Recalls
5campaigns
1 air bag · 1 steering · 1 brake
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
99filed
Owner reports, 2009–2019 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
5★overall
★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
34mpg combined
$1,921/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 6-speed manual
11 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (5)
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2015 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 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles 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
- Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
80.2% repairedof 37,558 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 22V945000
Listed for 2015 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 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Power Brakes due to Camshaft Lobe Fracture
Engine and engine cooling · engine
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
- Consequence
- If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
92.9% repairedof 91,867 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 15V705000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Fuel Leaking Into Engine Compartment
Fuel system, gasoline · fuel injection system · fuel rail
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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 manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- Consequence
- 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.
94.3% repairedof 44,658 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 15V028000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. Not checked against your VIN.
Sun-Roof May Break
Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
92.5% repairedof 7,062 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 14V658000
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 (99)
99 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.
2involved a crash
0involved a fire
1injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 99 |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 54 | 54.5% |
| Electrical system | 18 | 18.2% |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 13.1% |
| Engine | 8 | 8.1% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 7.1% |
| Power train | 6 | 6.1% |
| Steering | 4 | 4% |
| Structure | 3 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 3% |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 2% |
How 2015 compares with other Beetle years
Best and worst Beetle years →200933
201030
201265
2013101
201454
201599
201659
201717
201817
201915
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 33 | 2 |
| 2010 | 30 | 3 |
| 2012 | 65 | 6 |
| 2013 | 101 | 6 |
| 2014 | 54 | 5 |
| 2015 | 99 | 5 |
| 2016 | 59 | 3 |
| 2017 | 17 | 3 |
| 2018 | 17 | 3 |
| 2019 | 15 | 3 |
This year (2015)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: 5 stars overall
Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · 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), 2015 Volkswagen Beetle 2 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 34 mpg combined
34
mpg combined
30
city
39
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,800
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 302 g/mi
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
What it costs you to run
$1,921per year
$160per month
441gallons a year
Miles ÷ 34 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 manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 39 / 34 | $2,800 | 302 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 39 / 34 | $2,800 | 301 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | $2,900 | 309 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | $2,900 | 305 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | $2,500 | 330 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | $2,500 | 329 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 27 | $2,500 | 322 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | $3,150 | 347 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | $3,150 | 343 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | $3,150 | 347 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | $3,300 | 357 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2015 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
2015 Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle have?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 22V945000 (air bag), 19V615000 (steering), 15V705000 (brake), 15V028000 (fuel system), 14V658000 (visibility). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Beetle problems?
Owners filed 99 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (54), Electrical system (18), Unknown or other (13) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual version at 30 city, 39 highway and 34 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle get?
NHTSA rated the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle 2 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (10.5% rollover risk).
How does the 2015 Beetle compare with other years?
Among the 2009–2019 Volkswagen Beetle model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (15) and the 2013 the most (101). The 2015 drew 99. 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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