2015 Volkswagen Beetle recalls and problems

5 recalls and 83 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle.

5
recalls
83
owner complaints
2
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2015 Volkswagen Beetle recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 22V945000 · reported December 21, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 37,558 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
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
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.

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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum · Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · reported October 26, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 91,867 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system, fuel rail

NHTSA campaign 15V028000 · reported January 23, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 44,658 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
The risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 14V658000 · reported October 20, 2014 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 7,062 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.
The risk
Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Aug 9, 2025 · Unknown or other

unable to turn off car. Ignition switch is locked and key is unmovable.

Jun 26, 2025 · Air bags

I have been trying to get the recall fixed since I purchased my vehicle in July 2023. For nearly two years, I have received repeated letters from Volkswagen urging me to have the recall addressed. However, despite calling every two months to schedule an appointment, I am always told that the part is unavailable and…

Jun 17, 2025 · Air bags

The contact owns a 2015 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…

Jun 6, 2025 · Air bags

My car is subject to the Takata Air Bag recall. Due to the age of the vehicle, and the hot climate where I live (California), I am in fear for my safety especially with summer around the corner. "The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts a "scorcher" with hotter-than-normal temperatures across most of the U.S., including…

May 13, 2025 · Steering

Ignition key gets stuck, Dealer stated mechanism that holds the switch is broken. This can cause issues starting, removing the key and cause the steering wheel not to turn . I've been informed it's among the top 10 requested broken parts for VW beetles with no manufacturer making this part currently

Beetle model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2012 66540
2013 69340
2014 55032
2015 58320
2016 34820
2017 31500
2018 31700

Across all years, the 2004 Beetle has the most complaints (349). All Volkswagen Beetle years →

Questions

Does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, the most recent reported on December 21, 2022 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle?
Owners have filed 83 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (42 complaints), followed by electrical system (16).
How many 2015 Volkswagen Beetle complaints mention a crash or fire?
2 of 83 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 9, 2025.