This page covers 4 recalls, 46 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle.
26–28 mpg combined
8.4–9 L/100km
Compact 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2016 Volkswagen Beetle complaints centers heavily on the airbag system, which accounts for the large majority of reports filed for this model year. Owners consistently describe being notified of a problem with the driver-side airbag inflator, specifically that the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments toward occupants. A recurring frustration across these reports is the repair backlog: many owners say they contacted dealers only to be told replacement parts were unavailable, sometimes after waiting months or years. Several owners describe receiving repeated urgent communications urging them to get the vehicle repaired immediately, yet being unable to complete the fix due to parts shortages. Complaints about wheels and steering each appear in only a handful of reports and don't show a clear pattern. The airbag parts availability issue is the consistent thread running through this complaint set.
46
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
By System
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has 4 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
There are two additional mechanical concerns. A camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off, removing brake assist and significantly extending stopping distances. Separately, the fuel rail can detach from the cylinder head and allow fuel to spray into the engine compartment, where it can ignite and cause a fire. On the electrical side, certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake, and keyless entry can have the key removed while the shifter is out of Park, which can allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel rail can detach from the cylinder head, causing fuel to leak into the engine compartment while the engine runs. Leaking fuel near ignition sources could cause a fire.
What the fix does
The cylinder head will be replaced with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off, causing loss of brake assist.
What the fix does
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module software to address the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
