Most common 2016 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Share of the 59 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen Beetle complaints by model year
Best Beetle years: 2017, 2018, 2009. Years to avoid: 2004, 2005, 2003, 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
2016 Volkswagen Beetle recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
What 2016 Volkswagen Beetle owners say
Air bags all 46 →
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The 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. Additionally, the contact stated that the TPMS warning light and the air bag warning light were intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that on two separate occasions while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently jerked and veered to the left or right side of the road. The contact also stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started shuddering. …
The contact owns a 2016 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 stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The failure mileage was 10,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT HAS YET TO BE FIXED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS SENT TO DEALERS. Manufacturer Recall Number69EM NHTSA Recall Number22V945 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Safety Risk An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Consumer writes in regards to ECM safety recall. The consumer stated while moving from a stop the vehicle would not accelerate over 25 MPH. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The consumer stated the latest defect in the vehicle would be the tire pressure monitoring system didn't notify her that the air in the tire was low. The consumer stated the ABS wheel speed sensor and the front wheel bearing was defective. The consumer stated after striking an animal in the road the horn became inoperable. The consumer stated someone seemed to have tampered with the vehicle. The consumer stated it appeared the radio was hacked. The music volume would operate independently. The consumer stated the anti-theft device was inoperable.
Wheels & tires
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The 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. Additionally, the contact stated that the TPMS warning light and the air bag warning light were intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that on two separate occasions while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently jerked and veered to the left or right side of the road. The contact also stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started shuddering. …
2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Consumer writes in regards to ECM safety recall. The consumer stated while moving from a stop the vehicle would not accelerate over 25 MPH. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The consumer stated the latest defect in the vehicle would be the tire pressure monitoring system didn't notify her that the air in the tire was low. The consumer stated the ABS wheel speed sensor and the front wheel bearing was defective. The consumer stated after striking an animal in the road the horn became inoperable. The consumer stated someone seemed to have tampered with the vehicle. The consumer stated it appeared the radio was hacked. The music volume would operate independently. The consumer stated the anti-theft device was inoperable.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 33 / 28 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 33 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle a good car?
Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Beetle rates better than average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Beetle at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The air bags — 46 complaints, 78% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (6) and wheels & tires (5).
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, the most recent from December 21, 2022 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Beetle?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2018 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2005, 2003, 2000 and 2001. See the full Volkswagen Beetle years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Volkswagen Beetle problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 30,000 miles; 70% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.