CHARGED $875.00 TO FIX THE CAR IN ORDER TO GET IT HOME TO MY FATHER WHOM THE CAR BELONGS TO. I AM CONCERNED FOR ANYONE IF THE FUTURE THAT MAY EXPERIENCE THIS AND HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. I FEEL THAT THIS IS GROUNDS TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION. UNTIL THEN I WOULD LIKE TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT ON THIS FAIRLY NEW CAR.

NHTSA ID 11066835 · filed Feb 3, 2018

THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. THE BACKUP CAMERA ON THE VEHICLE IS VERY DARK AND NOT SAFELY USABLE. EVEN ON SUNNY DAYS THE IMAGE IS VERY DARK AND OBJECTS CANNOT BE SEEN WELL ENOUGH TO MAKE BACKING UP SAFE. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON THE SAME DAY OF PURCHASE FOR REPAIR. WAS INFORMED THAT A SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE BUT NOTHING ELSE COULD BE DONE AND THAT MY VW CAMERA WAS COMPARED TO OTHER BEETLES IN THEIR LOT AND THEY WERE ALL THE SAME WITH LOW IMAGE. THE ADJUSTMENT MADE NO DIFFERENCE IN THE CAMERA IMAGE. IT IS STILL DARK AND NOT SAFE TO USE. I HAVE REGISTERED MY COMPLAINT WITH THE LOCAL DEALER AND WITH VW, INC. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 10722094 · filed May 28, 2015

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle was in a minor accident that was rear-ended by another vehicle. No one was injured. The other party claimed responsibility and the vehicle was repaired and the other party paid for the repairs. The problem is with Volkswagen not having the OEM safety equipment available to complete the repairs. The specific part is a spoiler attached to the rear trunk lid that increases the visibility of the brake light built into the rear trunk lid. In traffic this vehicle has only two brake lights within the rear fenders lower to the ground. The spoiler attached above the brake light that is attached at the top of the rear trunk lid, sits above the tail lights and the brake light can be seen by the driver in the vehicle behind the VW. VW claims that this part is on backorder. It is not available within the United States. I believe Volkswagen is refusing to manufacture this critical safety part for repairs of their vehicle. I have been told by several dealers that this part is not available and is on back order. I have tried to locate this part from VW dealers in Texas and out of state also. They all tell me the same thing. Its on back order. I understand this vehicle model is out of production but is being reintroduced again in 2025. Volkswagen should be responsible for providing original parts, especially critical safety parts. Hopefully the NTSA can bring this problem to Volkswagens attention and they will make the responsible safety decision and provide a critical safety component of this vehicle to the customers of their company. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11650977 · filed Mar 27, 2025

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

Data on this page last refreshed .