Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Problems by Year
Volkswagen Beetle Convertible years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Beetle Convertible year: 2015, 2016. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2015 Beetle Convertible: 16 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2016 Beetle Convertible: 11 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2013 Beetle Convertible: 8 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2019 Beetle Convertible: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
- 2017 Beetle Convertible: 2 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2014 Beetle Convertible: 4 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 32 | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Volkswagen Beetle Convertible model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Beetle Convertible | 1 | 2 | — | Power Train | |
| 2018 Beetle Convertible | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2017 Beetle Convertible | 2 | 2 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2016 Beetle Convertible | 11 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2015 Beetle Convertible | 16 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2014 Beetle Convertible | 4 | 2 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2013 Beetle Convertible | 8 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2012 Beetle Convertible | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2010 Beetle Convertible | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2009 Beetle Convertible | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2008 Beetle Convertible | 0 | 1 | — | — |
More from Volkswagen: all Volkswagen models · Volkswagen VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Beetle Convertible years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2015 (16), 2016 (11) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Beetle Convertible year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?
Air Bags, with 32 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.