2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 29, 2024 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Beetle Convertible years
Not enough data 4th of 11 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. That ranks 4th out of 11 Beetle Convertible model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (2 complaints, 50%), typically at around 73,000 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags2 · ~73,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1 · ~70,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages1 · ~70,000 mi
Seats1 · ~70,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~73,000 mi
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags250%73,000——
Exterior Lighting125%70,000——
Latches/locks/linkages125%70,000——
Seats125%70,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic125%73,000——
Unknown or Other125%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 1 complaints
2018: 1201812021: 1202112023: 1202312024: 120241

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontalDec 16, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V785000 · 105,652 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.

Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module; steering:column locking:anti-theft deviceAug 22, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: 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.

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that after his wife had driven the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer…

Air Bags · received Oct 29, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11622558

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat would no longer slide backwards. The contact was concerned that the front passenger was too close to the air bag system due to the seat malfunction. Additionally, the trunk door handle…

Seats · received Aug 8, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11537232

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V785000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GUNTHER VOLKSWAGEN DAYTONA BEACH LOCATED AT 1270 N…

Air Bags · received Mar 31, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11405770

Received letter for recall, instructed to call for appointment, letter .did not state what the problem was. Checked your website, showed no recall for this vehicle. Concerned if this is a rip off, since the letter stated it was a "manufacturer's recall"? Letter was from: autonation volkswagen, las…

Unknown or Other · received Nov 12, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11150985

Other Volkswagen Beetle Convertible years

← 2013 Beetle Convertible · 2015 Beetle Convertible →

See all Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems by year, every Volkswagen model, or the Volkswagen VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?

Owners most often report air bags, exterior lighting, latches/locks/linkages problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Beetle Convertible model years, the 2014 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.