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    2018
    Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Volkswagen Beetle

    EPA MPG: 29 mpg
    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Beetle is much more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    See How Other Brands Stack up
    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
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    12*
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    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

    Learn more about car Reliability.

    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Oct 30, 2024
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Read Recall Details
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V834000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 248330
    Hide Recall Details
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 23, 2020
    If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Read Recall Details
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20E064000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 38
    Hide Recall Details
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
    Aug 22, 2019
    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.
    Read Recall Details
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V615000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 679027
    Hide Recall Details
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Jun 01, 2018
    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Read Recall Details
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V369000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10225
    Hide Recall Details
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