crashtest

2013 / Volkswagen

2013 Volkswagen Beetle

5/5

Overall rating (best variant)

Safety ratings

2013 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD

5/5Overall
4/5Frontal crash
5/5Side crash
5/5Side pole
4/5Rollover
Frontal, driver: 5★Frontal, passenger: 4★Side, driver: 5★Side, rear passenger: 5★Rollover risk: 10.5%
  • Lane departure warningNo
  • Forward collision warningNo
  • Electronic stability controlStandard

2013 Volkswagen Beetle C FWD

Not ratedOverall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedSide pole
Not ratedRollover
  • Lane departure warningNo
  • Forward collision warningNo
  • Electronic stability controlStandard

Crash test videos & photos

No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.

Recalls (7)

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHERCampaign 19V679000 · 25/09/2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

    Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

    Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERCampaign 20E064000 · 23/09/2020

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

    Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULECampaign 19V615000 · 22/08/2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

    Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

    Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

  • VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYCampaign 14V658000 · 20/10/2014

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.

    Risk: Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.

    Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

  • SUSPENSION:REARCampaign 14V656000 · 20/10/2014

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.

    Risk: The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 20V785000 · 16/12/2020

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVECampaign 12V540000 · 15/11/2012

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.

    Risk: If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.

    Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Owner complaints

98
Complaints
3
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Most-reported areas

  • AIR BAGS37
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
  • ENGINE10
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
  • STEERING6
  • STRUCTURE5
  • SERVICE BRAKES4
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

  • 12/29/2014· EQUIPMENT

    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.

  • 12/22/2014· VISIBILITY

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V658000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,800.

  • 12/01/2013· FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

    LOW PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL TANK FUEL PUMP FAILURE. NO VISIBLE SIGN OF CONTAMINATED FUEL SUCH AS WATER OR DEBRIS. THIS IS SECOND INCIDENT. VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY SLOW TO LESS THAN 2000 RPM AND WILL NOT EXCEED 45 MPH. DEALER REPLACED PUMP UNDER WARRANTY THE FIRST FAILURE AND NOW IS BLAMING FAILURE ON FUEL. BOTH INCIDENTS RESTRICTED THE VEHICLES ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND ALMOST RESULTED IN ACCIDENTS. *TR

  • 11/24/2021· AIR BAGS

    NHYSA: 20V785 Volkswagen RECALL 69BC - Driver Front Airbag

  • 11/19/2021· ENGINE

    Engine stalled and made jerking movements when coming to a stop and continued. Per mechanic, engine had metal contaminants and cannot be repaired. Needs new engine. Check engine light did not come on until after malfunction. Could have occurred on roadway which would have been hazard to driver and others. Second opinion from another mechanic obtained and confirmed. Not inspected by manufacturer. Oil was changed at VW dealership week before malfunction. No dealership available where malfunction occurred.

  • 11/14/2023· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

    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.

  • 11/13/2019· STRUCTURE

    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.

  • 11/08/2022· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    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.

  • 11/05/2025· AIR BAGS

    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)

  • 11/03/2025· AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part had been on back order for 3 months. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

  • 10/22/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

    I GOT A BUNCH OF CALLS AND MANY NOTICES REGARDING AN AIRBAG RECALL, BUT I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE SHIFT LEVER RECALL. I PARKED MY VEHICLE ON MY STREET AND IT ROLLED AWAY FROM ME AND CRASHED INTO MY NEIGHBORS CAR. IT WAS NOT UNTIL AFTER I PAID OUT OF MY OWN POCKET TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THAT I WAS TOLD IT WAS A RECALL. VW HAS FAILED IN NOTIFYING ME OF THIS AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN KILLED.

  • 10/02/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN ACTIVATED, THE RADIO PROMPTED THE CONTACT FOR A CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

  • 10/01/2014· TIRES

    I HAD TWO BLOWOUTS IN BACK TO BACK WEEKS IN APRIL 2014 AND THOUGHT IT WAS BAD LUCK. THE TIRES WERE CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO AND HAD LESS THAN 20K MILES. I REPLACED 2 EACH TIME SINCE THE CAR IS FWD. THEY CAME ON MY 2013 BEETLE TDI. AT THE END OF AUGUST IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE TIRE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND WITHIN MINUTES THE TIRE BLEW AT 65MPH. I MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE BLEW COMPLETELY OFF FUSSING ABOUT A 2" SECTION TO THE RIM. THE INSIDE HAD 2 MAJOR SIDEWALL FAILURES. I GOT HOME AND GOOGLED CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO COMPLAINTS AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF THE SAME ISSUES. I REPLACED THE BLOWN TIRE AND PARKED THE CAR. I ORDERED A SET OF MICHELINS AND HAD THEM INSTALLED THIS WEEKEND. THE CONTINENTALS ARE IN MY BASEMENT UNTIL THERE IS AN ADMISSION OR RESOLUTION THAT THERE IS INDEED A PROBLEM. I DRIVE AROUND 35K MILES PER YEAR FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE TIRE FAILURES UNTIL THESE. CONTINENTAL'S RESPONSE SO FAR IS THEY WERE MADE TO SPECIFICATIONS. AND VW'S RESPONSE WAS WE DIDN'T MAKE THE TIRE. *TR

  • 09/30/2025· AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that the air bag needed for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called two other dealers, Volkswagen Jackson Service (5320 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd), and Harper Volkswagen Parts & Service (9901 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922), who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

  • 09/18/2020· SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

    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.

  • 09/14/2016· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    TAKATA RECALL ON 8/13/16 WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND AS I ATTEMPT TO MOVE OVER THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID THIS SEVERAL MORE TIMES BEFORE I WAS TO SEND IT BACK TO THE CAR LOT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANK SHAFT WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE. ON 9/13/2016 (1MONTH LATER) WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH ON A BUSY CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, IN FRONT OF AN 18 WHEELER THIS CAR SHUT OF AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED ON ITS VERY OWN. I MOVED OVER TO A SLOWER LANE TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS. I PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME I HAD TO MANUALLY RESTART THE VEHICLE. I PARKED THE CAR AT AN AREA RESTAURANT FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS. I WENT OUT TO START THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO POWER AT ALL. I CALLED TRIPE AAA, THEY CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. FINALLY A TOW TRUCK WAS DISPATCHED AND ARRIVED ABOUT 15 MINS AFTER THE BATTERY CHECK AND ALL LIGHTS WERE OWN. IN ABOUT 10 MINS I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED WITHOUT ANY HESITATION. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE BECAUSE I ABSOLUTELY FEAR FOR MY SAFETY.

  • 09/13/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER FAILURE AFTER VW DIESEL FIX

  • 09/10/2021· TIRES

    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.

  • 09/04/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    AROUND 7/8/19 MY KEY STARTED GETTING STUCK IN THE ON POSITION CAR RUNNING. I TO BE AFTER READING COMPLAINTS AND SEEN THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE STEERING LOCK SO THEY FIXED THAT NO PROBLEM. WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK THE KEY WAS ALREADY IN IGNITION. I WENT TO GAS STATION TOOK KEY OUT AND OPENED DOOR AND IT WAS CHIMING LIKE THE KEYS WERE STILL ON THE IGNITION I COULDN'T EVEN USE THE KEY FOB TO LOCK DOORS. I TOOK BACK TO BE ON 8/2/19 TOLD THEM I HAD NO PROBLEMS TIL THEY WORKED ON IT SO THEY DIDN'T CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSTIC FEE WHEN THEY CALLED TO SAY THAT THE TUMBLER WAS BAD AND THAT WASN'T COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I SAID IT DIDN'T DO IT BEFORE YOU MESSED WITH IT BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX WHAT THEY BROKE AND SAID THEY HAVE TO ORDER THE PART FROM MEXICO.

  • 09/04/2016· ENGINE

    ENGINE SMOKING DEFECTIVE FUEL FILTER O-RING GASKETS CAUSING FUEL LEAKS--VW DEALERS NOT HONORING WARRANTY. BETWEEN APRIL 2015 - JULY 2016, VW DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THIS FUEL GASKET FIVE TIMES, REPEATEDLY CHARGING ME FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART AND UNNEEDED FILTERS. I SAVED ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE GASKETS AND HAVE BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT VW DEALERSHIPS, GRAHAM IN SIOUX FALLS SOUTH DAKOTA AND JENSEN IN SIOUX CITY IOWA. THE ENGINE SMOKES, I FIND THE FUEL LEAK, TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BEFORE EVEN OPENING THE HOOD, BECAUSE "THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON." I CONTACTED THE VW REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER, TAMAR T., AND VW CUSTOMER CARE (REFERENCE # 160555387) AND WAS ADVISED THAT REPLACING A FUEL GASKET FIVE TIMES IN JUST OVER A YEAR IS A REGULAR "MAINTENANCE ITEM". ATTACHED ARE A PHOTO OF THE DEFECTIVE GASKET, RESPONSE FROM VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MY MAINTENANCE RECEIPTS/LOG.

  • 09/02/2021· AIR BAGS

    Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts remained unavailable despite having received a letter stating otherwise. The contact called back the same dealer three weeks later and was informed that they only received a limited supply of parts and could not service her vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

  • 08/30/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN WHEN THE HORN BUTTON IS PRESSED AND WHEN IT SOUNDS. THAT'S A HAZARD AND MAKES NO SENSE.

  • 08/24/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    MID 2014, WE PURCHASED OUR 2013 VW BUG FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. BY FALL OF THE SAME YEAR, THE BUG WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR IGNITION KEY SWITCH EXHIBITING DIFFICULTY NOT ONLY ENGAGING TO THE "ON" POSITION, BUT ALSO REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE HOUSING SWITCH. THE DEALER SUGGESTING THAT THE KEYS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE SALE (AS IF THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE). THEY SUGGESTED PURCHASING A NEW SET OF KEYS. COST: CLOSE TO $400. NOT SURE IF THEY DID ANYTHING ELSE WITH THE CAR WHILE THEY HAD IT, BUT THE "PROBLEM" ABATED FOR A WHILE, RETURNING WITH A VENGEANCE ABOUT A YEAR LATER- WE LITERALLY COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE BUG WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER- THIS TIME FOR A NEW KEY SWITCH CYLINDER, STEERING LOCK AND BOLT. COST APPROX. $625. IF YOUR KEEPING SCORE, THAT'S APPROX. $1000. SPENT. FAST FORWARD TO CURRENT DAY, END OF AUG. 2018. SAME IGNITION ISSUES. TWO WEEKS AGO, WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VW OF AMERICA ACKNOWLEDGING THE "PROBLEM", WITH A SPECIFIC WARRANTEE EXTENSION OFFERED. SO, BACK TO THE DEALER IT GOES. THANKS TO THIS NHTSA WEBSITE, I SEE THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE.

  • 08/16/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    DOOR LOCK HAVE QUIT WORKING PROPERLY, WHAT MAKE ME THINK THIS MIGHT BE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN THE 600$ I HAVE HAD TO PAY SEPARATELY FOR EACH DOOR IS AN EXPERIENCE I HAD LAST WEEK...UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DOOR, MY BATTERY DIED, AND I WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, AS THE BEETLE REQUIRES THE WINDOW TO LOWER APPROX. 1 INCH FOR THE DOOR TO OPEN. I DO NOT KNOW IF THESE 2 PROBLEMS ARE CONNECTED, BUT HAVING ANYTHING WRONG WITH DOOR LOCKS SHOULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD THAT IS FIXED BY THE COMPANY. THE DOORS ARE SUPPOSED TO LOCK UPON ACCELERATION, WITH THE DOUBLE CLICKING I HAVE EXPERIENCED, I'M ACTUALLY NOT SURE IF THEY ARE. I HAVE A VIDEO THAT I COULD SEND, BUT IT IS NOT ATTACHABLE TO THIS FORM (.MOV)I HAVE ATTACHED THE CUSTOMER (DON'T) CARE MESSAGES FROM VW. I HAVE DECIDED TO FIE THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE PASSENGER DOOR FIRST WENT OUT A YEAR OR SO AGO AND I PAID FOR THAT ONE AND NOW THE DRIVERS DOOR HAS FAILED.

  • 08/12/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

    1. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVE WAY (AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, PARKED IN A LOT), CONVERTIBLE ROOF STALLS UPON OPENING. YOU HAVE TO STOP PRESSING BUTTON AND TRY AGAIN. EVENTUALLY IT STARTS AGAIN AND OPENS. VW SERVICE UNABLE TO REPLICATE. THEY GREASE THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED HOPING IT CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. 2. WHEN CAR WAS NEW, NOT WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEMS WERE NOTED. AFTER A YEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE SQUIRTS OUT IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE WIPER DOESN'T GET WET ENOUGH TO CLEAN WINDOW, THUS LEAVING BLURRY STREAKS THAT IMPEDES DRIVER'S SIDE VISION. PASSENGER SIDE OK. TOOK CAR IN 2 TIMES, THEY SAY THEY ADJUST SPRAY. PROBLEM STILL THERE EVEN AFTER REPLACING WIPERS WITH BRAND NEW (VOLKSWAGON BRAND) WIPERS. JUST HAD THE SPRAY FIXED AGAIN LAST WEEK. AFRAID TO SEE IF IT IS ANY BETTER. WILL WRITE ANOTHER REPORT IF PROBLEM PERSISTS. HAD CONVERTIBLE TOP GEARS GREASED AGAIN LAST WEEK. I WONDER IF HOT WEATHER IS EFFECTING THE TOP TO OPEN?

  • 08/06/2021· AIR BAGS

    Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

  • 08/05/2025· AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000(Air Bags). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

  • 08/05/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    THE TAIL LIGHT CONNECTOR ROTTED WHILE L WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET

  • 08/05/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR STOP WORKING

  • 08/05/2013· SERVICE BRAKES

    THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SO CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL THAT MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD OUR RIGHT SHOES WHILE ON THE GAS PEDAL GET STUCK UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. MY SHOE SOLE HAS REPEATEDLY GOT CAUGHT UNDER THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT IS SCARY TRYING TO GET THE SHOE LOOSE TO BRAKE THE CAR. I SENT AN EMAIL TO VW OF AMERICA AND THEY STATE THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS BEFORE. I HAVE A FRIEND AT CHURCH WHO JUST BOUGHT AN IDENTICAL BEETLE TO OURS AND HE SAID HE HAS ALSO HAD THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

  • 07/29/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO NAPLETON'S VOLKSWAGEN OF URBANA (1025 NAPLETON WAY, URBANA, IL 61802, 217-637-1222) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOY-BASED WIRING WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  • 07/26/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    OVER TIME, THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN WHENEVER THE KEY IS INSERTED. THIS OCCURS ESPECIALLY OFTEN IN WARMER WEATHER, WHICH CAN BECOME A DANGER AS THE DRIVER SITS AND WRESTLES WITH THE KEY TRYING TO GET IT TO TURN IN THE IGNITION IN AN INCREDIBLY HOT CAR. IT MOST OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND ALREADY TURNED OFF, THOUGH IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES AFTER PARKING, AND BEING UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY BACK AND TURN THE CAR OFF.

  • 07/23/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    TRYING TO TURN OFF THE MOTOR BUT KEY WILL NOT TURN, IT WILL MOVE FORWARD AS IF YOU ARE STARTING IT BUT NOT TO REMOVE THE KEY.THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND I JIGGLES THE STEERING COLUMN AND GEAR LEVER AND EVEN THE KEY SWITCH BUT NOTHING WOULD RELEASE THE KEY AND TURN THE MOTOR OFF.

  • 07/21/2016· VISIBILITY/WIPER

    WINDSHIELD RANDOMLY CRACKED WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY IN 80 DEGREE WEATHER, IN THE SHADE. CRACK GOES FROM ROOF, DOWN BEHIND REAR-VIEW MIRROR, THEN TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT APPEARS TO BE A STRESS FRACTURE, AS THERE IS NOT VISIBLE SIGN OF ROCK DAMAGE. THE TOP LINE OF THE WINDSHIELD IS CLEARLY UNLEVEL NOW. APPEARS TO BE A STRESS FRACTURE FROM IMPROPER DESIGN OR INSTALLATION. OTHER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR MAKE/MODEL/YEAR HAVE REPORTED THE SAME, WITH COMPARABLE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE.

  • 07/16/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Key is getting stuck in the vechile. Wont let me shut the vechile off and took it to the vechile and the said it was the steering lock mechanism

  • 07/07/2021· AIR BAGS

    I have been contacted by VW of America several times since the beginning of the year regarding the aircall recall on my vehicle. In March of 2021 I received the initial notice that I needed to "contact my dealer without delay" to schedule the recall repair. I was able to set up an appointment in late April, but upon arrival at the dealership, was told that they had no parts available and didn't know when they would get them, but they would contact me. I have checked back several times in the last 3 months and they still do not have parts. Last week I contacted another area dealership and they informed me that the parts are on national backorder and no one knows when they will be coming in. Early this week I spoke to a regional case manager with VW who reiterated that the parts are on national backorder and no one knows when they are coming in, but the dealer will call me to schedule service once the parts are available. My concern is that in their communications VW is saying that this is an "urgent safety recall" and I should "schedule a free service appointment right away", yet seems to be doing nothing to address the matter with any urgency. My car is 8 years old with 150K miles and spent its first 5 years in the heat and humidity of Florida, so I'm sure you understand my concerns when the recall notice says that "the driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling." My hands are tied - I have done my due diligence to get this recall fixed, to no avail, and I don't know how to move forward to resolve the issue. Is my vehicle even safe to drive? I can't sell it with a major recall, can I? Any guidance that you can provide would be appreciated.

  • 07/06/2021· AIR BAGS

    Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was added to a waiting list for parts. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

  • 07/06/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    VW BEETLE (2013) WOULD NOT TURN OFF AS THE KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING! STOPPED AT GAS STATION TO FILL UP AND WHEN I TRIED TO REMOVE KEY, WOULD NOT COME OUT. HAD EXPERIENCE PROBLEM THE DAY BEFORE BUT THOUGHT USING A DIFFERENT KEY WOULD HELP BUT IT DIDN'T--SAME PROBLEM. HAVE EXPERIENCED FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH KEY IN IGNITION SINCE PURCHASING BEETLE. DROVE CAR TO TWO MECHANICS AND THEY COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF IGNITION SO DROVE HOME TO BE IN FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION AND COULD NOT GET CAR ENGINE TO TURN OFF. RECEIVED HELP FROM MULTIPLE PEOPLE BUT STILL COULDN'T GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION AND CAR TO TURN OFF--4 HOURS LATER, FINALLY MECHANIC PROVIDED INSTRUCTION TO DISCONNECT BATTERY, FUSE PUMP, AND FUSE BOX WHILE CAR WAS RUNNING--WHICH HELPED TO TURN THE CAR OFF; HOWEVER, IT ALSO LEAVES CAR SUSCEPTIBLE TO OTHER ISSUES. I ALSO HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR IN OPEN PARKING SPOT--WITH THE KEY IN IT--LEAVING IT AT RISK OF BEING STOLEN!

  • 07/03/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    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.

  • 07/01/2015· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    DRIVING 60 MPH IN RUSH HOUR 6/19/15 & SUDDENLY ENG LIGHTS GO ON & CAR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC! I WAS SCARED I WAS GOING TO BE REAR ENDED & KILLED. PUT FLASHERS ON CALLED 911. POLICE PARKED BEHIND ME WHILE I WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK. OFFICER ASKED TO TRY & START TO SEE IF I COULD GET TO SIDE OF ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO START IT, BUT ONLY DRIVE A FEW FEET BEFORE STUTTERED & DIED AGAIN. HAD IT TOWED TO TYNANS VW, WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED & REG MAINTAINED. NEXT DAY VW VERIFIED ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN THEY STARTED. HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM IT WENT OFF WHEN THEY DROVE A FEW MILES. CODE INDICATED ISSUE RELATED TO FUEL SYSTEM, HOWEVER THEY WERENT ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH CAR. THEY KEPT CAR A FEW DAYS, DROVE IT 90 MILES W/ NO ISSUES. I CONTACTED VW CORP & REPORTED INCIDENT & EXPLAINED DEALER CANT FIGURE OUT WHATS WRONG. I EXPLAINED IM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING CAR UNTIL THEY CAN DETERMINE WHY MY CAR STALLED. THEY SAID IT WAS LIKELY DEBRIS IN GAS THAT COULDVE CAUSED FUEL NOT TO FLOW PROPERLY - REALLY? THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHAT BRAND OF GAS I USED - CONOCO - BRAND NAME. THIS IS SERIOUS! MY CAR STALLED FOR A REASON, SOMETHING FAILED. I REALIZE CARS BREAKDOWN, I HAVE NO PROBLEM, AS LONG AS THE ISSUE IS IDENTIFIED & FIXED. I DO HAVE A PROBLEM, HOWEVER, W/VW HANDING CAR BACK TO ME NOT KNOWING WHY IT HAPPENED. TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, I MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED ON MOUNTAIN PASS? IN THE SNOW? OR IN MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION? RESEARCH, YOU WILL FIND OTHER FUEL ISSUES & STALLING COMPLAINTS, & RECALLS FOR OTHER VW CARS TIGUAN, PASSAT ETC. NO RECALL FOR FUEL/STALLING ISSUES ON BEETLE..YET.I DO NOT WANT MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE TO BECOME A STATISTIC BEFORE VW IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM. GM FAILED TO RECALL THE CHEVY COBALT. THEY KNEW ABOUT ISSUE FOR 10 YRS BEFORE RECALLING, AFTER 13 PEOPLE DIED. IS THAT WHAT YOURE WAITING FOR VW?

  • 06/29/2021· AIR BAGS

    Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the recall and the contact was alerted that the parts that the dealer had received for the air bag were faulty, and that the recall repair could not be performed. The dealer further notified the contact that due to the latest updated information; the parts may never become available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

  • 06/27/2020· POWER TRAIN

    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

  • 06/27/2015· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    WE WERE DRIVING HOME IN OUR 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE WHEN THE ENGINE DIED CAUSING A LACK OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR BEING ABLE TO MOVE MY FAMILY AROUND SAFELY. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. THE DEALERS ARE NOT ABLE TO "DUPLICATE" THE ISSUE SO THEY SEND YOU AWAY WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. HOPEFULLY THIS DOES NOT WIND UP BEING A SITUATION SIMILAR TO GM WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO LOSE THEIR LIVES BEFORE THE ISSUES ARE CORRECTED.

  • 06/26/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    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.

  • 06/26/2014· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    CAR STALLS AND LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. 3RD INCIDENT ON CAR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE CAN'T FIND ANY ISSUE TO REPAIR. *TR

  • 06/25/2021· AIR BAGS

    Contacted Heritage VW 9215 Harford Rd Suite 2, Parkville, MD 21234, for a safety Recall 69BC of Driver Frontal Airbag and set up an online appointment for the recall for 6/5/2021. I received several confirmation emails and when I arrived at their service center at the appointment date, they informed me that the part for the recall was not in stock and that they would have to order it, which would result on another 2-3 weeks delay. 3 weeks later I still haven't received a notice. This constitutes an issue for me, since I am obliged to drive a car that is not safe due to the lack of organization and luck of professionalism from their side, since they were unable to verify that the required part is in stock before allowing for an online appointment.

  • 06/23/2021· AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact's husband contacted the dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that they did not have the part for the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.

  • 06/21/2021· AIR BAGS

    Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 20V785000(air bag) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

  • 06/21/2017· VISIBILITY

    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.

  • 06/13/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. AFTER A MINUTE IT RESTARTED. THE VW DEALER RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THIS BUSY HIGHWAY, IT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.