2018 Volkswagen Beetle

17 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Sep 5, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026Falls church, VAElectrical system, Body

   I am submitting a formal vehicle safety report regarding a hazardous mechanical reassembly failure involving my 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Coast. On August 14, 2026, the vehicle underwent service evaluation at Stohlman Volkswagen Tysons Corner. Immediately upon exiting the facility, a critical 'Brake Fluid Low' safety alarm and a flashing Red BRAKE Warning Light triggered on my dashboard, creating an emergency safety hazard on the highway.Due to the severity of the braking system malfunction, I was forced to return the vehicle to the dealership on August 15, 2026. As documented by Repair Invoice #6137732, certified technicians took emergency custody of the vehicle, diagnosed stored sporadic low-voltage faults within the electronic system, and conducted a 7-mile diagnostic road test to safely recalibrate the components, releasing the car at a Total Balance of $0.00. I am respectfully requesting that federal safety investigators review the vehicle release protocols at this location to ensure consumer safety on public roads. Thank you very much for your time and oversight.

   NHTSA complaint 11762295
2. Filed Sep 24, 2025Failure Oct 24, 2024Morganton, NCAir bags

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

   NHTSA complaint 11689513
3. Filed Sep 24, 2025Failure Aug 24, 202580,000 milesStatesboro, GAAir bags

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11689418
4. Filed Aug 25, 2025Failure Dec 18, 2024Plainfield, ILAir bags

   The contact's wife owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact’s wife received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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.

   NHTSA complaint 11682944
5. Filed Jul 29, 2025Failure Jul 4, 2025Los Angeles, CAUnknown or other

   The ignition failed to release the key and turn off the engine. According to the service writer at New Century Volkswagen in Glendale, CA, this is a known problem with older model Volkswagens. The part which will fix the ignition, is back-ordered for six months, leaving many vehicles in a dangerous state. I have written to.volkswagen of America customer service but no solution or resolution was provided.

   NHTSA complaint 11677002
6. Filed Jul 9, 2025Failure Jun 29, 202578,000 milesBrooksville, FLAir bags, Fuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The towing agent informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a major fuel leak. The mechanic replaced an unknown part with a part purchased from a Volkswagen dealer. The contact stated that the fuel leak was corrected; however, an unknown repair needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer the vehicle was purchased from, was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing and repair. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11672219
7. Filed Apr 5, 2025Failure Apr 2, 2025Sacramento, CAAir bags, Seats, Unknown or other

   I've owned this car for nearly two years. On April 3, 2025, I took my car to Niello VW. A service person told me he'd just had a VW Beetle with the same problem, just the passenger's side. Since there was nothing jamming the glide rails, there was no reason for the seat to be stuck. I took the car to a car upholstery shop because they specialize in removing car seats. The person had a hard time removing my seat, but he did. He said one of metal teeth like glides or steel buttons was broke. There are three on each side of the car seat. It was only on the right side of the driver's seat. The driver's seat is stuck and unable to be adjusted to the driver's leg length. There was nothing jammed in the lock that caused this to be stuck. I have owned 4 VW Beetles and I've never had a problem like this. It's very expensive about $1000 to repair. Mine is 2018 VW Beetle. I should not have a problem like this. I am reporting this because other VW Beetle owners have had to same problem. I did have the air bags repaired a recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11652966
8. Filed Nov 26, 2024Failure Sep 26, 202496,000 milesSpringfield, ORAir bags

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

   NHTSA complaint 11627501
9. Filed Nov 19, 2024Failure Oct 30, 2024Glenn Dale, MDAir bags

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

   NHTSA complaint 11626239
10. Filed Jan 27, 2022Failure Jan 27, 2022Ely, IAElectrical system

    Driver and passenger windows go down all by themselves without the key even being in the ignition. Yes it is available to be fixed. My safety could be at risk if the window goes down and i'm not at home and some stranger lets themselves in my car and waits for my return. I've gone to break and i go out to my car and the window is half down. Dealership replaced something related to the windows unknown to exactly what. No bells or whistles its happened at least 6 times now once on the passenger side the rest on the drivers side. Started when it got really really cold out.

    NHTSA complaint 11449170
11. Filed Oct 8, 2021Failure Oct 8, 2021Bandera, TXAutomatic emergency braking

    At normal speeds driving down the road traction control will come on and break the vehicle and jerk the steering Will.

    NHTSA complaint 11436111
12. Filed Sep 12, 2021Failure Sep 10, 2021Lakewood Ranch, FLEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    2018 Beetle with 2.0 TSI. Vehicle is extremely well maintained and all work has been done by VW dealers. This is not our primary vehicle and, as a result, it only has about 8600 miles. Stopped at a store for a few minutes. Vehicle would not restart. Many fault lights appeared on the dash (e.g., battery, check engine, EPC). Pushed vehicle into another area of the parking lot where there was more room in case it needed to be towed. Waited a few minutes and tried to restart. Vehicle sputtered and seemed to be running on only 1 or 2 cylinders for a few seconds. Gave it a little gas, all lights went off, full engine power resumed. Sat there a few minutes evaluating engine performance, everything seemed fine. Decided to head to the dealership instead of going home. After about 2 miles engine stopped running. Many fault lights appeared including battery, EPC, check engine, and so many others I can’t even recall. Had almost no steering. Struggled to coast vehicle to shoulder. Weather was very hot and traffic was heavy, not a pleasant situation or place to get stranded. Waited a minute or two. Tried to restart. Vehicle coughed, sputtered, and shook like it was only running on 1 cylinder. Shut vehicle off and sat. Tried to restart 2 or 3 more times without success. On next attempt vehicle sputtered to life, lights went off, and full power resumed. Tested engine performance and it seemed fine. EPC light came on. Still heading to the dealership. Got another 1.5 miles or so. EPC and check engine light came on. Another engine failure. Super heavy traffic on a 6-lane highway. Luckily I had enough speed to coast off the road and into a dirt parking lot. Many fault lights on the dash. Waited a few minutes. Tried to restart vehicle, no luck. Vehicle was towed to closest VW dealership. Absolutely terrifying and horrific 3 hours.

    NHTSA complaint 11432645
13. Filed Jun 20, 2021Failure Jun 2, 2021Murrieta, CAElectrical system

    Center dash screen goes black occasionally which prevents using the backup camera, radio, and phone. Sometimes it will reboot by itself after several minutes, other times I have to shut the car off, wait, and restart the car. It doesn’t always reboot the first time. This has happened at least 6 times.

    NHTSA complaint 11421571
14. Filed Mar 3, 2021Failure Mar 2, 202138,000 milesOakland, CAElectrical system

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOWS WOULD LOWER AND RAISE INDEPENDENTLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPC WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER WHEN LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11398926
15. Filed Jan 4, 2020Failure Oct 1, 20197,500 milesParker, COElectrical system

    THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS DEFECTIVE. THE WINDOW SHUTTERS UP & DOWN ALL BY ITSELF, BOTH IN PARK, AND WHILE DRIVING. WHEN IT DOES THIS, I CAN'T SHUT THE WINDOW USING THE WINDOW UP & DOWN BUTTON. THE WINDOW GOES DOWN 1/2 WHILE DRIVING AND THEN LOCKS. I HAD IT TO TYNANS DEALERSHIP IN AURORA CO 3 TIMES NOW. THEY REPLACED THE LOCKING MECHANISM BACK IN OCT. IT HELPED FOR ABOUT A MONTH. NOW IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. THERE ARE TIMES I HAVE GONE INTO THE STORE, CAME BACK OUT, AND MY WINDOW WAS DOWN 1/2 WAY - AND I NEVER ROLLED IT DOWN! I NEVER LEAVE MY WINDOWS DOWN WHILE AWAY FROM THE CAR. I WISH I COULD ATTACH VIDEO - HERE IS THE YOUTUBE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=_Q6OWMB_F5I

    NHTSA complaint 11297097
16. Filed Sep 30, 2019Failure Sep 12, 20199,000 milesParker, COElectrical system, Unknown or other

    THE WINDOW KEEPS SHUTTERING UP & DOWN AFTER GETTING IN THE CAR AND SHUTTING THE DOOR WITH IGNITION ON.. THE WINDOW DOESN'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY, AND THE AUTO DOOR LOCK DOESN'T WORK. THE WINDOW SHUTTERS UP & DOWN ALL ON ITS OWN. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK. THIS STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE A VIDEO SHOWING THE ISSUE AFTER THE DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED.

    NHTSA complaint 11258975
17. Filed Sep 16, 2018Failure Aug 15, 2018250 milesSAN Marcos, TXUnknown or other

    SINCE PURCHASING MORE THAN 7 MONTHS AGO, VEHICLE'S BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM FAILS TO RECOGNIZE APPROACHING VEHICLES AND DOES NOT HAVE AN AUDIBLE ALERT INSIDE THE VEHICLE MAKING IT NEARLY UNUSABLE AND UNSAFE. REAR-CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT SYSTEM GOES CRAZY (INCESSANT BEEPING) AND UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. EVEN IF THERE ARE NO VEHICLES AROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE THE SYSTEM WILL GO OFF AND BEEP FRANTICALLY. REAR-CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT FREQUENTLY WILL NOT IDENTIFY OR WARN OF VEHICLES PASSING BEHIND, SUCH AS WHEN TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. VEHICLE'S IN-DASH DISPLAY WILL PERIODICALLY GO BLACK WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED. VEHICLE'S RADIO SYSTEM WILL DISPLAY RANDOM CHARACTERS FOR THE SONG OR ARTIST, OR DISPLAY THE SAME SONG AND ARTIST FOR 10 MINUTES OR LONGER EVEN THOUGH THE SONG, ARTIST, OR STATIONS HAVE CHANGED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. VW CORPORATE WAS CONTACTED AND RESPONDED QUICKLY AND WITH CONCERN, BUT DEALER WAS STILL UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES.

    NHTSA complaint 11129732