This page covers 3 recalls, 15 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2013 to 2017 Volkswagen Beetle received an overall rating of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The frontal crash test yielded 4 stars, while the side crash and side pole tests both earned 5 stars. The rollover test received 4 stars. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2013 to 2017 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle, the dominant complaint theme centers on the airbag system, which accounts by far for the most reports among this model year. Owners most commonly describe the airbag warning light illuminating or blinking, with several noting the issue prompted a dealer visit. The electrical system draws a smaller cluster of reports, including a rearview camera going to a black screen that persists even after battery disconnects and infotainment resets. With only 15 total complaints on file and the airbag reports largely describing a warning light rather than a deployment event, the overall complaint volume here is thin. The rearview camera failure appears in a single report, so it's worth noting as an isolated issue rather than a confirmed pattern across multiple owners.
15
Total Complaints
By System
The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's side frontal airbag inflator, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
A separate recall covers vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake, and keyless entry: the ignition system allows the key to be removed while the gear selector is not in Park, which can lead to an unintended rollaway. Without the key present, the steering may also lock, leaving the vehicle difficult to steer or stop. The third recall is a labeling issue on certain vehicles where the tire information placard displays incorrect load figures. If a driver follows the inaccurate label and overloads the vehicle, handling can be affected and tires may sustain damage, raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to high humidity, high heat, and repeated temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module at no cost to you.
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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 tire information label lists incorrect data, which could lead owners to load the vehicle beyond its safe weight capacity.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected tire information label at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
