Before buying a used 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, check whether recall repairs were completed, how it scored in crash tests and what owners report most often. Ask the seller for service records covering any recall listed below.
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2016 Volkswagen Beetle C FWD
2016 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
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."
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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 began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. Canadian-market vehicles can have different recalls — check Transport Canada's recall database. Always confirm recall status for a specific VIN with a dealer.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle — Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) | 9 L/100 km (26 mpg) |
| Beetle — Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo | 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg) | 7.1 L/100 km (33 mpg) | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) |
| Beetle — Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo | 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) | 7.1 L/100 km (33 mpg) | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) |
| Beetle — Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 10.2 L/100 km (23 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) | 9 L/100 km (26 mpg) |
| Beetle Convertible — Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 10.2 L/100 km (23 mpg) | 7.8 L/100 km (30 mpg) | 9 L/100 km (26 mpg) |
| Beetle Convertible — Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo | 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg) | 7.1 L/100 km (33 mpg) | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) |
Source: U.S. EPA / fueleconomy.gov. Converted to L/100 km for Canadian buyers.
59 complaints filed with NHTSA (2 involving a crash, 0 a fire). Most-reported areas:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified reports, not confirmed defects.