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Volkswagen Beetle recalls

DVSA has published 7 safety recalls that name the Volkswagen Beetle since 2015, 3 of them since 2020. Between them they cover at least 22,165 UK vehicles of this model.

Is your Beetle affected? Check the exact vehicle

How the Volkswagen Beetle does at the MOT: Volkswagen Beetle MOT pass rate and common failures.

All Volkswagen Beetle recalls, newest first

  1. BEETLE · usa imported vehicle recall driver side airbag module replacement

    11 Mar 2026 · R/2026/104

    USA Recall for Imported vehicles NITSA 20V785. Volkswagen has detected that on some USA Imported Beetle models that the driver front airbag inflator can explode due to propellant degradation that occurs after exposure to high absolute humidity high temperatures and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion in these circumstances can result in injury to the driver or other occupants due to the ejection of metal fragments during the airbag explosion.

    Fix: For safety reasons the driver airbag unit must be replaced. The work required will take approximately 1.5 hours and will of course be performed free of charge.

    4 vehicles · built 19 Apr 2012 to 24 Jun 2013

  2. BEETLE, CRAFTER, EOS, FOX, GOLF, PASSAT, POLO, POLO VIVO, SHARAN, TRANSPORTER, UP!, US PASSAT, XL1 · takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement

    22 Aug 2025 · R/2025/357

    Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

    Fix: The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.

    30 vehicles · built 13 Apr 2012 to 17 Apr 2015

  3. BEETLE, CRAFTER, EOS, FOX, GOLF, GOLF CABRIO, MULTIVAN, PASSAT, POLO, SHARAN, TIGUAN, TRANSPORTER, UP!, VIVO, XL1 · takata front airbag

    13 Jun 2023 · R/2023/178

    The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

    Fix: Replace airbag

    • BEETLE: 2 vehicles · built 30 Apr 2014 to 3 Feb 2015
    • BEETLE: 31 vehicles · built 13 Apr 2012 to 17 Apr 2015
    • BEETLE: 30 vehicles · built 13 Apr 2012 to 17 Apr 2015

  4. BEETLE · incorrectly coated brake pistons

    12 Jun 2018 · R/2018/150

    Rear caliper pistons incorrectly coated.

    Fix: Replace rear calipers.

    108 vehicles · built 1 Apr 2018 to 24 May 2018

  5. BEETLE, EOS, GOLF, JETTA, PASSAT, SCIROCCO, SHARAN, TIGUAN, TOURAN · starter motor may malfunction and overheat

    7 Mar 2018 · R/2018/062

    On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.

    16,625 vehicles · built 1 Mar 2011 to 30 Nov 2011

  6. BEETLE, JETTA · directional control may be lost

    8 Jun 2015 · R/2015/002

    On vehicles with torsion beam rear axle the trailing arm of the rear axle can be deformed in a rear impact of the vehicle or when reversing too quickly over a relatively high obstacle (such as very high kerbs). If this deformation or pre-damage is not recognised a trailing arm of the rear axle can suddenly break later because of the related weakening of the rear axle.

    Fix: On vehicles which have been involved in a rear impact or reversed at speed over a high obstacle. The trailing arm of the torsion beam rear axle is checked for accident damage and replaced if necessary. In other instances a brace plate will be fitted to the trailing arms.

    5,286 vehicles · built 1 Oct 2011 to 1 Aug 2013

  7. BEETLE · fuel may leak resulting in possible fire

    20 Apr 2015 · R/2015/044

    It is possible that fuel can leak from a fuel delivery rail due to insufficient soldering during production.

    Fix: On affected vehicles replace fuel rail.

    49 vehicles · built 1 Apr 2014 to 31 Aug 2014

Other Volkswagen models

Source: DVSA recalls register, check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk, copy dated 6 Sep 2026, Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall is listed here when DVSA names this model in it; the build dates on each recall say which cars it covers, and a registration check confirms your own.