2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
21
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
22
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has received a total of 21 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 22 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 (7 complaints), Electrical System (5 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (4 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, potentially affecting up to 3,354,957 vehicles.
Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
View full details →Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
View full details →Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
View full details →Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
View full details →Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
View full details →Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
View full details →Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
View full details →Recall 24V834000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 248,330 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
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 18V369000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
| 10,225 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked....
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
21 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 22 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
DCV09B3Closure — EQUIPMENT
Dealer Letter to announce the closure of Service Action 09B3.
SM 04-2021_1 — EQUIPMENT
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
Circular24GAREV1 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This action addresses an emissions system-related Engine-Off calculation error and improves the Oxygen Sensor Aging-Correction Factor. Neither concern has a direct impact to vehicle exhaust or evaporative emissions. However, either condition could affect proper operation of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). Problem description updated.
Circular 24GA — EQUIPMENT
This action addresses an emissions system-related Engine-Off calculation error and improves the Oxygen Sensor Aging-Correction Factor. Neither concern has a direct impact to vehicle exhaust or evaporative emissions. However, either condition could affect proper operation of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
Circular 24GA — ENGINE
This action addresses an emissions system-related Engine-Off calculation error and improves the Oxygen Sensor Aging-Correction Factor. Neither concern has a direct impact to vehicle exhaust or evaporative emissions. However, either condition could affect proper operation of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
Dealer 24GA — EQUIPMENT
This action addresses an emissions system-related Engine-Off calculation error and improves the Oxygen Sensor Aging-Correction Factor. Neither concern has a direct impact to vehicle exhaust or evaporative emissions. However, either condition could affect proper operation of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
V911905_2057748 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Infotainment, update programming
TT 91-19-02 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Car Net Direction summary
V001901_2040590 — EQUIPMENT
Include additional photo's of water ingress. Also includes 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB
TT 37 18 02 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Addressing Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Concerns, update authing system metadata.
Showing 10 of 22 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
- 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
- 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (current)
- 2019 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 14 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