Volkswagen Beetle - Common problems

Last update 16. 02. 2024

Common problems with the VW Beetle

Some problems will only occur after many years of operation, others are related to technical solutions and forced the manufacturer to issue a recall. In the following overview, you will find the most common problems for the VW Beetle, for which Volkswagen has announced a recall through the EU Rapex system. For recalls and faults found in the UK scroll down.

If the problem is corrected in time, it may not affect the overall reliability of your VW Beetle. However, the fault can often remain unresolved because the previous owner didn´t know about the recall or ignored the manufacturer’s letter.

The good news is that automakers usually provide unlimited time to correct such defects for free. Check to see if all of the potential problems with your VW Beetle have been resolved in the past. How to do it, we give advice on a special page.

Tip: Check the vehicle’s history by a VIN
Tip: Reliability of the VW Beetle

Latest Beetle’s Issues in the EU

All Beetle’s EU Recalls

If you wish to know more about eventual problems of a specific car (e.g. real mileage, potential traffic accidents damages, odometer rollback, repairs, etc.), then we suggest going to HPI-Check.

Check the vehicle’s history

Latest Beetle’s Issues in the UK

VW BEETLE – STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT
on 03/08/2018
VW BEETLE ( 01/03/2011 – 30/11/2011) DEFECT: On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because […]
VW BEETLE – DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE LOST
on 03/08/2018
VW BEETLE ( 01/10/2011 – 01/08/2013) DEFECT: On vehicles with torsion beam rear axle the trailing arm of the rear axle can be deformed in a rear impact […]
VW BEETLE – FUEL MAY LEAK RESULTING IN POSSIBLE FIRE
on 03/08/2018
VW BEETLE ( 01/04/2014 – 31/08/2014) DEFECT: It is possible that fuel can leak from a fuel delivery rail due to insufficient soldering during production.