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2016 Volkswagen Beetle recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, filed between October 26, 2015 and December 21, 2022. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
| Campaign | Filed | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 22V945000 | December 21, 2022 | Air bags: inflator module |
| 20E064000 | September 23, 2020 | Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder |
| 19V615000 | August 22, 2019 | Electrical system: control module |
| 15V705000 | October 26, 2015 | Engine and engine cooling: engine |
Air bags: inflator module (22V945000)
Filed December 21, 2022
What is 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.
What could happen. 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder (20E064000)
Filed September 23, 2020
What is wrong. Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
What could happen. 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. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Electrical system: control module (19V615000)
Filed August 22, 2019
What is 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 transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
What could happen. 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Engine and engine cooling: engine (15V705000)
Filed October 26, 2015
What is 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.
What could happen. 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Volkswagen dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Volkswagen may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Volkswagen customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Beetle
More: all Volkswagen recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle recall questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2016 Volkswagen Beetle was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.