2015 Volkswagen Beetle recalls and problems
The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle has 5 safety recalls and 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2015 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2015 Volkswagen Beetle recalls
Recall 22V-945: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Recall 19V-615: Electrical System, Steering
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 15V-705: Engine and Engine Cooling, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 15V-028: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Recall 14V-658: Visibility
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.
Risk: Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.
2015 Volkswagen Beetle problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 42 | |
| Electrical System | 16 | |
| Unknown or Other | 13 | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | |
| Engine | 7 | |
| Power Train | 6 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | |
| Steering | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 2 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2015 Volkswagen Beetle complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volkswagen Beetle years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle: 22V-945 (air bags), 19V-615 (electrical system, steering), 15V-705 (engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic), 15V-028 (fuel system, gasoline), 14V-658 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle?
Owners report air bags problems most often (42 reports), followed by electrical system (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,000 miles.
Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.