Recalls
6campaigns
2 air bag · 1 unknown or other · 1 steering
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
65filed
Owner reports, 2007–2017 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
4★overall
★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
25mpg combined
$2,612/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic
4 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode
Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
89.4% repairedof 105,652 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V785000
Listed for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Modifications to Vehicles Made Them Noncompliant
Unknown or other
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- Consequence
- If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
17.7% repairedof 113 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V679000
Listed for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Key May Be Removed When Not In Park
Electrical system · ignition · anti-theft · control module
Official NHTSA text
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
49.1% repairedof 679,027 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V615000
Listed for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Trailing Arm may Fracture
Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
- Consequence
- The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
74% repairedof 442,066 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V656000
Listed for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Occupant Detection System may Fail when Wet
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
- Consequence
- If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Repair progress not yet reported2,471 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V540000
Listed for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
IMPROPER TIRES/FMVSS 110 AND 139
Tires
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BEETLE VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SUMMER TIRES THAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" AND 139 "NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES FOR LIGHT VEHICLES."
- Consequence
- DUE TO AN ERROR AT THE FACTORY, THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SUMMER TIRES THAT ARE POSSIBLY NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS 110 "TIRE SELECTION & RIMS" AND 139 "NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES FOR LIGHT VEHICLES." IN ADDITION, CUSTOMERS MAY BE UNAWARE THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SUMMER PERFORMANCE TIRES. SUMMER TIRES HAVE DIFFERENT GRIP AND PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS. THESE ISSUES MAY LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT TIRES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Repair progress not yet reported83 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V331000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (65)
65 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The visibility is mentioned most often.
4involved a crash
0involved a fire
3injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 13 | 20% |
| Air bags | 12 | 18.5% |
| Electrical system | 12 | 18.5% |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 15.4% |
| Steering | 7 | 10.8% |
| Engine | 6 | 9.2% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 9.2% |
| Structure | 5 | 7.7% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 4.6% |
| Suspension | 3 | 4.6% |
How 2012 compares with other Beetle years
Best and worst Beetle years →200756
200860
200933
201030
201265
2013101
201454
201599
201659
201717
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 56 | 2 |
| 2008 | 60 | 3 |
| 2009 | 33 | 2 |
| 2010 | 30 | 3 |
| 2012 | 65 | 6 |
| 2013 | 101 | 6 |
| 2014 | 54 | 5 |
| 2015 | 99 | 5 |
| 2016 | 59 | 3 |
| 2017 | 17 | 3 |
This year (2012)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 10.5%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 25 mpg combined
25
mpg combined
22
city
30
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,300
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 356 g/mi
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,612per year
$218per month
600gallons a year
Miles ÷ 25 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | $3,300 | 356 |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | $2,700 | 356 |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | $2,700 | 356 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | $3,400 | 370 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2012 Beetle for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2012 Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 20V785000 (air bag), 19V679000 (unknown or other), 19V615000 (steering), 14V656000 (suspension), 12V540000 (air bag), 12V331000 (tire). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2012 Volkswagen Beetle problems?
Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. Visibility (13), Air bags (12), Electrical system (12) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle get?
NHTSA rated the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2 dr fwd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (10.5% rollover risk).
How does the 2012 Beetle compare with other years?
Among the 2007–2017 Volkswagen Beetle model years at least five years old, the 2017 drew the fewest complaints (17) and the 2013 the most (101). The 2012 drew 65. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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