Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, the most recent reported on December 16, 2020 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (5 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (2).

How many 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible recalls and problems

3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 20V785000 · reported December 16, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 105,652 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.

Unknown or other

NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · reported September 25, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 113 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
The risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

Electrical system: ignition, anti-theft, control module · Steering: column locking, anti-theft device

NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · reported August 22, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 679,027 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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."
The risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags5
Fuel/propulsion system2
Electrical system1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 6, 2025 · Air bags
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (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…

May 22, 2024 · Electrical system · 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a stop sign and removing the foot from the brake pedal, the contact became aware that the hill holder hill assist feature, designed to make hill starts easier by preventing the vehicle from rolling backward was…

Jan 6, 2022 · Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were not…

Sep 2, 2021 · Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts remained unavailable despite having received a letter stating otherwise. The…

Aug 6, 2021 · Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated…

Beetle Convertible model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2010	1	0
2012	3	0
2013	3	8
2014	2	4
2015	2	16
2016	2	11

All Volkswagen Beetle Convertible years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, the most recent reported on December 16, 2020 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?: Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (5 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (2).
How many 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 6, 2025.