FaultScore

2016 Volkswagen Beetle airbag problems

34 of the 63 complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle are about the airbag system — 54% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 54,000 miles.

F

34

Complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

AIR Bags 34 100.0%

Airbags across every Volkswagen Beetle year

1998 15 2.9%
1999 22 4.2%
2000 70 13.4%
2001 40 7.7%
2002 43 8.3%
2003 62 11.9%
2004 76 14.6%
2005 33 6.3%
2006 10 1.9%
2007 15 2.9%
2012 12 2.3%
2013 32 6.1%
2014 15 2.9%
2015 42 8.1%
2016 34 6.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Palm Coast, FL

AIR BAGS

ABS module is defective. This results in numerous warning lights, including abs, traction control, airbags, tire pressure warning, check engine light, epc light, and speed control usability. I have no working abs, seat belt, or traction control, which is a safety issue. There was a previous safety recall for VW with defective abs control modules, 45F2. The problem has been confirmed through an authorized VW repair shop. The part will be made available.

NHTSA complaint #11746396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plainview, NY

AIR BAGS

I purchased a 2016 VW Beetle, used, in March of 2025. Over the past few weeks, I have received multiple urgent messages from Volkswagon that I need to have the airbag fixed. The communications say there is a high risk of death or serious injury and urge me to my have the repair done ASAP. They have sent multiple mailings to me and made several phone calls to my home. I am doing everything in my power to get this fixed. I have called all the local dealerships within a 50 mile radius, but they do not have the appropriate parts in stock, and have no idea when parts will be available. I am told that the car is safe to drive (which is the exact opposite of what the mailings say) and they tell me to simply "call back in a month". I have also tried calling customer service at Volkswagon HQ, as well as the 800 numbers on my mailings. No luck. This is not acceptable. With such a dangerous issue, how can this be allowed? These cars need to be fixed.....many Volkswagon owners are TRYING to get them fixed....but Volkswagon is just shrugging their shoulders and saying there is nothing they can do. I'm attaching a copy of the message I received in the mail just this week. You can see how urgent they have indicated this is. They mailed it out KNOWING they do not have the parts available to do my repairs. They scare us that we'll be killed if we don't get the repair done immediately, yet when I call to schedule my repair, all I get is "sorry, we can't help you."

NHTSA complaint #11685158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Sandwich, MA

AIR BAGS

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11574691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bay City, MI

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 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 and confirmed that parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11551351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Jefferson Station, NY

AIR BAGS

We have been attempting to have the car in for this recall - however both the dealership and regional office have said the 'repair is not available' How long does a mfg have to start making repairs under a recall (69EM) We have been patiently waiting over a year. Please advise.

NHTSA complaint #11550864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Deering, NH

AIR BAGS

Have not heard anything since February 2023 regarding repair of driver's side air bag inflator. 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 resulting in serious injury or death.

NHTSA complaint #11548958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

AIR BAGS

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT HAS YET TO BE FIXED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS SENT TO DEALERS. Manufacturer Recall Number69EM NHTSA Recall Number22V945 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary 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. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Safety Risk An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

NHTSA complaint #11547827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mckees Rocks, PA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 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 and confirmed that parts were 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 the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11546576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bountiful, UT

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 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 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 #11543482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Columbia, SC

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The failure mileage was 10,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11540841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

High Bridge, NJ

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11540321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bradenton, FL

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11538624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winchester, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 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 not contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11538626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmyra, PA

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11534985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Andrews, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the TPMS warning light and the air bag warning light were intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that on two separate occasions while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently jerked and veered to the left or right side of the road. The contact also stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side lower ball joint failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11534770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Surprise, AZ

AIR BAGS

airbag recall still not having a solution

NHTSA complaint #11532666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gilroy, CA

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available

NHTSA complaint #11531992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winston-Salem, NC

AIR BAGS

Subject: Urgent Request for Immediate Assistance: Inoperable Car due to Airbag Recall Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently seek your assistance regarding a critical issue with my 2016 VW Beetle. As a result of the airbag recall, my car is currently inoperable, preventing me from starting it and hindering my ability to commute and carry out essential daily activities. Given the circumstances, I am in immediate need of a replacement vehicle to ensure my mobility and minimize any further disruption to my routine. I kindly request your prompt intervention to facilitate the provision of another car as soon as possible. I understand the importance of prioritizing safety and appreciate your efforts in overseeing recalls. I trust that you will understand the urgency of my situation and take swift action to address my request for an expedited solution. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss this matter further and provide guidance on the next steps to obtain the necessary assistance. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

NHTSA complaint #11532044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Hope, PA

AIR BAGS

Airbag recall program instituted January 2023. Vehicle is still not repaired by Volkswagen; awaiting go ahead and scheduling. Vehicle is dangerous to drive until repair is made.

NHTSA complaint #11531712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11529087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pingree Grove, IL

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (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 #11526978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hutto, TX

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11525363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barrington Hills, IL

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11521023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toms Brook, VA

AIR BAGS

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11519083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (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 #11515200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Surfside Beach, SC

AIR BAGS

2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS. THE CONSUMER STATED VW IS NOT GIVING ANY OPTIONS TO FIX OR REPAIR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #11514147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilmington, DE

AIR BAGS

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2016 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 also made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11512156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baltimore, MD

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (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 was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11511240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cleveland, OH

AIR BAGS

2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIR BAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #11510786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plantation, FL

AIR BAGS

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2016 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 not contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11510299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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