Owners have filed 88 complaints
about the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 21 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 26
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Beetle. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 53
10.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
69% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Volkswagen Beetle
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Power Window Devices AND Controls
940.9%
Body
522.7%
Windshield
313.6%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
14.5%
Motor
14.5%
Floor Shift
14.5%
Rack
14.5%
Head Restraint
14.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1524.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1219.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1219.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1016.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
46.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
69.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
34.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2012peak 9Feb 2026
Recalls on the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20210176,464 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver-front airbag . Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 2019423117,306 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever switch could cause the transmission to detect that it is in the Park position when it isn't. This could allow the ignition key to be removed when the transmission is not in the Park position. If the parking brake is not applied, this could allow the car to roll away. Safety Risk: If the transmission position is not displayed correctly, a user may not know that the vehicle is not in the PARK position. If the parking brake is not applied, this could create a risk of a vehicle roll-away and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have a new shift lever micro switch and control unit installed.
Recall 201446487,887 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, if the rear axle trailing arms are damaged in a rear or side-rear impact crash and a repair facility does not correctly diagnose or replace damaged rear axle components, rear trailing arm durability could be reduced, which could result in a sudden fracture of the trailing arm. This could lead to a loss of vehicle control, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on both rear axle trailing arms. The inlay is designed to help prevent the sudden loss of vehicle control should a rear axle trailing arm fracture occur if undiagnosed/unrepaired damage exists from a previous rear or side-rear impact/crash.
Recall 2012389320 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain vehicles with leather sport seats may be equipped with an incorrectly coded Passenger Occupant Detection System Control Module in the front passenger location. If the seat gets wet, the control module may not properly detect a child car seat secured on the front passenger seat, and the front passenger airbag will not be deactivated as expected. In this case, the airbag light will remain off indicating that the passenger airbag is active. If, despite safety warnings and provincial regulations, a child was placed in a child car seat secured in the passenger front position, the active airbag could deploy in a crash causing potential injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected modules.
Recall 201222234 units in Canada
Tires
Certain vehicles were equipped with summer tires that fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 109 - Passenger Car Tires, and CMVSS 110 – Tire Selection and Rims. Improper tires may unwittingly be overloaded and/or under-inflated, which could increase the risk of a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the tires.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesMontclair, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE STEERING LOCKED UP, PREVENTING ANY KIND OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CATOSROPHIC CRASH INJURING THE DRIVER ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11350776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMontclair, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE STEERING LOCKED UP, PREVENTING ANY KIND OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CATOSROPHIC CRASH INJURING THE DRIVER ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11350776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksboro, TNCrash
POWER TRAIN
2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GEAR SELECTOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SET IN PARK, BUT ROLLED FORWARD INTO ANOTHER OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11308172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT DEALER WHO SOLD HER THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V540000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE THE RECALL HISTORY AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR BAGS WORKING PROPERLY. ON NOVEMBER 2, 2018, WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT REAR ENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND BACK PAIN AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11155981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesForsyth, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 15 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11054966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Traverse City, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The accelerator pedal snapped/broke while driving the vehicle. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was not able to control the speed of the vehicle while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, not yet. I am trying to get it scheduled for VW service. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. The gas pedal (accelerator) snapped while I was driving my 2012 VW Beetle today. I was not able to control the speed of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11715470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After getting in my car and turning on the ignition, I put my foot on the brake. After pulling the gear shift out of park and as I am taking my foot off the brake pedal, sometimes the car would jump a little as if has a glitch in the shifting from park to the next gear.
NHTSA complaint #11477281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avondale, AZ
ENGINE
Volkswagen water pumps keeps failing. I had the first water pump fail at 61902 miles replaced on 22 Mar 2017. I then had to have another Volkswagen water pump put in my car replaced by a Volkswagen dealership at 82,229 miles on 4 Jan 2019. I am now back at the Volkswagen dealer for yet another new water pump for my car at 108000. These Volkswagen water pumps should not be failing like they are and unfortunately I have found no 3rd party water pump to install in my make and model of car to try to avoid these numerous breakdowns. Not only are the numerous water pump failures expensive to replace, I am afraid the failure of these Volkswagen water pumps may lead to a catastrophic engine failure. Unfortunately, the failure of these Volkswagen water pumps are posted all over the internet.
NHTSA complaint #11476778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hull, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 05/19/ 2022 NO PRIOR ISSUES ALL SERVICE REQUIRMENTS COMPLETED FROM PRIOR CORPORATE OWNED COMPANY. SINCE MY PURCHASE BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE SPORADICALLY FALLEN OUT OF THEIR BRACKETS WHILE I'M DRIVING LEADING TO LOSS OF VISIBILTY DURING THE DAYTIME AND NIGHTIME. FIRST INCIDENT OCCURING ON 05/20/2022 AND THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURING 07/05/2022. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND CONCERN. NO SAFETY WARNINGS OR LIGHTS CAME ON ONCE THESE INCIDENTS TOOK PLACE.THIS HAS LEAD TO THE HEADLIGHTS BEING DAMAGED AND DENTS PLACED ON THE EXTERIOR OVER MY BEETLE WHEN THERE WAS NO PRIOR DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11472612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
AIR BAGS
Airbag replacement not available through Volkswagen after several months.
NHTSA complaint #11445818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pāhoa, HI
AIR BAGS
I received a recall notification dated Dec. 16, 2020 for my 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The notification was for a replacement of the driver's side airbag which could explode due to high temperature or humidity. These condition exist on the Big Island of Hawaii where the car is located, but there are no VW dealerships on the Island of Hawaii. There are VW agencies on the islands of Oahu and Maui. I have been in contact with VW Customer Service. I receive regular call backs from a representative named Patrick. He has informed me that VW is still working to solve the problem. He once mentioned that perhaps the parts could be shipped to a another make of car dealership, but no action has been taken. I believe that my wait for a resolution to this recall has exceeded a reasonable amount of time. I am in fear of injury while driving my car.
NHTSA complaint #11433397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winterville, GA
AIR BAGS
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11430152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CA
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 however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was 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.
NHTSA complaint #11420996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
AIR BAGS
THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. 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 A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11407487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesMorristown, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE PLASTIC PART ON THE TOP AROUND THE MOON ROOF HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED ON ALL 4 CORNERS, NOT JUST HAIRLINE CRACKS, BUT COMPLETELY CRACKED APART EDGE TO EDGE, ENOUGH TO FIT A CREDIT CARD IN. THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, RARELY DRIVEN EXCEPT ON NICE DAYS, I DON'T EVEN DRIVE IT ON RAINY DAYS & RARELY AT ALL IN THE WINTER. (NOW I WOULD BE AFRAID TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN BECAUSE IT MIGHT START LEAKING) I NOTICED IT HAD A HAIRLINE CRACK LAST YR ON 2 CORNERS BUT PREVIOUSLY WHEN WASHING IT I REALIZED ALL 4 SIDES ARE NOW COMPLETELY CRACKED APART. I BOUGHT IT 6 YRS AGO & IT HAD 21,000 MILES ON IT & I HAVE ONLY PUT 19,000 MILES ON IT IN 6 YEARS. IT IS IN IMMACULATE CONDITION EXCEPT NOW IT HAS 4 BIG CRACKS ON ALL 4 CORNERS OF MOON ROOF.
NHTSA complaint #11405215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kilauea, HI
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11399379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lititz, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. 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 A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11397897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helena, AL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIRBAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11396767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Charelston, SC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LOW COUNTRY VOLKSWAGEN (1001 JOHNNIE DODDS BLVD, MT PLEASANT, SC 29464) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11396802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,200 milesLaveen, AZ
ENGINE
ENGINE LIGHT FOR EVAP PURGE FLOW INCORRECT. I'VE SPENT OVER $700.00 AT THE DEALERSHIP AND MY ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON WITH THE SAME ERROR CODE.P0441. THANKFULLY I HAVE FIXED PLUGGED IN AND I CAN TURN OFF THE ENGINE LIGHT ONLY TO HAVE IT COME ON AGAIN EVERY 25 TO 50 MILES OF DRIVING. ???? THE PURGE SOLENOID, AIR PUMP, PURGE VALVE HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NO CHANGE.
NHTSA complaint #11374188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMontclair, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE STEERING LOCKED UP, PREVENTING ANY KIND OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CATOSROPHIC CRASH INJURING THE DRIVER ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11350776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMontclair, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE STEERING LOCKED UP, PREVENTING ANY KIND OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CATOSROPHIC CRASH INJURING THE DRIVER ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11350776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesMacedonia, OH
STEERING
WHILE TURNING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY I HEARD A BANG NOISE. IT WAS NIGHT AND AT THE TIME I DID NOT SEE WHAT WENT WRONG UNTIL AN INSPECTION LATER REMOVING THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE TOP OF THE STRUT SPRING BROKE. THE TOP OF A MCPHERSON STRUT IS A PIVOT FOR THE STEERING. THE CAR IS A 2012 WITH 86,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11317900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesMacedonia, OH
SUSPENSION
WHILE TURNING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY I HEARD A BANG NOISE. IT WAS NIGHT AND AT THE TIME I DID NOT SEE WHAT WENT WRONG UNTIL AN INSPECTION LATER REMOVING THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE TOP OF THE STRUT SPRING BROKE. THE TOP OF A MCPHERSON STRUT IS A PIVOT FOR THE STEERING. THE CAR IS A 2012 WITH 86,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11317900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLancaster, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH INDEPENDENTLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. EVENTUALLY THE INTERIOR DOOR LATCH FAILED AND THE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE DOOR LATCH TO SECURE THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER DON JACOBS (66900 PETERS CREEK RD ROANOKE VA.) WHO INDICATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11309791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksboro, TNCrash
POWER TRAIN
2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GEAR SELECTOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SET IN PARK, BUT ROLLED FORWARD INTO ANOTHER OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11308172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesGroveland, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HEARD A BEEPING SOUND PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11267292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesGastonia, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE TIMING TENSIONER BROKE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. VOLKSWAGEN PAID FOR TIMING AND 60% OF ENGINE WORK. SHORTLY AFTER I NOTICED I NEEDED TO ADD OIL AND RIGHT AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE OIL WOULD BE LOW. MEANWHILE THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. NOW VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP SAYS THE PVC IS BAD AND WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT IT THEY CLAIM THEY NEVER TOUCHED THE PVC. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE THEY REPLACED THE UPPER PART OF MY ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS FIXED DECEMBER OF 2018. I JUST TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY. MAY 28, 2019.
NHTSA complaint #11210380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT DEALER WHO SOLD HER THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V540000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE THE RECALL HISTORY AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR BAGS WORKING PROPERLY. ON NOVEMBER 2, 2018, WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT REAR ENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND BACK PAIN AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11155981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PURCHASED 2012 VW BEETLE IN 2014 USED AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 6SHORTLY AFTER. DEALER REPLACED SECONDARY AIR INJECTOR SENSOR UNDER WARRANTY. LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A SECONDARY AIR INJECTOR VALVE THAT WAS BAD BUT WOULD NOT COVER DUE TO BEING OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS NOT CORRECTED. LOCAL MECHANIC CLEANED VALVE AND CHECKED SYSTEM WHICH WORKED FOR 6 MONTHS. CONTINUED TO FAIL SAFETY INSPECTION FOR A P0491 SECONDARY AIR INJECTOR SYSTEM. HAS FAILED 2016 & 2017 FOR SAME CODE. HAVE HAD OVER $700 WORTH OF WORK TO CORRECT WITH NO FIX. 2017 HAD A P0106 CODE THAT CLEARED BUT HAS COME BACK AGAIN. CURRENTLY STILL PRODUCING BOTH CODES FOR 2018 AND NOT PASSING SAFETY INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #11151473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.