2016 Volkswagen Beetle: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle: 3 recalls, 48 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 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.
Engine & cooling, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #15V705000 · 2015 · 91,867 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016.
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.
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, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (35): the most common themes are deploys unexpectedly / inflator (3), warning light on (3).
- Electrical (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Wheels (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has 48 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 21 Beetle model years for complaints (well below the 123 average). Complaints peaked in 2023 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 26,298 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (83 complaints, 5 recalls), 2017 (15 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
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 2016 Volkswagen Beetle.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 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 2016 Volkswagen Beetle problems?
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (35), electrical (6), other / unknown (5).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 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.