Model year

2015 Volkswagen Beetle

Hatchback, gasoline, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Mar 24, 2015 to Aug 9, 2025.

Recall campaigns covering this model year5860k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints834.9 times the median 2015 hatchback
Severity index2.42015 hatchbacks average 10.9
First 24 months19Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle peaked in 2023, with 33 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01020304020152016201720182019202020212022202333202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

51% of complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle name airbags

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Airbags
42
Electrical system
16
Engine and cooling
7
Brakes
7
Powertrain
6
Visibility and wipers
5
Steering
3
Structure
3
Stability and traction control
2
Adaptive equipment
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
22V-945Dec 21, 2022Driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high…Airbags37,558Part replacement
20E-064Sep 23, 2020Fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apartBrakes38Not stated
19V-615Aug 22, 2019Build-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…Electrical system679,027Repair or modification
15V-705Oct 26, 2015In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assistEngine and cooling91,867Software update
15V-028Jan 23, 2015Sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartmentFuel system44,658Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

83 complaints on file, page 1 of 5.

  1. Filed Aug 9, 2025Failure Jul 1, 2025Overland Park, KSUnknown or other

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

    NHTSA complaint 11679565
  2. Filed Jun 26, 2025Failure Jun 2, 2025Bonaire, GAAir 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 that they have no estimated date for its arrival. I'm continually advised to call back in another two months. Last month, after calling dealerships more than ten times since purchasing the vehicle, I contacted VW Customer Service directly. They referred me to the Macon dealership, assuring me that they would assist in booking an appointment. Unfortunately, after speaking with Macon, I was once again told to call back—this time in October—when they might receive the necessary part. I am moving back to Canada at the end of August, and despite nearly two years of effort, my vehicle remains unrepaired. I am extremely dissatisfied with this situation, especially considering the severity of the issue. I live in Georgia, where the climate is hot and humid, and I avoid driving the vehicle out of fear that the airbag could deploy dangerously. Volkswagen has failed to support me through this process, and I am left with a potentially unsafe vehicle and no resolution in sight.

    NHTSA complaint 11669593
  3. Filed Jun 17, 2025Failure Jun 10, 2025Las Cruces, NMAir 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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11667563
  4. Filed Jun 6, 2025Failure Jun 4, 2025Glendale, CAAir 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 California." Originally, I had a service appointment for 2024 but there was a shortage of parts. I showed up for my next appointment 6/4/25 to have the service done and was told that the parts are on back order nationally until at least September. Due to the nature of my situation, my case was escalated to their RCM where I was told that nothing could be done. I asked about a loaner vehicle or a rental reimbursement until the parts arrive and they told me it was not possible. I find this to be extremely unreasonable given the severity of the recall. There are deaths and serious injuries linked to this defect and I am in constant fear when I drive my vehicle. No one should have to knowingly take this kind of risk every time they commute to work. I have spoken to multiple agents and have reached a dead end. I hope that a solution can be found for my case.

    NHTSA complaint 11665416
  5. Filed May 13, 2025Failure Apr 30, 2025Brown Deer, WISteering

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11660740
  6. Filed Apr 30, 2025Failure Apr 30, 2025Brown Deer, WISteering

    We have a big ign. Key that at times won't turn. Was informed by the dealer the mechanism is broke and it's a backordered item due to it being a common item . Failures of this part can cause the steering wheel to lock I have read

    NHTSA complaint 11658024
  7. Filed Mar 27, 2025Failure Dec 6, 2024College Station, TXExterior lighting, Service brakes, BodyCrash

    The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle was in a minor accident that was rear-ended by another vehicle. No one was injured. The other party claimed responsibility and the vehicle was repaired and the other party paid for the repairs. The problem is with Volkswagen not having the OEM safety equipment available to complete the repairs. The specific part is a spoiler attached to the rear trunk lid that increases the visibility of the brake light built into the rear trunk lid. In traffic this vehicle has only two brake lights within the rear fenders lower to the ground. The spoiler attached above the brake light that is attached at the top of the rear trunk lid, sits above the tail lights and the brake light can be seen by the driver in the vehicle behind the VW. VW claims that this part is on backorder. It is not available within the United States. I believe Volkswagen is refusing to manufacture this critical safety part for repairs of their vehicle. I have been told by several dealers that this part is not available and is on back order. I have tried to locate this part from VW dealers in Texas and out of state also. They all tell me the same thing. Its on back order. I understand this vehicle model is out of production but is being reintroduced again in 2025. Volkswagen should be responsible for providing original parts, especially critical safety parts. Hopefully the NTSA can bring this problem to Volkswagens attention and they will make the responsible safety decision and provide a critical safety component of this vehicle to the customers of their company. Thank you.

    NHTSA complaint 11650977
  8. Filed Jul 22, 2024Failure Jan 5, 2024Los Osos, CAAir 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11603823
  9. Filed Jun 26, 2024Failure Jun 26, 2024Decatur, GAAir 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11596992
  10. Filed Feb 18, 2024Failure Feb 16, 2024Fort Myers, FLAir bags

    Unknown. I bought this vehicle used but I am concerned for my safety and that of any passengers I may ever have in the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11572640
  11. Filed Jan 11, 2024Failure Dec 20, 2023Crescent City, CAAir bags

    Dealer unable to perform recall 22V945. Unable to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner. Lack of parts. On a waiting list with no ETA for repair.

    NHTSA complaint 11564863
  12. Filed Nov 17, 2023Failure Nov 17, 2023Springfield, VAAir 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 and determined that the contact had to pay for an additional repair that was preventing the dealer from completing the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and determined that the contact had to pay out of pocket for the original recall repair to be performed. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11555717
  13. Filed Nov 1, 2023Failure Nov 1, 2023King, NCAir 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11553045
  14. Filed Oct 24, 2023Failure Dec 4, 2022Aldie, VAAir 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. A local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11551547
  15. Filed Oct 11, 2023Failure Oct 11, 2023Apopka, FLAir 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. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11549419
  16. Filed Oct 6, 2023Failure Apr 1, 2023Spring, TXAir 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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11548573
  17. Filed Sep 27, 2023Failure Sep 27, 2023Parkville, MOAir 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11546970
  18. Filed Sep 18, 2023Failure Sep 18, 2023Carlyle, ILElectrical system, Vehicle speed control

    Speedometer stops working. My 16 year old daughter can’t tell how fast she is going when the speedometer stops working. And the screen freezes. Cruise control does not work.

    NHTSA complaint 11545249
  19. Filed Sep 18, 2023Failure Sep 18, 2023Nashville, TNAir 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 and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11545140
  20. Filed Sep 10, 2023Failure Sep 10, 2023Studio City, CAAir bags

    The driver's side air bag inflator may explode causing sharp metal fragments to strike driver and passengers which may cause death. This has been a known issue since January 2023. To date there is no known repair available? This is unacceptable.

    NHTSA complaint 11543687
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

963 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • V0026012081638_2 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Differences between a leak and seepage
  • TT 00-13-04_7 Aug 6, 2026 · Other
    Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
  • VOS-26-42 Jul 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclus…
  • V1718062017813_24 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
  • V6919012010479_17 Jun 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Inquiries
  • V1719012012855_81 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
  • TT 13-20-01_3 Jun 18, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
  • TT 10-18-02_2 Jun 18, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
  • VOS-26-21 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software …
  • V0018092053065_6 Mar 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
  • V9422022066761_4 Mar 19, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors
  • SM 02-2026 Mar 19, 2026 · Other
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
  • VOS-26-15 Mar 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill an…
  • V5515032021354_9 Mar 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
  • DC_VW_CF_Airbag Mar 2, 2026 · Other
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
  • VOS-26-01 Jan 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and w…
  • V4016012043146_4 Nov 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut.
  • WLA-25-11 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Coolant Bleed Procedure
  • V8718102043704_24 Oct 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement
  • V3718022033975_14 Oct 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
  • V3416022034406_8 Oct 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
  • V1917012022548_15 Oct 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
  • V1718062017813_23 Oct 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to measure engine oil consumption.
  • V1718032037201_20 Oct 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Proper engine oil level before leaving the factory.
  • V0116152014815_19 Oct 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A list of suggested fuel stations
  • V0116132033805_11 Oct 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
  • V0017132033846_25 Oct 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire
  • V0017132033846_24 Jul 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel Additive
  • V4616012043146_3 Jul 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut
  • V1719012012855_79 Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only)
  • V8720022061094_9 May 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen.
  • V1719012012855_78 Apr 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards
  • V1917012022548_14 Feb 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant
  • SM 02 2025 Feb 17, 2025 · Other
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
  • V2619012039436_14 Jan 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Adblue leaks, warning lights or MIL-On
  • V0024012076283_1 Dec 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diesel Models only. Repurchase Prior to Repairs
  • V2618032051596_6 Nov 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Instruction for replacement of Diesel Particulate Filter
  • V5515032021354_8 Oct 30, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lack of paint under roof
  • V1719022012855_77 Oct 30, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Oil Standards
  • V0018092053065_5 Oct 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Additional reporting
  • CampTip_RNA_VW Oct 7, 2024 · Other
    Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
  • V3718022033975_13 Sep 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fluid requirements
  • V3416022034406_7 Sep 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Manual transmission noise diagnosing
  • V1719012012855_76 Sep 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
  • V1718062017813_19 Sep 18, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
  • V1718032037201_19 Sep 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
  • V0118122014603_20 Sep 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
  • V0116152014815_18 Sep 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Recommended Gasoline Quality
  • V0116132033805_10 Sep 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
  • V0017132033846_23 Sep 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
  • TT 00-24-01 Sep 12, 2024 · Other
    Wind & Water Leak Checking
  • VW_Multiple Closure Aug 7, 2024 · Other
    Multiple Update closures: 20AH Atlas Quality Package 1, 24AE 1.8T ECM/TCM SW, 24BG Jetta Hybrid ECM SW, 24BM 2.0L Jetta MPI SW Update, 24X7 Jetta ECM SW, 24X8 CC ECM/TCM SW, 24Y4 MPI Jetta SW, 24Z5 Jetta Hybrid System SW, 27G2 Battery, 37H3 DSG SW, 37J2 TCM…
  • V271901201189426 Aug 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Battery testing
  • V1719012012855_75 Aug 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Oil Standards
  • V1719012012855_74 Jul 3, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine oil quality standards
  • TT 10-18-02_2 Jul 11, 2024 · Other
    Engine Assembly Tip
  • TT 10-12-01_3 Jul 11, 2024 · Other
    Engine Replacement Tip
  • V1719012012855_73 Jun 3, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine oil quality standards
  • V171901201285572 May 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine oil quality standards
  • VWM1407 Nov 10, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Carefree Maintenance and VW Care Maintenance Plans Interim AdBlue Refills -? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.