2012 Volkswagen Beetle: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle: 6 recalls, 65 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Tires Vehicle recall #12V331000 · 2012 · 83 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the noncompliant tires, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 12, 2012.
Airbags Vehicle recall #12V540000 · 2012 · 2,471 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013.
Suspension Vehicle recall #14V656000 · 2014 · 442,066 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
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.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #19V679000 · 2019 · 113 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V785000 · 2020 · 105,652 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
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: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #20E064000 · 2020 · 38 vehicles
What's wrong: The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder May be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Why it matters: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2), electrical failure (2).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4), electrical failure (3).
- Airbags (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility/Wiper (10): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has 65 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 21 Beetle model years for complaints (well below the 123 average). Complaints peaked in 2012 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 20,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2013 (93 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | 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 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 2012 Volkswagen Beetle problems?
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (13), electrical (12), airbags (12).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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.