2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: 2 recalls, 16 owner complaints and up to 33 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V945000 · 2022 · 37,558 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has 16 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 11 Beetle Convertible model years for complaints (4.2× the average Beetle Convertible year). Complaints peaked in 2023 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 33,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2014 (4 complaints, 2 recalls), 2016 (11 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 33 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 | Diesel |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (12), electrical (2), steering (1).
What gas mileage does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible get?
EPA ratings run up to 33 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.