2015 Volkswagen Beetle
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 54 of 99 complaints (55%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 54 in 2014 to 99 in 2015.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2015 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,500–3,250 | 2,300–3,100 | 2,300–3,100 | 2,250–2,400 | 2,250–2,400 | |
| Combined MPG | 23–32 | 23–32 | 25–34 | 26–28 | 26–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–28 / 27–40 | 21–28 / 27–40 | 23–30 / 29–39 | 23–25 / 30–33 | 23–24 / 29–33 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 321–378 | 321–378 | 301–357 | 318–343 | 322–349 | |
| Complaints filed | 99 | 54 | 99 | 59 | 17 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle?
Airbags & Restraints: 54 of 99 NHTSA complaints (55%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle get?
EPA rates it 25–34 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle?
EPA estimates $2,300–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (11)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 24 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 (low) | 330 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (AM-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 23 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 357 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 23 mpg (low) | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 347 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 (low) | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 (low) | 322 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (AM-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 24 mpg | 30 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 343 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (low) | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 347 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Subcompact Cars | 29 mpg | 39 mpg (high) | 33 mpg | $2,700 | 309 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (AM-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Subcompact Cars | 30 mpg (high) | 38 mpg | 33 mpg | $2,700 | 305 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 30 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 34 mpg (high) | $2,650 | 302 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (AM-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 30 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 34 mpg (high) | $2,650 | 301 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 54 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (6)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 22V945000 · Dec 21, 2022
Defect: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 20E064000 · Sep 8, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE · Campaign 19V615000 · Aug 22, 2019
Defect: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 15V705000 · Oct 26, 2015
Defect: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL · Campaign 15V028000 · Jan 23, 2015
Defect: 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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · Campaign 14V658000 · Oct 20, 2014
Defect: 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.