2014 Volkswagen Beetle
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible 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 and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 2015-2019 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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
Owner complaints
50 complaints3 involved a crash2 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
Roof has cracked from sunroof to the pillar in multiple locations it is avaliable for inspection. It’s a common issues with beetles with sun roofs My concern is if it cracks enough a large piece may come off and potentially strike another vehicle especially at freeway speeds Dealer has denied the repair
- Air bags · Service brakes
This complaint involves the failure of the ABS Control Module. Upon starting the car, audible warnings as well as dash warning lights indicate urgent brake failure, ABS failure, Airbag failure and stability control failure. In my particular case, the rear brake calipers do not activate fully when…
This complaint involves the failure of the ABS Control Module. Upon starting the car, audible warnings as well as dash warning lights indicate urgent brake failure, ABS failure, Airbag failure and stability control failure. In my particular case, the rear brake calipers do not activate fully when braking resulting in increased stopping distance. Vehicle was scanned at dealer on 11/16/24 indicating failure of ABS Control Module. Repair estimate, $5379. This is apparently a common issue when searching on-line VW forums. The ABS Module was the subject of a recall for 2009 and 2010 models but appears to still affect later model years. VW is forcing its customers to choose between an exorbitant repair bill or driving an unsafe vehicle knowing they have installed defective modules. Dealer states unable to predict future brake and other issues if not repaired. Evidence of how common this problem occurs is their own admission that the parts are back ordered.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel…
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. The VIN was not provided.
- Air bags
On my dashboard, my passenger seat airbag started going off. I brought my VW Beetle in for its 100,000-mile maintenance check and asked about the airbag. My mechanic informed me that the passenger seat airbag was failing, and if I were driving with someone and crashed, their airbag would not…
On my dashboard, my passenger seat airbag started going off. I brought my VW Beetle in for its 100,000-mile maintenance check and asked about the airbag. My mechanic informed me that the passenger seat airbag was failing, and if I were driving with someone and crashed, their airbag would not deploy. They told me there was nothing I could've done to prevent this, it's just the piece itself has failed. Their advisory notes were: 'Airbag light on trouble code B12251B occupied recognition sensor mat. PART #5C5959337.' I researched if my car was eligible for a recall and it is not, however I saw that VW has a recall for Takata Driver Front Airbags.
- Engine
The timing chain on my 2014 r-line Turbo Volkswagen Beetle with only 45,000 miles failed and subsequently destroyed the engine. Apparently this is a known issue with VW and Audi's manufactured between 2009 - 2014. There was a class action lawsuit against VW that does not apply to our situation as…
The timing chain on my 2014 r-line Turbo Volkswagen Beetle with only 45,000 miles failed and subsequently destroyed the engine. Apparently this is a known issue with VW and Audi's manufactured between 2009 - 2014. There was a class action lawsuit against VW that does not apply to our situation as the claim has passed. Why has there not been a RECALL placed on this? Now we are stuck with a $16,000 piece of junk. Please put a recall on these vehicles to protect consumers like us who are at the mercy of this unscrupulous business.
- Visibility
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the high-beam headlights, the lever failed to operate as designed. The contact stated who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the multifunction lever switch failed to…
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the high-beam headlights, the lever failed to operate as designed. The contact stated who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the multifunction lever switch failed to operate in the forward position as designed, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- Air bags
Beginning in June 2021 and thereafter, my husband and I received notifications from Volkswagen of America of a life-threatening urgent airbag safety recall for our 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - our only vehicle. The recall is referenced on your websiteManufacturer Recall Number 69BC; NHTSA…
Beginning in June 2021 and thereafter, my husband and I received notifications from Volkswagen of America of a life-threatening urgent airbag safety recall for our 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - our only vehicle. The recall is referenced on your websiteManufacturer Recall Number 69BC; NHTSA Recall Number 20V785. In response to the notifications, we have spent the past nearly 16 months seeking an appointment to have this airbag defect repaired. Initially, we were advised that a qualified technician from Honolulu would come to the Island of Hawaii (where we reside) to make the necessary repairs, as we were informed that there are no qualified dealers or technicians on our island, which has a population of more than 200,000 people, boasts many VW repair shops, and is home to a plethora of other VW drivers. Until last week, my husband’s numerous calls over the past 16 months seeking a repair appointment were met with repeated assurances that someone from VW would contact us for an appointment locally or return our call for scheduling. Having still not heard from WV about scheduling an appointment, we called yet again two weeks ago and they said they no longer send a technician from Honolulu to our island and that we would need to ship our car to Honolulu by boat at our expense to receive the necessary airbag replacement. Aside from being contrary to the numerous statements in the written notifications that the repair, the repair appointment, and alternative transportation would be “free” to us, it appears contrary to public safety protocol that we, the consumers/drivers, would need to come out of pocket an estimated $2,000 to ship and insure the car and obtain alternative transportation while our car is unavailable. While we are concerned about our own well-being as respects driving the car, we are also concerned that there may be many other VW drivers in Hawaii who are similarly situated. A detailed timeline documenting the above is attached.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Steering
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated the ignition failed to turn off and the gear shifter did not recognize the PARK gear. The contact stated the key would not unlatch and was eventually fractured. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact received…
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated the ignition failed to turn off and the gear shifter did not recognize the PARK gear. The contact stated the key would not unlatch and was eventually fractured. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (Electrical System, Steering). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall repairs completed. The contact stated shortly after the recall repairs, he continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,652.
- Engine
When I try to accelerate the car rattles and will not go. I was told my 2014 volkswagen beetle's engine was burning oil internally so they told me I needed an oil splicer/seperator I did that and it did not help. I dont undrestand but I have taken my car in to be serviced twice a year since I purchased II in 2015. I am told I need a new engine.
- Electrical system › Horn
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the horn worked intermittently before receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The contact took the vehicle to local dealer and the recall repair completed. The contact stated that the horn was still…
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the horn worked intermittently before receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The contact took the vehicle to local dealer and the recall repair completed. The contact stated that the horn was still functioning intermittently after the recall repair. The dealer stated that the recall did not cover diagnostic testing or repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 20V785000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (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…
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (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 contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Part distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
This is a complaint that my dealership has not replaced my airbag after two calls and waiting a month for status of parts ordered has not occurred. Injury may occur to driver and passenger if airbag is not remedied. Seeking assistance.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Driver side takeda air bag replaced under 20v785000 recall notice by classic volkswagen, gastonia, nc. vehicle returned from repair with broken steering wheel clock spring. horn, cruise control, steer wheel controls for entertainment system are all inoperative regardless of steering wheel position or if vehicle IS stationary or in motion.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v785000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called volkswagen of palm springs (67909 e. Palm canyon dr, cathedral city, ca 92234…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v785000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called volkswagen of palm springs (67909 e. Palm canyon dr, cathedral city, ca 92234, (760) 770-1100) where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
I received a recall notice in december 2020 stating that an airbag needed replaced, since then the manufacturer has not sent updated notice or responded about inquiries when this repair would be made available.
- Air bags
This recall has not been fixed for over two months now -- 60 days. That IS nuts. Please update the recall fix asap because otherwise I am prevented from using my car for work. Thank you.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v785000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to gossett volkswagen (1875 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128) where…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v785000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to gossett volkswagen (1875 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128) where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Exterior lighting
Low beams both stopped working, bulbs and fuses are fine.
- Engine
Yes on my 2014 beetle r one morning I was heading out to leave from work when, I heard a noise from the engine , and I thought it was the air condition, but it was the engine it started then after that and then I turned it off, so I called the dealership to tell them what happened and I had it…
Yes on my 2014 beetle r one morning I was heading out to leave from work when, I heard a noise from the engine , and I thought it was the air condition, but it was the engine it started then after that and then I turned it off, so I called the dealership to tell them what happened and I had it toiled to volkswagen , dealership and someone from the service and repairs called me back and told me that it was the timing chain came off had like 35,000 miles or 40,000 miles the car so my service guys talked to there manager about helping me sense I had everything serviced and done there no other place but the dealership I but it from I guess the manager , had talked and said that volkswagen , corporation , would only pay 70% so I had to pay 4100 .00 and not pay the 100% percent of it but I heard there was a recall for the engine with low miles I don't know why that they cant pay the 100% of the coast sense they said it was a law suit going on, now the manager said if it was higher mileage then they would pay more.. To me that doesn't make any sense to me sincerely [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Tsi shooting oil through muffler. Only 93,000 miles on the car. hard shifting, loss of power. Vehicle in motion.
- Structure › Body
The door latch function fails and the car door freely opens to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The cable or module has failed and a right turn swung the door open as I held the window unknowingly. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle. the contact stated that while the windshield wipers were being operated, the windshield washer fluid smeared the windshield. the vehicle was taken to paul miller volkswagen 118 morristown road, bernardsville, nj 07924, 855-896-3830 , douglas…
TL* the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle. the contact stated that while the windshield wipers were being operated, the windshield washer fluid smeared the windshield. the vehicle was taken to paul miller volkswagen 118 morristown road, bernardsville, nj 07924, 855-896-3830 , douglas volkswagen 491 morris avenue, summit, nj 07901, (908)341-1254, and trend motors volkswagen 221 US-46, rockaway, nj 07866, (973)625-0100 but, was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was referred to nhtsa and also referred to contact the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that the key would not immediately release from the ignition switch. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Engine light IS on and every time I put gas in the car it does not turn on on first try I have to keep turning ignition key 3-4 time before it start. The car IS turned off.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008860Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007402Multiple Update closures: 20AH Atlas Quality Package 1, 24AE 1.8T ECM/TCM SW, 24BG Jetta Hybrid ECM SW, 24BM 2.0L Jetta MPI SW Update, 24X7 Jetta ECM SW, 24X8 CC ECM/TCM SW, 24Y4 MPI Jetta SW, 24Z5 Jetta Hybrid System SW, 27G2 Battery, 37H3 DSG SW, 37J2 TCM SW, 69V7 Atlas Quality Package 3, 87F6 Atlas Quality Package 2, 91P3 Adaptive Cruise Calibration
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005820Engine Assembly Tip
- 11005819Engine Replacement Tip
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 102534902014 Model Year Volkswagen Vehicle Warranty, Roadside Assistance, and Carefree Maintenance
- 10253489Model Year 2014 Prepaid PDI Time Units
- 10253473Volkswagen Care Scheduled Maintenance Interval Time or Mileage Guidelines
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253216Keyless Entry Inoperative after Access / Start (KESSY) Module Replacement
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253207Washer Level Sensor
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253201Car-Net? Operating Control Unit (OCU/J949) Service Guidelines & General Information
- 10253193Car-Net? Operating Control Unit (OCU/J949) Service Guidelines & General Information
- 10253192Infotainment Worksheet (U.S. Only)
- 10253191RNS 315 Navigation Radio Software Update for Locking, Rebooting, Switches Off at Random
- 10253190Car-Net? Operating Control Unit (OCU/J949) Service Guidelines & General Information
- 10253189UMI Software Update for Various Bluetooth Concerns
- 10253188Infotainment Worksheet (U.S. Only)
Every Volkswagen Beetle model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.