What gets recalled
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels
On certain passenger vehicles, the tire information label is incorrect identifying the vehicle as a five-passenger vehicle, instead of a four-passenger vehicle.
Remedy: Owners will be sent a new label and installation instructions. Owner notification began on February 9, 2004. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Air bags
On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger detection function of the passive occupant detection system (pods) May become disabled.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the pods. Owner notification originally began October 3, 2003. Vw has determined that additional vehicles need to be repaired.
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began March 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls (3)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch May malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. Owner notification began September 26, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began March 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch May malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. Owner notification began September 26, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments.
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch May malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. Owner notification began September 26, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch May malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. Owner notification began September 26, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Volkswagen New Beetle have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the Volkswagen New Beetle across 6 model years.
How do I know if my Volkswagen New Beetle has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN decoder & recall check or on nhtsa.gov/recalls. Dealers fix recalls for free, even if you are not the original owner.
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.