2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
88
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
64
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has received a total of 88 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE. 64 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (12 complaints), Electrical System (11 complaints), and Visibilitywiper (10 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, potentially affecting up to 1,908,477 vehicles.
Recall 20V785000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 105,652 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 20E064000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
| 38 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 19V615000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
| 679,027 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 19V615000 — STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
| 679,027 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 19V679000 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
| 113 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V656000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 442,066 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a...
Consequence: The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began...
View full details →Recall 12V540000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 2,471 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
Consequence: If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
View full details →Recall 12V331000 — TIRES
| 83 vehicles affected
Defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BEETLE VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SUMMER TIRES THAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" AND 139 "NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES FOR LIGHT VEHICLES."
Consequence: DUE TO AN ERROR AT THE FACTORY, THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SUMMER TIRES THAT ARE POSSIBLY NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS 110 "TIRE SELECTION & RIMS" AND 139 "NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES FOR LIGHT VEHICLES." IN ADDITION, CUSTOMERS MAY BE UNAWARE THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SUMMER PERFORMANCE TIRES. SUMMER TIRES HAVE DIFFERENT GRIP AND PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS. THESE ISSUES MAY LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT TIRES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
88 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 12 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywindshield | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steeringrack And Pinionrack | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The accelerator pedal snapped/broke while driving the vehicle. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was not able to control the speed of the vehicle while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, not yet. I am trying to get it scheduled for VW service. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. The gas pedal (accelerator) snapped while I was driving my 2012 VW Beetle today. I was not able to control the speed of the vehicle.
After getting in my car and turning on the ignition, I put my foot on the brake. After pulling the gear shift out of park and as I am taking my foot off the brake pedal, sometimes the car would jump a little as if has a glitch in the shifting from park to the next gear.
Volkswagen water pumps keeps failing. I had the first water pump fail at 61902 miles replaced on 22 Mar 2017. I then had to have another Volkswagen water pump put in my car replaced by a Volkswagen dealership at 82,229 miles on 4 Jan 2019. I am now back at the Volkswagen dealer for yet another new water pump for my car at 108000. These Volkswagen water pumps should not be failing like they are and unfortunately I have found no 3rd party water pump to install in my make and model of car to try to avoid these numerous breakdowns. Not only are the numerous water pump failures expensive to replace, I am afraid the failure of these Volkswagen water pumps may lead to a catastrophic engine failure. Unfortunately, the failure of these Volkswagen water pumps are posted all over the internet.
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 05/19/ 2022 NO PRIOR ISSUES ALL SERVICE REQUIRMENTS COMPLETED FROM PRIOR CORPORATE OWNED COMPANY. SINCE MY PURCHASE BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE SPORADICALLY FALLEN OUT OF THEIR BRACKETS WHILE I'M DRIVING LEADING TO LOSS OF VISIBILTY DURING THE DAYTIME AND NIGHTIME. FIRST INCIDENT OCCURING ON 05/20/2022 AND THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURING 07/05/2022. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND CONCERN. NO SAFETY WARNINGS OR LIGHTS CAME ON ONCE THESE INCIDENTS TOOK PLACE.THIS HAS LEAD TO THE HEADLIGHTS BEING DAMAGED AND DENTS PLACED ON THE EXTERIOR OVER MY BEETLE WHEN THERE WAS NO PRIOR DAMAGE.
Airbag replacement not available through Volkswagen after several months.
Safety Rating for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 64 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
V1719012012855_79 — ENGINE
Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only)
VIN4APIN20211215 — SUSPENSION
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P053F in the ECM Customer states MIL-on with any combination of P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1D74 and/or P1D75 in the ECM Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states Electrical System not Working Correctly Message with P0CFF and/or P2B28 in HV...
VIN4APIN20211215 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P053F in the ECM Customer states MIL-on with any combination of P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1D74 and/or P1D75 in the ECM Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states Electrical System not Working Correctly Message with P0CFF and/or P2B28 in HV...
2012BtleSrvXprs — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Added: Torque Spec table
TT871101 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Directions to assist in performing basic settings for the ac control module
TT 23-15-01 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Tech Tips (Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Performance issues): After replacing the mass air flow sensor basic setting must be reset. This document informs of the procedure necessary to perform the reset
TT 64-12-03 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Tech Tips: Door Panel Window Switch Bezel Removal
V011505 2029373 — ENGINE
Technical Bulletin: This software update is designed to re-program the ECM (Engine Control Module) with new software. This software update is for slight hesitation related concerns on 2012 model year vehicles
TT 64-14-04 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
911409 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS
Update Programming RCD-510 Radio (Premium 8)
Showing 10 of 64 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
- 2007 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 79 complaints
- 2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 109 complaints
- 2009 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 39 complaints
- 2010 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 42 complaints
- 2011 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 0 complaints
- 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (current)
- 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 125 complaints
- 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 71 complaints
- 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 108 complaints
- 2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 60 complaints
- 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 16 complaints
Other VOLKSWAGEN Models
- VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — 13,715 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 10,288 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN — 3,104 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS — 2,635 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 1,991 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GTI — 1,916 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 — 1,568 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN CC — 1,356 total complaints