Volkswagen · Beetle · 2016
2016 Volkswagen Beetle
4
Recalls
57
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has 4 recalls and 57 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags (41 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is air bags with 41 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 57 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are air bags (41), steering (2), unknown or other (2).
- Vehicle
- 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 57
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 22V945000December 21, 2022
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. 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.
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
NHTSA ID: 20E064000September 23, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Remedy Status
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
NHTSA ID: 19V615000August 22, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Remedy Status
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
NHTSA ID: 15V705000October 26, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Remedy Status
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Owner Complaints
57 totalPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 5, 2025
On October 21st I had a recall performed at Evansville D- Patrick for a 37M2 shift lever micro switch. Today Nov 5th I was leaving work, pulling out of the drive onto highway and once I got on the road the car lost motion and just rolled. Barely made it across the highway. I got...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
Sep 4, 2025
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 repa...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
Oct 23, 2023
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...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
Oct 19, 2023
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.
AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2023
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...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet availabl...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
Sep 8, 2023
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...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
Aug 23, 2023
See attached document for complaint
AIR BAGS
Aug 15, 2023
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 r...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 57 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2016 Volkswagen models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Volkswagen Beetle Years
2017 Volkswagen BeetleCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.4r14c2015 Volkswagen BeetleCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.6r99c2018 Volkswagen BeetleCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.4r16c2014 Volkswagen BeetleCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.6r54c2019 Volkswagen BeetleCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.4r13c2013 Volkswagen BeetleCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.7r98c
More 2016 Volkswagen Models
2016 Volkswagen JettaAnother 2016 Volkswagen option for same-year comparison.5r160c2016 Volkswagen PassatAnother 2016 Volkswagen option for same-year comparison.5r105c2016 Volkswagen TiguanAnother 2016 Volkswagen option for same-year comparison.2r95c2016 Volkswagen GolfAnother 2016 Volkswagen option for same-year comparison.9r84c2016 Volkswagen GTIAnother 2016 Volkswagen option for same-year comparison.4r66c2016 Volkswagen TouaregAnother 2016 Volkswagen option for same-year comparison.2r44c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
NHTSA has received 57 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle are air bags (41 reports), steering (2 reports), unknown or other (2 reports).
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.