This page covers 2 recalls, 11 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.
26–28 mpg combined
8.4–9 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
All 11 complaints filed for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible point to the airbag system, making it the single dominant concern owners report for this model year. The narratives are notably sparse on symptom detail, most describe contacting a dealer or the manufacturer without specifying what the airbag system was doing or failing to do. Given how little behavioral or symptom information the complaints contain, it's difficult to describe a clear pattern of what owners experienced beyond a general concern with the airbag system. A handful of reports mention that parts were unavailable when dealers were contacted, suggesting some owners were seeking a repair at the time of filing.
11
Total Complaints
By System
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has 2 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's side airbag inflator, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The second recall affects vehicles with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake, and keyless entry. On these cars, the ignition system can allow the key to be removed while the transmission is not in Park, which removes any warning that the vehicle is still in gear and raises the risk of an unintended rollaway.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. Propellant inside degrades when exposed to high humidity, high heat, and repeated temperature changes over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag at no cost to you.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
